When taking a road trip, you would plan your route and activities ahead of time so that you could enjoy your experience to the fullest. You would also establish checkpoints along the way to ensure that you acheived your travel goals. Online students may do the same by completing the following steps so that they may improve their success at online learning.

1. Read the course syllabus
2. Set a realistic schedule
3. Set interim goals and deadlines
4. Organize your study schedule
5. Stay in touch with your instructor
6. Take time to evaluate your own progress
7. Plan your time for tests wisely
8. Connect with your classmates
9. Discuss your progress with your instructor
10. Reward yourself

If you are uncomfortable after reviewing these steps, you should consider enrolling in either a face-to-face class that is taught on campus or a hybrid course.

Remember, online learning is not for everyone. Although it is a convenient way to take classes, there are additional expectations for those students enrolled in online classes.

Look at a map first so you know where you are headed.

Take time to look over the course syllabus before the class starts. The syllabus will list student expectations, a course description, a list of objectives, content summary, and student work required to complete the course. To become successful you must transition into the role of a self-directed learner. A self-directed learner knows how to work independently, how to motivate self, how to organize activities and how to manage time.

Make sure you have enough time for everything you want to do.

Scheduling is all about priorities. If there is insufficient time in your personal schedule to do the work of the course, you will be frustrated. You will not have to keep a class attendance schedule, but you will have to meet the course work deadlines. Successful students set a schedule and stick with it. Your instructor will not extend the end of course date to accommodate your personal schedule.

Frequent stops along the way to gas up, rest and eat.

Look over the course requirements and make a plan to accomplish parts of them in reasonable time periods. These accomplishments become your source of encouragement and constructive feedback.

Plan, plan, plan.

If you are taking a three-credit course, you will be spending six to ten hours a week each week the course is in session.

Don't forget to call home and say HI!

Email your instructor regularly, preferably at least once each week. You may have difficulty asking your instructor a question about your work. Your instructor can help, just ask. Your instructor will generally answer your email within 24 hours, Monday through Friday except holidays. Exceptions to the instructor's availability will be posted.

Keep a travel diary so you can review your experiences.

Review the course objectives and standards often to see if you are progressing and are on track to successfully complete the course.

More planning, more planning, and more planning.

Be sure you have mastered the material that will be the basis for a particular test before you take the test. Allow yourself enough time to complete the test.

Find a travel buddy because there is safety in numbers.

Often a classmate's idea or encouragement can get you over a hurdle. Check into the discussion group for your course regularly. Invite students to correspond with you through email.

Ask for directions if you get lost.

Ask your instructor at various points in the course how you are progressing. Discuss areas that are difficult and unclear. Ask for help.

Stop for ice cream.

A good personal system of rewards can be great a motivator to pursuing a task. The expectation of a reward can increase your effectiveness and concentration. So, what's your reward going to be?