Do you have what it takes to survive an online education program? Online education survival skills are imperative to any education. Why? Before graduation, 33.5% of all college students will take at least one online class before graduating. To receive your diploma and successfully enter the job market with new credentials and knowledge, you might need to hone your ability to succeed in an online classroom. Below are four strategies to survive your online class or program.

One: Know the Course Requirements

Course requirements are often non-negotiable. You fulfill them or you fail. Before you sign up for the class, read the description. Look out for requirements that you might not be able to fulfill. If you don’t see any red flags, you might be safe. Make sure you read the syllabus as soon as the professor sends it just to be sure.

You’re looking for requirements that you might not be able to fulfill. Some online classes, for example, require that students complete labs, seminars, or workshops on campus a few times throughout the semester. Others require a certain number of hours volunteering. If you can’t fulfill the requirements, you might want to email the professor to see if they can work with you on an alternative. Drop the class if they can’t offer an alternative.

Two: Proper Technology

Ensure that you have access to good technology before signing up for the class. Most courses will have minimum technology requirements in their course description. Some courses equip their students with technology they will require. University of Southern California’s library science program, for example, provides iPad minis, headsets, and webcams.

Most courses you will need to acquire all of the tech yourself. This can get expensive. Here are a few tactics to conserve your money:

• Utilize the internet at your public library or local coffee shop.
• Rather than purchase a new computer, transform your tablet into a laptop by purchasing a wireless keyboard and apps of the programs you will require like Microsoft Works.
• If you’re computer doesn’t meet base requirements, arrange to borrow one that does when you “attend class.” After class, do your homework on your trusty dinosaur computer.

Three: Plan Ahead – Experiment with New Tech.

Online classes tend to rely more heavily on technology. Knowledge of computers, ipads, and the internet are a must. Some courses may have adopted online platforms like Second Life. The technologically confused can increase their chances of succeeding by acquainting themselves with the tech and programs before they need to use them. You can do this by:

• Experimenting with various functions and features of the tech.
• Asking technologically advanced friends and family to walk you through how to use the tech.
• Looking for articles online to walk you through how to use the tech.

Four: Utilize the Professor

With online courses, it’s vital that you maintain contact with your professor. Traditional students can succeed without emailing, skyping, or chatting with their professor. Online students may not have the luxury of asking questions in class or becoming invested in intellectual conversations with their peers. Due to those gaps, you may need to push yourself out of your comfort zone to interact with your professor.

Success in an online program or class may require extra preparation and attention to detail. By paying attention to class requirements, having access to the right technology, acquainting yourself with that technology, and utilizing the professor, you can succeed.

We welcome your feedback to our work.

Email:  General Information   |   Dr. Daniel de Roulet   |   Prof. David C. Pecoraro

Thank you!

Daniel & David

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Surviving An Online Education