Adapted from: http://distancelearn.about.com/od/distancelearning101/tp/Online-Student-Success.htm

These tips can be used by either traditional or online students.

Successful students have a few things in common. If you want to ace your assignments, thrive in classroom discussions, and overcome the challenges of virtual learning, give these ten tips a try.

1. Start the semester right.

The first week of a class can set the course for the rest of the semester. Use your first few days wisely by evaluating your course load, making a schedule for yourself, and becoming familiar with course expectations.

The first week in a class can be a little disorienting. New students must learn to navigate their Canvas "classroom," interact with their peers and professors without actually seeing them face-to-face, but all students, whether taking online or traditional classes, balance assignments with everyday lives. These ten tips can help you succeed in your class from the moment you begin:

Determine if you're in over your head. Take a look at the course requirements and your personal schedule – then, decide if you can really handle the workload. Can you balance the course work with your family and career? Are the required assignments at your level? Are you really dedicated to finishing the course? Too many students enroll in courses and drop out after a month or so. Don't blemish your record with an "F" or a "W." If you decide to dropout before your school's withdrawal deadline, there is a possibility of getting getting a full or partial refund of your tuition, as well as a clean record.
Buy any required texts. If your course requires textbooks or other materials, buy them early so you won't fall behind on your assignments. Don't feel that you have to pay full price at the school's bookstore. There are plenty of ways to get your required readings at a fraction of the price. See: Find Your Textbooks for Cheap or Free. Also, See: SWOSU Bookstore.
Update your computer. Check the course syllabus to see what software or hardware you will need. You may need to install programs (such as Acrobat Reader or Real Player) in order to access the multimedia components of your course. Using this week to make sure your computer can run the necessary programs will save you from being surprised when you're under a deadline. As a student you now have the option to download and install Microsoft Office365 for FREE. Information may be found on the Information Technology Services webpage. Questions? Call the ITS Helpdesk at 580.774.7070.
Introduce yourself to the teacher. If you're in an course with a lot of students, the teacher may never get to know you unless you take the initiative. Use your course message board or email your teacher with a brief introduction. A teacher who knows a little bit about you will be more likely to help you through the course (and be a little more lenient when it comes time to dish out grades).
Participate. Sometimes it's difficult to jump in and participate in class discussions. But, don't hesitate. Speaking up early will help you establish yourself as an active member of the course. You'll start to make new friends and will end up with a better grasp of the material.
Trade email address with your peers. Make the other students your allies. They can help you study, answer your questions, and remind you of any upcoming deadlines. Best of all, they can act as a sort of support group. Courses can be grueling, especially if you're already involved in a career and family activities that make up a large part of your day. Sometimes it's nice to just chat with someone who knows exactly what you're going through.
Acquaint yourself with the class structure. If the teacher has set up and is using Canvas for the course, be aware that each course may its own structure. Spend a few minutes exploring the course webpage before jumping into the lessons. Make sure you understand how you can access all of the necessary class components (lessons, lectures, chat rooms, message boards, multimedia presentations, assignment submission forms, etc.) Take note of any optional components that can be used to help you with your coursework.
Record tests and assignments on your calendar. Don't expect your class professor to give you regular reminders. Many instructors only mention big assignments at the beginning of the course. As soon as you receive a syllabus, record all of the assignments, tests, essays, and projects on your personal calendar.
Establish a regular study time. Figure out how much study time you will need each week and set a regular schedule. Let your friends and family members know that you'll be unavailable during that time. If you establish this routine early on, you'll be more likely to stick to it.
Get a head start on the assigned work. Jumpstart your course by beginning upcoming assignments and papers during your first week as a student. When the assignment deadlines draw near, you'll feel confident knowing much of the work is already completed.

2. Embrace the syllabus.

The syllabus is your guide to everything about a class – what assignments are due, how you’ll be graded, and how you can contact the professor. Don’t just file this paperwork away. Review it early and refer to it often.

Learning how to interpret a class syllabus is an essential skill for all learners. Almost all professors provide students with a syllabus that includes course information such as a list of required textbooks, necessary prerequisite courses, assignment due dates, and other expectations.

