10 Tips To Succeed in an Online College Course

So, you've signed up to take online courses, and maybe it's your first time taking courses in an online learning environment.

To help you succeed in your online college courses, we've gathered online college course tips from students, professors, and other experts who specialize in distance learning.

How to Succeed in an Online College Course

Rather than jumping into the deep end of the pool without preparation, think and plan ahead if you want to gain the most benefits from your online college courses. Here are our best tips for taking college courses online.

1. Create a Schedule and Follow a Routine

Being organized and using tools like a planning calendar to keep you on track are essential for being successful as an online college student.

On your calendar, include your class times, important assignment deadlines, and study blocks to organize your daily tasks. Some people find color-coding each block to be helpful.

First, block out time to meet with your professor and classmates online, if you're taking synchronous courses.

Next, even if your coursework does not involve regular class sessions, be sure to set a regular time schedule for doing the required readings and completing assignments thoughtfully and well before the deadlines.

2. Practice Self-Discipline

Become aware of your weaknesses and learn to overcome them. Procrastination is your most likely enemy, so prepare yourself to stand up to that voice in your head telling you to put it off till later.

Remember that taking online classes requires even more self-discipline than ever, so if you want to succeed, you need to really work on developing strength of mind to overcome temptations. No one can do it but you.

3. Develop Strategies for Making Your Work Seem More Manageable

Large assignments can feel overwhelming. One important skill to learn is how to break down your assignments into smaller units of roughly equivalent size so you can spread the work out over a longer period.

Let's say that your professor assigns you 100 pages of reading for next week. You could subdivide that amount into roughly five 20-page chapters so that the amount seems less staggering.

For a research paper, you'll need to allow time for the library research (finding sources), reading the sources, taking notes on them, then assembling the main ideas and creating an outline, then writing each section of the outline.

And don't forget time needed to review, edit, and proofread your paper. If you don't allow yourself enough time for each stage of the process, you will probably not achieve the grade you desire.

4. Create a Study and Learning Environment

Creating a comfortable, designated study space is essential for getting organized and doing well as an online college student.

Be sure that your space is private and distraction free. Create your own quiet zone and ask family members to respect it.

Try to avoid auditory distractions, too—for example, you might need noise-canceling headphones or earplugs if you live with others who are noisy.

To emphasize that you are in work mode even when at home, put on school clothes instead of pajamas and act like you are in professional mode.

5. Become Familiar with the Technology

First, you'll need to ensure access to a computer and a stable internet connection to succeed in your online courses.

Be prepared regarding what to do if your internet goes down during class or if your power goes out.

Next, every online educational system uses a slightly different configuration of platforms and apps for course delivery and interaction, like Teams, Zoom, or Canvas. Take advantage of tutorials to learn the ins and outs.

6. Avoid Distractions

Distractions can come from all types of sources, so anticipate them and try to avoid them. If you find yourself easily distracted by social media, learn to turn off notifications or even hide your phone.

Learn to focus on the most important task at hand and eliminate others. Set up your study environment so you can stay focused.

7. Set Goals To Keep Yourself Accountable

As an online student, it really helps to set both short- and long-term goals to help you move through your course as well as your degree program.

Remember, being an online college student requires you to be a self-starter: professors won't be constantly checking in on you to make sure that you've done the readings or assignments.

College courses are usually three credit hours. Plan to spend at least three hours every week per credit hour on your online coursework.

8. Attend Your Classes

Don't find reasons to skip or miss class sessions. Missing even a few class sessions can set you back and get you far enough off-track that you may not be able to recover.

Professors build each class session on the ones that came before it, so when you miss classes, you miss significant foundational steps in learning.

9. Prepare Mindfully for Each Class

Allow yourself 20 to 30 minutes before each class period to prepare yourself mentally.

Review your notes from the previous class period, your homework assignments and reading notes to put the class topic at front of your mind.

If the class will be discussion based, prepare some questions and talking points on the week's materials.

10. Be an Active Participant

Actively participate in classes whenever you are given the chance. Remember that you learn more when you are actively engaged. Whether in a Zoom discussion or in the course's online forum, be sure to get and stay involved.

Even though you're not sitting at a classroom desk, you should still make it a habit to take notes on not only lectures but also discussions. As any important ideas and concepts come up, write them down so you can review them later.

Also, let your professor get to know you as an individual student and not just a name on their roster. Make yourself stand out from the pack and let the professor know your interests, your ideas, and the way you think.

Many students don't understand how important establishing mentorship relationships with professors can be for your life and your future career. Don't underestimate this.

Interacting with your classmates, as well, can help you feel less isolated and also provide motivation. Take advantage of any opportunities to organize teamwork or virtual study groups.

Be Successful in Your Online College Course

Enrolling in an online college course is a great way to better not only your career but also yourself. Be sure to follow the tips we outlined above to succeed in your online college course.