Ten Steps for Success

1) Follow directions and read announcements!  Adherence to the criteria is important for success in college classes and in the workplace.  Following directions in especially critical in on-line classes, where submission requirements for coursework as well as criteria for course projects depend on electronic mail and the World Wide Web.

2) Meet Deadlines.  Plan to spend approximately 10 - 15 hours a week on each there to four-credit-hour class.  Because of the requirements of electronic communication, you should strive to accomplish your goals well before the deadline.

3) Ask Questions.  If you are not sure about a reading, objective, assignment, lecture or lab instructions, ask for clarification.  If you have questions concerning the course policies and your own progress, contact your instructor immediately.

4) Get a head start on future papers and assignments. When the due date approaches you will already have some or all of the work done.

5) Participate.  Don’t hesitate speaking up in the discussion boards.  This will establish you as an active member of the class.  You will end up with a better grasp of the material.

6) Acquaint yourself with the class structure.  Each on-line course has it’s own structure. Spend a few minutes exploring the course before jumping into the lessons.  Make sure you understand the on-line class components such as the Message Center, Course Materials, Syllabus, Schedule and Discussion Boards.

7) Update your computer.  Check the course syllabus for software and hardware requirements. 

8) Introduce yourself to the instructor and fellow students.  This can be done in the biography discussion board during first two weeks of class.

9) Establish a regular study time.  Figure out how much study time you will need each week and set a regular schedule. If you establish this routine early on, you’ll be more likely to stick to it.

10) Treat all your correspondents respectfully.  This includes any e-mails or discussion board postings.  You are expected to conduct yourself in a responsible and courteous manner.  Report any questions or concerns to your instructor promptly.