Tips for Success

Distance education requires students to be proficient in a different set of skills than traditional classroom settings. Below is a list of tips that will help you to succeed in online courses.

Time Management
Much like attending on-campus classes, designate times each week to work on your course. Try to let your family and friends know you are working during this time and ask for their support. Distribute your workload throughout the course. Set goals during the course and try to accomplish them during each week rather than waiting to submit the assignments at one time. Make a habit to achieve one goal each time you log into the online classroom. Avoid the pitfalls of procrastination and leaving assignment submissions to the last minute - technical problems will occur at unexpected times.


Contribute to Discussions
Post responses in discussions early during the course weeks to promote sharing of ideas and meaningful discussions. Participate actively and with enthusiasm. You will benefit more from your courses if you provide insightful and scholarly comments. Discussions provide an opportunity to connect with each other and promote a sense of community.


Active Group Work
Contact your group members early in the course and clearly assign responsibilities for group assignments. Fulfill your assigned group member role in a thorough and timely manner as others in your group depend on you.


Write Clearly and Concisely
Communicate in in a writing style that is clear, concise, and follows web etiquette. Pay attention to faculty instructions if requested to follow a specific writing format.


Ask Questions
If you have questions or concerns contact the instructor, librarian, technical assistance, or fellow students to seek answers. Do not wait. As the courses progress, you can easily fall behind.


Use Resources
Use resources provided by your instructor including AHEC, NC Live, and various government or professional organization websites.


Contact Technical Help
Contact our Media Support Specialist with issues related to the Virtual Campus.