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How To Succeed With Your Online Education

Many new students find themselves unprepared – the concept of instant, online learning can be deceiving. Although you can often make your own hours, you still need to do some planning ahead. A Masters in Education program is still an intensive experience, one that requires you bring your organizational skills to the table, even if that table is in your dining room.

Here are some tips:

• Give your materials plenty of time to arrive: Order your books early. Make sure your computer access will work for you – if you are sharing, schedule out your time. If your internet connection is shaky, find out what you need to do to ensure consistency.
• Plan out your homework schedule ; not having to commute to a classroom can give you a false sense of ease. That work still needs to be completed.
• Online courses are just as hard as in-person classes, using the same materials, the same syllabus and the same tests. Don’t assume just because you can work in your jammies that the curriculum is equally as relaxed.
• Communicate regularly with your professor – they expect to hear from you if you have questions or issues. Unlike a physical class, they don’t see you nodding off, looking confused or raising your hand. They don’t know that you are out there unless you “speak” up.
• Communicate with your peers. Online education doesn’t mean you need to feel isolated! Use the message boards, the chat features and the round robins with other students attending the same classes and working towards the same goals.