Without reminders from teachers and classmates, it’s especially easy for learners to forget an assignment or a test. By taking an inventory of your syllabus at the beginning of the course and reviewing it regularly, you can stay on top of your work – even if your professor doesn’t provide regular reminders.

Review the course description. Reading the description carefully can help you make sure the class will work for your situation. Take special note of required prerequisite courses; if you haven’t completed these courses you may find yourself struggling. Also check to make sure you can meet any technological requirements. Some courses require students to have special software or equipment.
Note the required textbooks. If you haven’t already purchased the listed textbooks, you may be able to order them online at a discounted price. Be aware that some teachers list textbooks that they rarely / never refer to during the course. You may want to ask your professor which books are mandatory and which are supplemental.
Bookmark course websites. If your syllabus lists websites, bookmark them on your web browser now. That way you’ll be able to quickly access the online material without having to search for the URL.
Add major due dates / tests to your calendar. Determine when your big tests and assignments will be due. Highlight these dates on the syllabus and mark them on a calendar you use daily. Writing them on your calendar at the beginning of the course will help you plan ahead and avoid last minute cramming.
Review your assignments weekly. On a set day each week, take a look at your syllabus and decide how to schedule your time. You may be tempted to plan all minor assignments in advance; however, it is not uncommon for teachers to change some due dates or assignments during the semester. Reviewing your assignments weekly will help you stay on track while still being flexible about any schedule changes.
Store your syllabus in a safe place. If your syllabus is on a website, bookmark it now. If you have a paper version, create a designated place to store it. Be sure to put it somewhere accessible; you’ll be referring to it regularly.

Tips:

When adding due dates to your calendar, write in pencil. That way, you'll be able to make changes easily.
Consider purchasing a 5-day or 7-day planner. This will make it simple for you to create a weekly to-do list.
If a particular assignment makes up a large part of your grade, you may want to mark that on your calendar as well. Devote the lion's share of your attention to assignments that have a big affect on your grade.

3. Become a master of multimedia.

The new generation of classes includes interactive features such as forums, video conferencing, message boards, and podcasts. Become familiar with using multimedia technology so that you can thrive in any virtual situation.

A growing number of universities offer multimedia learning components such as chat rooms, collaborative projects, and web conferencing. These multimedia components can help students effectively master the subject matter. But, multimedia learning also has a downside: inexperienced students can easily become distracted with the platform instead of the subject. It's easy to waste time chatting on course message boards or tuning out a podcast lecture.

Here's how to make the most of the multimedia learning opportunities offered online:

Chat Rooms

As the face-to-face discussion alternative, chat rooms can be a useful place to hear different viewpoints, share your knowledge, and receive clarification for questions.
The Multimedia Challenge: If students from your class are particularly social, it can be easy to carry on unnecessary and off-topic discussions when you should be completing assignments.
The Solution: Log-in to course chat rooms only when there is a mandatory meeting or when you have a specific, educational reason to be there (no, chatting about last night's sitcom is not considered educational). If the temptation is too great, try to register for classes that have a closed chat room when formal discussions are not in progress.

Email

Email accounts make it easy for your peers and professors to contact you, even if you're not online. Make sure to check your academic email daily or more often.
The Multimedia Challenge: Email is one of the biggest time wasters. As you develop a rapport with your classmates, expect your inbox to be filled with messages unrelated to your studies
The Solution: Set up two email accounts - one for academic use and one for personal use. That way, you won't have to sort through personal emails when you're trying to study.

Discussion Forums

Discussion boards allow students to create thought-out responses to discussion questions. As the discussion threads are generally saved, discussion boards become a resource when studying for exams and writing papers.
The Multimedia Challenge: When discussion board posts are mandatory they often become stale restatements of previous posts.
The Solution: If you are required to post, take the time to think before you write. The beauty of discussion boards is that, unlike chat rooms, an immediate response is not necessary. Browse through previous posts to make sure that you are adding something unique to the discussion. Hopefully others will follow.

4. Create a safe place for your studies.

Since all of your work will be done away from a traditional classroom, it’s essential to create a study spot of your own. Whether you have an entire office or just a desk in your living room, make sure it’s organized with the supplies you need and available for use at any time.

