5 Tips to Succeed in an Online Course

Confirm technical Requirements: Online classes can benefit students with busy schedules, but only if they can access the materials. GIS Online students should be sure to review the eLearning Guide for Students and the Software Access and General Overview pages for details about how to prepare for class. Also ensure your Internet connectivity is sufficient (broadband is strongly recommended).

Connect with instructors early: Help is available but it takes time for instructors to answer emails or discussion posts. Questions about assignments should be brought forward early so answers can be provided before assignments are due. Try to find answers to general course questions in the course syllabus or general discussion boards before contacting the instructor with your question. 

Create a schedule: GIS Online courses are designed using Quality Matters Program course design principles to ensure students can quickly identify the learning objectives, assignments and deliverables. Be prepared to review materials early and plan out several two-to-three hour time blocks to log in and complete weekly assignments. Creating a schedule helps students stay on track. 

Stay organized: Transfer important dates from the syllabus to a personal calendar at the beginning of the semester. Use internet browser bookmarks for important sites you visit regularly (MyUWFDesktop for example). Set course notifications in eLearning to receive notifications of changes, updates and deadlines to a personal email account. 

Have a consistent workspace: GIS Online courses may require books, printouts, draft papers, and other loose items. Keep all of these items together, in one place. If not a desk or file cabinet, perhaps some folders in a milk crate? Have some “Plan B” locations in mind in case the normal workspace is somehow compromised or is no longer conducive to learning. 

Source: http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles/2013/01/14/5-tips-to-succeed-in-an-online-course