Student Support
7 Tips for Success Online

Following these tips will help you be successful in an online course.

Tip #1
When it comes to managing your study time, plan on being self-disciplined and self-motivated.

Online courses offer students convenient access to courses and flexibility in their schedule, but in order to succeed as an online student you must be self-disciplined and self-motivated. You won't have the benefit of regularly scheduled, face-to-face class meetings to keep you motivated and on track.

Gilbert, S. D. (2001). How to be a Successful Online Student. New York: McGraw-Hill.

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Tip #2
Be prepared to complete most of your online course work in written form.

Are you comfortable communicating in writing? Chances are that most of your online course work will be done in written form. Online courses often use text-based discussion boards, chat and e-mail for communication.

Gilbert, S. D. (2001). How to be a Successful Online Student. New York: McGraw-Hill.

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Tip #3
Be prepared to receive most of your online course materials in written form.

Are you a patient and methodical reader? In order to succeed online you should be able to read and process the written course material carefully and thoroughly.

Gilbert, S. D. (2001). How to be a Successful Online Student. New York: McGraw-Hill.

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Tip #4
Plan on devoting more time to your online course than you would to a face-to-face course.

Be prepared to log on to your course site everyday in order to stay current with the course materials and activities. It's not unusual for students to devote more time to online courses than they would to face-to-face courses.

Gilbert, S. D. (2001). How to be a Successful Online Student. New York: McGraw-Hill.

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Tip #5
Make sure you are comfortable using the required technology for your course or else be prepared to acquire new technology skills.

Are you comfortable using a web browser, the myASU/Blackboard course management system and word processing software? If not, be prepared to learn how to use these and any other required tools on your own. A great place to start is the ASU Online and Extended Campus student tutorials section.

Gilbert, S. D. (2001). How to be a Successful Online Student. New York: McGraw-Hill.

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Tip #6
Make sure you have all the necessary hardware and software in place before your course begins.

Before you begin your online course, make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements posted at ASU Online and Extended Campus. Check the Computing Requirements section to view configuration recommendations. You'll also need to make sure you have a reliable Internet connection.

Gilbert, S. D. (2001). How to be a Successful Online Student. New York: McGraw-Hill.

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Tip #7
Be prepared to ask for help if you are having difficulties.

If you are having difficulties with the course, let your instructor know immediately. If you experience technical problems, contact UTO Help Desk immediately at or (480) 965-6500.

Gilbert, S. D. (2001). How to be a Successful Online Student. New York: McGraw-Hill.

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