If you’re like most learners, you love the freedom of learning at home. You revel in the joy of taking an online math test in your pajamas and appreciate the fact that a snack from the kitchen is only a few steps away. But home distractions can become a problem, particularly if you haven’t organized a special place to get your work done. If you feel overwhelmed by the constant distraction of phone calls, family or roommate interruptions, and disorganization, you need to create an environment where you can really get to work.

What is a Study Spot?

A Study Spot is a special place you put together just for completing the work you need to get done. Instead of working on the bed, near the television, or just about anywhere in the chaos of home life, you can create a place that is best suited to actually doing your work and doing it well. Most people set a few ground rules for their Study Spots to ensure that they won’t be faced with the normal distractions while their busy. When done correctly, creating a Study Spot can help save you time by letting you focus on your work and finish sooner.

Organization is Essential

The first step to Study Spot success is organizing the place that will be home to your studies. Walk around your home at its busiest hour (if you have family or roommates living with you, this will probably be when everyone gets back from school or work). Find the place that is the quietest in all the commotion. It may be in the corner of your bedroom or perhaps you have a den or a small room that isn’t being used. Some people use a section of their garage. Whatever place you choose, make sure it is large enough that you won’t feel cramped and check to see that the temperature can always be kept at a comfortable level. As soon as you find your place, begin organizing the materials you will need and setting up your Study Spot. Completing the following steps will leave you with a well-organized, work-ready area you can call your own:

Purchase a traditional desk. One of the benefits of using an actual desk is that your work-related materials are always going to be near. Most desks have multiple drawers for supplies and room to hold a computer without getting in the way of your writing area.
Get a good chair. This is one of the most important tools of getting your work done at home. Go to an office supply store and invest in a chair that you actually want to sit in. Hard wood or metal chairs are uncomfortable and often deter people from sitting down for the time necessary to get their work done.
Organize your supplies. Make sure that all the supplies you need each day are easily reachable from your desk. It’s easy to become distracted from your work if you constantly have to leave your studies to go look for supplies in another area of the house. Put books, pens, pencils, erasers, and everything else you need in the drawers of your desk. If you study online, make sure that you have all necessary software and passwords available. If you study through mail, make sure you have the needed stamps and addresses at your desk.
Add your special touch. Personalize your Study Spot and make it your own. If you like to study with background music, bring in your cd player and a bunch of your favorite cds. If you like to munch while you work, put a box of your favorite snacks by your workspace. If you’re an art fan, put your favorite paintings on the wall. Some people like to hang up inspirational posters or magazine clippings of people who are in the profession they are working on becoming a part of. Add anything that will help make your Study Spot feel like home and keep you focused on the prize.

Study Spot Rules

Once you’ve created the perfect Study Spot, set a few ground rules for yourself and anyone else you live with. Rules can help keep distractions away and keep you focused. Start with just a few that will be easy to follow and add more as you become more disciplined in your work. Some examples of rules that people have found useful are:

Work time is between the hours of 7 and 11 a.m. I won’t plan anything else during that time.
The ringer on the phone is always turned off while I’m working.
When I put a sign on the door, family members and friends should know that I’m working and not disturb me.
I will take one big break in the middle of my work, but will stop taking lots of small breaks throughout the morning.

Study Spot rules are very personal and are meant to help you work in the way that’s best for you. When you decide on the rules that will help you study, talk to the people you live with and explain what you need them to do to help out.

The Study Spot Process

Creating the perfect Study Spot with the perfect rules won’t happen overnight. But, with careful planning and persistence, you can create an environment that is perfect for your distance learning studies. As you work on refining your Study Spot, you will find that you finish your work more efficiently and have more time to do the activities you really want to do. In the case of the Study Spot, organization is freedom.

5. Achieve family / school balance.

When learning at home, it’s often difficult to balance assignments with the needs of your partner or children. Anticipate scheduling problems before they arise, and come up with a solution that works for everyone.

Balancing school and family life can be a challenge, for all learners. While many older adults choose to continue their education through the internet, they often find their study time interrupted by spouses and children who miss them and don’t understand the need for “alone time.” Here are a few suggestions for maintaining good relationships with those you love while studying.

