The Online College Experience: Tips for Success

There may be many people who want to continue their education(s), but simply don’t have the time to physically attend a college or university.  This is where online education has come in to play, giving people an opportunity to further their studies at their own convenience.  As a result, more people can earn degrees while handling other responsibilities.

Here are some expert tips to make your online college experience a success:

1) Get to know your faculty member and your peers.  Make your virtual presence known. Students should pull in their own experiences, describe what they hope to get out of the course, talk about the ways they’re applying what they’re learning in class, and take advantage of social events organized by the university or student groups where possible.

2) Learn how to learn online.  Your school should offer an orientation to being an online student.  It’s more than learning which buttons to press.  It’s about being at the center of many learning activities.

3) Be present.  As the old Woody Allen quote goes, 90% of life is showing up.  You need to show up in your online course; that means responding to discussions, blogging, or participating in a workgroup.  In a similar vein, your instructor’s presence should also be apparent in the form of announcements, regular, constructive feedback and well-prepared materials.

4) Avoid technical problems.  If you’re learning online, you need a modern machine.  Something manufactured in the last two years should do. Check your institution’s recommendations.

5) Get a degree from a reputable institution.  Do your homework.  Where you go makes a difference in your future earnings.

6) Understand instructor expectations and course requirements.  What is the scope of the participation and assignments?  Where do you need to be more rigorous vs. more informal?  What is the class culture?

Ted Bongiovanni, Director of the Office of Distance Learning, New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies.