| For almost anyone, starting a new school career can | | | | focus on time management. One of the major traps |
| be a nerve-wracking experience. Taking online classes | | | | new students fall into is procrastination, waiting for |
| is one of the easiest ways to settle into a new | | | | the last minute to finish an assignment or to read the |
| scholastic situation. Whether you're coming straight to | | | | chapter that is due for tomorrow. You can avoid this |
| college from high school or returning to school after | | | | by effectively managing your time and keeping a |
| spending time away, there are a few simple tips to | | | | regular planner is important for this step. In a planner, |
| keep your online college career on track. | | | | you can write due dates for projects or days for |
| One of the most important things you can do in any | | | | exams. You can also write yourself reminders to |
| new environment is to take an orientation tour! | | | | study or review. Time management is an integral |
| Sometimes the transition from learning in a | | | | step to earning your online degree. |
| face-to-face environment to limiting your learning to | | | | There will come a day when you flip open your |
| online can seem overwhelming and a little confusing. | | | | planner and realize you have an upcoming exam. As a |
| Dealing with chat sessions, forum discussion boards | | | | new student earning your online degree, you can't |
| and turning in homework through a drop-box are all | | | | make good grades simply by writing down due dates. |
| different experiences. Luckily, most online colleges | | | | You also need to create effective study habits. Start |
| offer an online orientation to guide you through the | | | | reviewing your notes three days prior to any |
| process of learning online. Even if you feel like a | | | | upcoming exam; if you wait until the last minute, you'll |
| computer genius, taking the tour is one of the best | | | | be able to recall less and you'll also be exhausted. |
| things to set your online college career on a path | | | | Make sure you study in a quiet place where you |
| towards smooth sailing. | | | | won't be disturbed by phone calls or surfing the |
| One of the most difficult things for new students to | | | | Internet. Finally, make sure you stay on top of your |
| comprehend when starting an online degree program | | | | reading. The last thing you need to do before a final |
| is that by learning online, they are truly taking their | | | | exam is read the whole textbook! |
| knowledge into their own hands. Online colleges force | | | | Many people panic at the mere thought of an exam |
| you to be self-sufficient while pursuing your degree. | | | | even though they're a regular part of being a college |
| In light of this autonomy, there are several steps you | | | | student. If you follow the right steps, taking an exam |
| can take in order to keep yourself on track while | | | | can be as easy as waking up in the morning. First, |
| earning an online degree. | | | | study effectively. Secondly, start early. Don't wait |
| Because learning online does offer you so much | | | | until the last minute to start your exam - give |
| freedom, there are some important steps you can | | | | yourself ample time to complete it at a leisurely pace. |
| take to make sure you earn your online degree with | | | | Answer the questions you know first, and then |
| as many A's as possible. The first tip is to prepare | | | | move on to the ones that may have stymied you. If |
| for each online class as though there is going to be a | | | | you feel confused, re-read the question slowly. Finally, |
| pop quiz. Make sure you take neat notes from every | | | | if you feel really stumped, make an informed guess. |
| class, and keep yourself organized with a notebook. | | | | Eliminate the answers you know to be correct and |
| Adopting these simple habits will make you a more | | | | choose the most appropriate answer from what's |
| effective student who is able to retain information | | | | left behind. With enough practice, you'll be a |
| more easily. | | | | test-taking expert in no time. |
| Another great tip for succeeding in online college is to | | | | |