Set some ground rules for all parties. Chances are you’ll need some peace and quiet to get your work done. Setting specific times and posting a schedule on your office door (or kitchen fridge) can be a great way to form a common understanding and keep resentments from forming. Let your family know when you’ll be available and when they shouldn’t disturb you. If you’re in an online chat meeting, for example, you may want to hang a “do not disturb” sign on the door. Let children know what instances are appropriate for interruption (a stuffed bear causing the toilet to overflow) and which are inappropriate (they have a sudden urge for ice-cream). This street goes both ways, however, and you’ll also need to set some ground rules for yourself. Be available to your family during your off-hours and give them the attention they need. Let them know that they can trust you to be available when you say you will, and they’ll be more willing to wait.
Don’t forget play time. All courses can get intense at times, particularly if you’re enrolled in more than one. But, don’t get so caught up that you forget to have fun. If need be, set aside a “family night” to play games or find entertainment with your children or a “date night” to spend a little quality time with your spouse. You’ll get much needed relaxation and they’ll appreciate seeing you in a less stressful mood.
Be an example. If you have school-aged children, use your own studies to set an example for how they can succeed in their own classes. Try setting aside a study time each afternoon when you study along side your kids. Serve a nutritious snack (think smoothie and apples rather than green beans) and play relaxing music. Chances are they’ll mimic the study skills you model and their grades will benefit. Meanwhile, you’ll get a chance to complete your own studies while spending some time with your kids. It’s a win-win.
Involve your family in your learning. Don’t just slink away into the back room and come out, red-eyed and silent, after a few hours of intense studying. Let your family know you’re accomplishing something meaningful. If you discover something interesting, bring it up at the dinner table or discuss it while driving your kids to school. Let your spouse tag along on field trips to the art museum or city counsel. Chances are they’ll enjoy being involved in this part of your life and you’ll appreciate the chance to share it.

6. Play off your strengths.

Flashcards and note reviews can be uninspiring. Instead of relying on old-fashioned study techniques, find out what your “intelligence type” is and use it to excel. Personalizing your study time should make it more enjoyable and more productive.

People are smart in different ways. Some people can create a catchy song at the drop of a hat. Others can memorize everything in a book, paint a masterpiece, or be the center of attention. When you realize what you’re good at, you can figure out the best way to study. Based on Howard Gardner’s theory of intelligence, these study tips can help you tailor your learning for your intelligence type.

Word Smart (Linguistic intelligence) – Word smart people are good with words, letters, and phrases. They enjoy activities such as reading, playing scrabble or other word games, and having discussions. If you’re word smart, these study strategies can help:

make flashcards
take extensive notes
keep a journal of what you learn

Number Smart (logical-mathematical intelligence) - Number smart people are good with numbers, equations, and logic. They enjoy coming up with solutions to logical problems and figuring things out. If you’re number smart, give these strategies a try:

make your notes into numeric charts and graphs
use the roman numeral style of outlining
put information you receive into categories and classifications that you create

Picture Smart (spatial intelligence) – Picture smart people are good with art and design. They enjoy being creative, watching movies, and visiting art museums. Picture smart people can benefit from these study tips:

sketch pictures that go along with your notes or in the margins of your textbooks
draw a picture on a flashcard for each concept or vocabulary word you study
use charts and graphic organizers to keep track of what you learn

Body Smart (Kinesthetic intelligence) – Body smart people work well with their hands. They enjoy physical activity such as exercise, sports, and outdoor work. These study strategies can help body smart people be successful:

act out or imagine the concepts you need to remember
look for real-life examples that demonstrate what you’re learning about
search for manipulatives, such as computer programs, that can help you master material

Music Smart (Musical intelligence) – Music smart people are good with rhythms and beats. They enjoy listening to cds, attending concerts, and creating songs. If you’re music smart, these activities can help you study:

create a song or rhyme that will help you remember a concept
listen to classical music while you study
remember vocabulary words by linking them to similar-sounding words in your mind

People Smart (Interpersonal intelligence) – Those who are people smart are good with relating to people. They enjoy going to parties, visiting with friends, and sharing what they learn. People smart students should give these strategies a try:

discuss what you learn with a friend or family member
have someone quiz you before an exam
create or join a study group

Self Smart (Intra-personal intelligence) – Self smart people are comfortable with themselves. They enjoy being alone to think and reflect. If you’re self smart, try these tips:

keep a personal journal about what you’re learning
find a place to study where you won’t be interrupted
keep yourself involved in assignments by individualizing each project

