This document covers fundamental concepts designed to help you be successful in your eLearning courses. eLearning requires more active participation than traditional classroom learning but also provides you with the freedom to set your schedule and study from the comfort of your own space instead of a classroom. To be successful in your eLearning courses, you will need to be self-motivated and engaged, and most importantly, you will need a plan. This guide will help you create your plan for success.

Getting Started with Online Courses

• Ensure that you have consistent and reliable Internet access. Since just about everything you will be doing for your course will be online, regular Internet access is necessary.
• Take some time to become familiar with the tools you will need to participate in your online courses. Explore the tools provided to ensure that the technology works on the computer you will be using.
• Refer to the syllabus and course materials frequently to become familiar with the objectives, assessments, and deadlines. Print the syllabus and place it somewhere where it can be quickly reviewed, such as a workspace or a notebook.
• Consider your learning objectives and ensure that they align with the instructor’s goals. Creating notes that relate to your objectives can foster a conversation between you and the instructor at the beginning of the course, setting the appropriate expectations.
• Online learning requires self-motivation. Take some time to develop habits that work for you, specifically when it comes to time management and study practices. Review your assignments and get started on the work as soon as possible. By getting started early on, your tasks will ensure that you have time to study properly and succeed.

Study Tips

• Set up a dedicated workspace that is distraction-free, well-lit, and comfortable. Gather your supplies and a beverage or snack before sitting down to study or attend class. Close all distractions on the computer, including social media sites and chat programs.
• Take breaks to maintain focus and avoid fatigue. Studying for 30-45 minutes and then taking a short break away from the computer will help you stay focused and retain the information you’re learning.
• Offline study tactics such as writing notes or creating visual aids can help you retain the information covered during your classes.
• Make a plan by creating a weekly schedule of your deadlines and study hours to ensure you have enough time set aside to complete your assignments on time.
• You should acknowledge procrastination and address the risk immediately. Identify if the procrastination is caused by something you can resolve or if you should reach out for help to remove any roadblocks.
• Take notes and review them often. Taking notes will encourage you to remain focused, and studying them after class will make sure the notes are straightforward and can be relied on later on.
• Bookmark any resources you’ve found helpful in your studies so you can easily access them later in your courses.

Effective Communication

• Online courses can cause challenges not often faced in in-person classes. However, by participating in online discussions, students can review and be actively involved in the conversation, while in-person discussions may move too quickly for some students to participate.
• Online communication can easily create misunderstandings since it removes facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice and replaces them with a computer screen and written words. Be clear and direct: Sarcasm and humor do not translate well when used in online discussions, and it’s easy to come off as rude on the Internet.
• Respect online privacy, including your own. Do not post personal information in a public forum.
• Share expert knowledge. Participate respectfully, provide links to follow-up resources, and be tactful about other people’s lack of knowledge or mistakes.
• Consider the best method of communication to use based on what you want to accomplish. In cases when you want to share concerns or discuss private matters, emailing someone is a better option than posting in a community.

Preparing for Success

• Striking a balance is critical to your success. Stick to your study schedule, and when you’re finished, walk away from studying and focus on your life.
• Use the available resources to get assistance when necessary. The instructor or discussion board is available for course-related questions. The IT department is available for technical support. Fellow students are an excellent resource to look to for study tips and tricks.
• It would help if you remembered that learning anything new is challenging. Don’t get discouraged when you run into a challenge: Keep trying and not be afraid to ask for help.
• If you cannot meet a deadline, make sure to communicate with your instructor as soon as possible. Do not wait until the deadline passes to reach out to your instructor. They will be more likely to work with you if you are upfront about your challenges.