The Online Degree Dorm Room

The 5 Habits of Successful Online Degree Students

Posted by bposton on June 28th, 2009 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

OK, I just have to say it…

Using an online degree program is not for everyone.

(glad I got that off my chest )

But it is true. There are some folks who are just not cut out for doing studies via an internet connection.

Some people even believe that the obstacles to getting a degree online are even greater than those at a traditional university. I’m not sure about that, but I will agree that these hurdles are at least different.

So how to you make sure that you’re doing the right things to increase your chance of successfully getting your degree via an online education?

Well, you need to develop what I call the 5 Habits of Successful Online Degree Students:

Habit number 1.
Get the right program for your needs.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a bachelors degree, masters degree or doctoral degree program, if you just pick a program for it’s degree alone you’re could make the wrong choice.

Make sure that you’re interested in the subject matter, research the professors, other student’s experiences, etc, just as you would if you were going to apply at a campus based college.

Oh, and make sure that you’re only considering fully accredited online degree programs and courses.

Habit number 2
Be patient with yourself. Different students take different amounts of time before they become adjusted to online classes.
Alway keep in mind that your goal is to balance your online study with your family and your job. But it will take time to get that balance the way you want it to be.
Habit number 3
Make and follow a time schedule. Time can be your biggest asset when getting an online degree, but it can also be your enemy if you don’t take control of it.

Believe me, you’re going to be faced with many choices between conflicting responsibilities and you’re going to be swamped with day-to-day activities from time to time, leaving little or no time for studies.

But do your very best to practice good time management. It’s critical to your success as an online student.
Habit number 4
Break it down to daily tasks.
You’re going to have what I call major projects to accomplish as a student. Like term papers or reports that are due in 2 week.

Break those projects down in to daily tasks to make them more manageable and to fit into your time schedule. For example, ready the course material you are given on a daily basis. Many students often put off reading the lessons and books until the last minute since the professors cannot pressure them into answering or reciting anything. Make sure you don’t neglect doing the daily assignments and many other activities you need to do in order to get your papers done and projects turned in on time.

That way, when others are running around with their hair on fire when exam time or mid-term is around the corner, you’ll be calm and collected - and you’ll have the confidence that you know and understand the subject matter.

Avoid getting yourself into a cram for exams. Do your school work DAILY no matter what.
Habit number 5
Attend the online classes (or at least MOST of them )
You should make sure that you have time to attend all of the scheduled classes.
Sure, you can probably just download notes or even recorded lectures that the professor provides, but remember this - it’s nothing like BEING THERE. You’ll learn so much more by attending, and getting involved in the live discussions in class.
Remember, you can learn from the other students, not just the professor…