Managing Your Online Education

Taking classes in an online environment requires a different skill set and physical tools than you need for taking classes in a traditional classroom. For one thing you are not likely to ever meet your professor face to face and nearly 100% of all communication between you, your instructors and your classmates will be in the written form. This means that any personal charisma you may have relied on in earlier education will no longer be there for you unless you manage to translate that charisma through your fingers on the keyboard.

The requirements for succeeding and doing well with a Utah online education can be divided into two categories: personal and technological. For both areas you should make sure you have:

• A decent computerMany of the newer online education technologies make use of the latest in computer processing capabilities to function optimally. Thouogh you don't need a super-computer or even a system purchased within the last year, the computer you plan to use for your online classes should be no more than a decade old.
• A high-speed Internet connection: While it is possible to attend classes online while using a dial-up connection it is not recommended at all and the long waits and unreliability may cause substantial problems in the long run.
• Basic computer literacy: Understanding how to use a computer at the most basic levels in order to communicate is critical. You should be able to surf the Internet, check e-mails and understand logging in and out as well as be able to use basic word-processing software. If you do not possess these skills, you can learn it at your local community college.
• Good written communication skills: While you don't have to be English Teacher perfect, you should be able to type reasonably well (or you can learn), be able to express yourself well in the written form, and not be afraid of typing up a report or two that will represent you and all that you have learned for your grade.
• Good time management skills: If you can manage your time well without procrastinating, then you are a good candidate for online study. If you have trouble juggling several ongoing tasks and responsibilities in life, then you may find the online environment hectic and difficult to cope with.
• Self-motivational ability: It helps students in traditional classrooms to have to attend class on a regular basis and have their teacher remind them regularly when tests are coming up, how well everyone did on the last test, what the questions will be and just provide general guidance. Online education is more like working in a bubble; you will not interact much with your classmates beyond an occasional e-mail or chat room group. You should be able to keep yourself motivated and on track to complete your degree.