Things You'll Need:
- Motivation
- Schedule
- Reliable Computer Access
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Step 1
Don't Procrastinate! We have all done it. You get your syllabus the first day of class and a calendar of assignments. You print it off and it gets lost on the counter, in a notebook, or it even goes in the trash. You reach the end of the semester and find out a 10 page paper is due and you are wondering where did this come from. It's best to work ahead, don't wait until the last minute to write a paper or complete an assignment. You never know what could happen the day the assignment is due. You could be in an accident or have to make an emergency trip. Also by submitting assignments early you are more likely to get feedback from your professor and know your standing in the course. Also you are free to relax and save yourself from unnecessary stress or miss sleep working under the midnight oil to produce a paper.
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Step 2
Login into your student account weekly! This will help you stay on track with completing assignments but also to find out about changes in the assignment schedule. Most syllabi are tentative because things happen. You may have an assignment that gets pushed back or worse pushed up. By checking your student account regularly you will always be aware of what's expected of you. This will also help you with reducing procrastination because you are constantly reminded of what's to come.
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Step 3
Create a Schedule! I use a calendar or a planner, you can use whatever you are most likely to see on a daily basis to remind you of upcoming assignments. By creating a schedule you are more likely to complete your work and commit to the work that has to be done. For an example I set aside Wednesdays to work on my pathophysiology course (complete homework assignment and take online quiz). Tuesday is my Medical Terminology course work. This schedule will keep you on track to completing assignments in a timely manner and it will be easier to do your work because you have already blocked time to complete. Try to set aside time if possible during the week to complete assignments that way you can enjoy your weekends. That's what I do.
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Step 4
Devote 6-8 hours weekly to studies! Yes you no longer have to devote time driving on campus and listening to a lecture for 1-3 hours but that does not mean that you are off the hook. Generally online courses are harder than face-to-face courses because they require more work on your part. You have to make the time to do the work. You can be prepared to spend at least 4-8 hours each week doing homework, participating in discussions, or writing papers. As I stated before create a schedule to help you block this time out of your busy schedule.
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Step 5
Participate in Discussions! Some courses have discussion forums. Be sure to participate in them. Most professors require students to participate in discussions for points. This is good because if you participate on a regularly basis you get a free 100 just for posting your opinion on a related topic or for responding to others. Not only that but sometimes other students pose questions about the current assignment that may be useful when you are preparing to complete your course work so don't let this opportunity for points and additional information pass you by.
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Step 6
Finally YOU MUST BE SELF-MOTIVATED! In order to succeed in an online course and to get an "A" you must do the work. Online courses are very different from in class courses. You don't have a professor to remind you each class period that an assignment is due. It's your responsibility to stay up to date on assignments and login to your course on a weekly basis. If not you can easily fall behind and find yourself playing catch up the day before finals. With many professors the deadlines are set in stone. Once the assignment is locked there is no late submissions. You must have the determination and the will power to set aside time for your online course work.