7. Become a respected chat room participant.

Chat rooms can be the best place to make connections, share your insights, and stand out in the crowd. But, the seeming informality of the virtual world leads some students to share inappropriate information or be lax with their grammar. Learn how to communicate in chat rooms and take these venues seriously. In return, you’ll gain the respect of your professors and the admiration of your peers. Online chats for classes can be nerve-wracking. Students are expected to respond to instructor questions and interact with other students in the chat room, without much time to prepare responses. Unlike traditional classrooms, chat rooms don’t give you the chance to see physical cues or hear verbal inflections during a discussion. Additionally, chatters can be hampered by typing speed or poor spelling. Often, students’ grades will be determined, in part, by their chat room participation. But, never fear. There is a way to enter chat rooms with confidence and cool. Here’s how:

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare. Before the class chat session, review all related reading assignments. Mark your textbooks with sticky notes, so that you’ll know where to turn when a topic comes up. Choose two or three key concise quotes that you’d like to discuss during the chat. Spend a few minutes typing these quotes into a word processor, so that you’ll have them ready to cut-and-paste when they’re needed.
State your point, demonstrate your point, back it up with a quote. When you have the opportunity to share your views in the class, begin by stating your main point. Explain your point with a quick example. Then, back your point up by referencing one of the concise quotes you prepared prior to the class. Your quote should be long enough to prove your point, but no more than a line or two. Give enough information to prove your point, but don’t write a lengthy diatribe.
Respond to your classmates. A chat room or a class is meant for interaction, so don’t make your comments in isolation. Offer your comments only when they fit with the topic of discussion. Respond to your classmate’s questions and, when appropriate, ask questions of your own. Occasionally, let your classmates know when you agree with a point and when you disagree. Explain why.
Practice chat room “netiquette.” Read the class chat rooms “FAQs” or “Rules” section before the chat session. Follow basic computer etiquette when interacting with your instructor and peers. For example, if you enter a chat room in the middle of a discussion, wait a few minutes to understand the discussion before posting. Never write in all caps (it’s considered shouting). And, give writers a chance to finish their thoughts when they conclude a paragraph with ellipses (it means that they’re not done writing yet).

Be friendly but formal. Chat rooms are often a casual environment, but don’t forget to convey a professional image when chatting for a class. If you want to be taken seriously, present your ideas in a more formal manner. You don’t have to be stuffy, but you should write in complete sentences. Capitalize the first letter of each sentence and avoid the over-use of emoticons, unusual fonts, and abbreviations such as “lol” or “brb.” Many web browsers now include spell checkers that can help you catch mistakes while typing in online fields – make use of these.

Have fun. With a little advanced preparation, you can be a successful participant in a class chat. But, don’t forget to have fun too. Class chats are one of the only chances many students have to connect with their classmates. Make the most of it.

Tips:

Class chat formats vary from teacher to teacher. Follow the tone and format your teacher establishes.
If you want to arrange a more social discussion with your classmates, set up a time outside of the class chat.
Never dominate the conversation. Give others a chance to voice their opinions.

8. Harness the power of Google.

Google’s tools can be an amazing resource for your studies. Improve your research skills by mastering Google Search, Google Scholar, Google Books, and other popular resources. You don’t have to spend your time looking through card catalogs and searching through thousands of shelved books. All the resources you need for a top-notch research paper can be found online. These simple steps can help you find books and articles without leaving your home:

Find out what online options your college offers. Many universities offer services such as Gale Group and EBSCOhost that provide students with databases of full text articles and other resources that can be used to write papers. For more information on such services see our article: College Level Research at Home.
Go to Google Book Search (books.google.com). This service allows you to search for keywords in millions of pages of scanned library books. Type in keywords related to your subject and Google Book Search will take you directly to the pages you need. Study the material that interests you and write down any quotations you want to remember for your paper.
Document your sources. Don’t forget to give credit where credit is due. Any time you decide to use a quote or paraphrase a paragraph from a book you find in Google Book Search, cite it correctly. Copyright information is listed for each book and can be found by clicking the “Copyright” link on the left side of the screen.
Go to Google Scholar (scholar.google.com). This site allows you to search for articles, dissertations, and other scholarly material by keyword. Again, type in the keywords related to your search. The engine will pull up material that may be of use to you. Not all of these resources are available online. However, many can be downloaded in .pdf format. Again, be sure to properly document your sources.
Search Google News (news.google.com). If recent news articles could be of use in your paper, check out the thousands of news sources available through this service. In a single keyword search, Google News accesses thousands of news organizations such as the New York Times and CNN to find you the perfect quotes for your paper.

