How to be a Successful Distance Learner

To succeed in a distance learning course, it is important that you be self-directed and able to work independently. This is because you won't be physically coming to class each week and, therefore, won't hear the instructor reminding you of deadlines and assignments to be completed. Because your other obligations may mean that you are not able to work on your course as regularly as if you were physically attending class, it will be up to you to make sure you are keeping up.

You also need to be comfortable in some specific areas: working with computers, communicating with your instructor to get assistance when it is needed, learning in what could be primarily a text-based medium, as well as being an active participant during the course. A successful distance learner has to provide his or her own motivation to study regularly and meet deadlines without constant reminders.

Your chances of success with a distance learning course are higher if:

• You have a strong need or reason to take the course. That need can help you get through difficult times, such as busy schedules.
• You do not find independence uncomfortable and will not miss being with others in a classroom situation.
• You are able to discipline yourself to work at the course regularly and keep up with the deadlines.
• You are able to learn well by doing the required work on your own, without depending on interaction with other students as a means of learning. Although some online courses will depend on student interactions online, not all will.
• You are able to read and to figure out what to do by yourself, rather than depending on hearing instructions.
• You do not expect the course to be easier than, or require less time than, a classroom course. A distance learning course may well be more difficult and take just as much time, or even more time than a class you physically attend.
• You do not find it difficult to communicate with the instructor to ask for help or clarification.