| The format of distance learning courses is different | | | | you time as well. |
| than what most students have experienced. The | | | | The workload in distance learning courses is similar to |
| teaching style is more student directed and you will | | | | traditional college coursework. The basic format of |
| have to become accustomed to these differences. | | | | most courses involves studying the text, completing |
| Distance learning relies heavily on technology. If you | | | | assignments and taking exams. Just about all work will |
| aren't computer and internet savvy, you will need to | | | | involve reading and writing, so take some time to |
| learn new skills, in addition to your coursework. Look | | | | improve your skills in these areas. You will most likely |
| for classes or workshops on computers and the | | | | have a fair amount of reading assigned both in the |
| internet. These are often available in public libraries or | | | | text and from outside sources. Schedule enough time |
| community centers. You may feel overwhelmed at the | | | | to complete all reading assignments. Get the textbooks |
| thought of taking another class, but the time you spend | | | | early and read the first few chapters before classes |
| learning to use the technology will save you time in the | | | | start to become familiar with the material. |
| long run. | | | | Taking non traditional college courses requires |
| Most colleges offer support for new students. Some | | | | commitment and time management skills. The ability to |
| schools may have orientation sessions at the start of | | | | work at your own pace can turn into procrastination. |
| a new semester. If your school offers this, plan on | | | | Set goals for yourself and make a schedule that will |
| attending. You will gain valuable information about the | | | | allow you to reach those goals in a reasonable amount |
| structure of the course and the technology used. | | | | of time. Plan on spending at least nine hours each |
| Instructors often give advice for organizing your time | | | | week for each class you take. Schedule study time |
| at these sessions. In addition, you will get a feel for the | | | | and stick to your schedule. It's important not to fall |
| teacher's expectations. Most schools offer tutorials to | | | | behind and even better to stay a week ahead of the |
| help you learn to use the online classroom and other | | | | class schedule. |
| software used in distance learning programs. | | | | You won't be completely isolated when taking distance |
| Research papers are common assignments in both | | | | learning courses. Stay in contact with your instructor |
| traditional and distance learning college courses. Utilize | | | | and ask for feedback regularly. Instructors will have |
| the resources offered by your college to help | | | | office hours when you can call, or you can stay in |
| complete necessary research. If the school is in driving | | | | touch with email. You may be given opportunities to |
| distance from your home, take advantage of the | | | | interact with other students through chats, message |
| college library. Other colleges may allow you to use | | | | boards or online study groups. Take advantage of |
| their library with a student ID from your school. Many | | | | these opportunities, if studying with others is helpful to |
| schools offer an online library database. Learn to use | | | | you. Some colleges offer online tutoring, usually in math |
| the database to save time when researching. Quite a | | | | and writing. Take advantage of every opportunity for |
| bit of research can be done online, which can save | | | | the best experience. |