Tips:

Find out what style your research paper should be written in before you do the research. That way, you'll know what information to look for.
Don't expect to find serious scholarly information by using a regular search engine.
When citing information you find on Google's Book Search, cite it as a book, not a website.

9. Know how to ask for help.

Although you won’t be working with your professor face-to-face, it’s still important to build a relationship and ask for help when necessary. Learn how to communicate effectively with your instructors and avoid the misunderstandings that often arise with electronic discussion.

Interacting with professors can be daunting. Often, virtual communication is more difficult than a face-to-face meeting. But, there’s no need to fear. Follow these nine suggestions and you’ll be able to get the help you need.

1. Relax.

Your professors want to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when it’s necessary.

2. Introduce yourself.

As soon as you begin a class, take a minute to introduce yourself to the professor. Say hello in a class chat or drop him a quick email. You’ll be more comfortable dealing with someone you know if a problem arises.

3. Seek answers from designated areas first.

Professors are eager to help with legitimate problems. But, they don’t want to waste time when the answers can be found elsewhere. If you have a basic class question, first seek solutions from the class syllabus, website, and general discussion boards.

4. Re-read your emails.

Emails can often be misunderstood. Whenever sending an email to your professor, re-read to make sure that your message is clear and your tone is intentional.

5. Listen.

When you receive a response, make sure you pay attention to what the professor is saying. Re-reading his emails will help you avoid missing the details.

6. Approach before the student rush.

After a challenging assignment or an important test, your professor is going to be inundated with emails. Anticipate any problems and try to approach him beforehand, when he’ll have more time to give your concern attention.

7. Ask politely.

Even a professor can be in the wrong, it’s always smart to keep your communications polite. Remember that emails, message board posts, and chat discussions are often saved.

8. Expect fairness.

Avoid asking for favors that would be unfair to other students. If you have a legitimate need, your professor will be more willing to work with you than if you just want to whine about a grade.

10. Stay motivated.

Learning is an endurance sport. When you’re feeling burned out and tired of staring a screen, don’t slack. Remember that everyone has good days and bad. The key to class success: never give up.

Many distance learners agree that the most difficult part of studying is staying motivated. Because students must take the initiative to complete their courses completely on their own, without the physical presence of teachers and other peers, many students find it easy to become distracted and discouraged in their work. Don’t let this happen to you – plan ways for yourself to stay motivated before you’re tempted to stray from your books. Use these five motivational tips to stay on task:

Connect with your classmates. Sure, classmates may be hard to connect with, but making an effort to actually get to know your classmates can be rewarding. If you find students from your area, consider a physical study group at a restraint or bookstore. If not, try to create an online support group of peers. They’ll appreciate having someone to keep them on track in their work and you’ll reap the benefits of being accountable as well.
Discuss what you learn. Find a friend or relative who has similar interests or who would enjoy hearing about your studies and let them know what’s going on in your classes. You’ll understand the material better when you have a chance to explain it out loud and will be motivated to stay on task in order to keep up with the conversation.
Chart your progress. Don’t rely on campus counselors; design your own map of completed classes and post it somewhere that is visible daily. There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with watching your goals be accomplished. When times get hard, you can always turn to your chart and see how far you’ve come.
Reward yourself. You get rewarded for good credit and safe driving, why shouldn’t you reward yourself for doing well in your coursework. Whether it be a night on the town, a new dress, or even a new car, setting up a reward system just may be the extra push you need to succeed. If you stick by your system, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised.
Take time for fun. If you’re spending all your time working, studying, and watching after the kids, you’ll likely suffer in all areas. Everyone needs some down time to re-group. So, set aside a little time every week for a favorite activity. You’ll be more productive when you return to your work.