| Online degree programs are growing in popularity by | | | | it before you go out, etc. to refresh your memory |
| leaps and bounds. In fact, by 2008 it is estimated | | | | of important dates. |
| that one in ten college students will be enrolled at | | | | Have a clearly designated area in which to work. It is |
| least part-time in online coursework. It sounds great; | | | | best if you have a desk to work from. If you don't, |
| flexibility, lower costs and the chance to attend class | | | | carve out some space somewhere for your |
| in the comfort of your own home. However, it takes | | | | computer, your study materials and other supplies. |
| a special kind of student to really make an online | | | | Use this area only for studying so that you see it as |
| education work. | | | | your classroom and aren't tempted to waste away |
| People sign up for online degree programs for a | | | | valuable time on activities that will distract you. |
| variety of reasons. They may already have a job, | | | | Habitually studying in the same area will get you in |
| they may have a disability or a transportation | | | | the proper mindset for your work. |
| problem, or they may simply want to save some | | | | Set aside specific times and dates for studying and |
| money. Online colleges are less expensive than their | | | | writing papers. Ideally, you should set aside several |
| bricks and mortar counterparts. One thing most | | | | hours each week that are specifically for your |
| people have in common is that they understand the | | | | homework. Make the time a priority and mark it on |
| allure of working on your schoolwork at your own | | | | your calendar in ink so that you can't change it. And |
| pace in your own environment. There is, however, a | | | | don't reschedule your time unless a true emergency |
| down side to the self-paced style of online degree | | | | has come up. |
| programs. Although they are more flexible, most | | | | Save everything. Back up your computer. Print out if |
| have time limits on specific projects and on the | | | | you feel it's a good idea. Online instructors aren't |
| amount of time allowed to finish your required | | | | happy accepting excuses like a hard drive has |
| courses. Being successful in an online college program | | | | crashed when assignments are due. Back up all of |
| requires self-discipline and determination. | | | | your work, and make hard copies as well. In fact, |
| There are several things you should do when you | | | | hard copies of your papers are a great way to proof |
| enroll in an online degree program to make sure you | | | | read your work as things look different on paper, |
| don't fall behind or lose track of your progress. Most | | | | and you may catch some mistakes you'd otherwise |
| of them are relatively easy to implement, but a | | | | miss. |
| surprising number of students don't think about them | | | | Allow quiet time for your schoolwork. Let your |
| until they've run into trouble with their classes. | | | | friends and family know that you don't want visitors |
| When you receive your course assignments and class | | | | and won't take phone calls during not only scheduled |
| schedules, mark down everything on your calendar. | | | | online class times, but during your study hours. Time |
| This includes scheduled times to log into class | | | | can slip away and leave you with unfinished work if |
| sessions, due dates for assignments and when you | | | | you chat during your homework time. |
| will be taking online exams. Post a copy of your | | | | If you use these simple study aids, you'll be |
| calendar next to your desk so that you can glance at | | | | successful in your classes and soon be the proud |
| it any time you want without having to boot up your | | | | recipient of a degree from your online degree |
| computer. This will get you in the habit of glancing at | | | | program. Good luck! |