



Online degree programs can be an incredibly convenient way for busy adults to pursue continuing education, but they're not for everyone. Getting your degree online requires a number of skills, not only technical but also basic skills like effective time management and self-motivation.

Here are the skills you need at a minimum in order to be successful taking online classes.

Basic Computer Skills

If you are considering getting your degree online, hopefully you already know your way around a computer. It will help if you are already familiar with tasks like navigating your favorite websites, searching for information online, and checking your email. You don't have to be a lightning-fast typist, but to avoid a lot of frustration, you should also know how to type at a reasonable speed. Since you will be nearly all of your coursework on your computer, you should also have a word processing program, and be familiar with how to use its basic features.

Learn the Online Course Management System

The online class system may be a little different than any website you're accustomed to, so it's helpful if you're good at learning your way around a new system. If you are already comfortable navigating the Internet, you should be able to learn the online course system without much trouble, but you should still plan on taking the first couple days to acclimate yourself and get prepared! Make sure you can find all of the information you need in your course, including how to contact the instructor if needed.

Time Management Skills

Online courses are great for people who are very busy, but they still require a significant time commitment if you want to succeed. You will need to be able to analyze your schedule, determine when you can devote time to your online courses, and stay focused when it's time to work on your coursework. You'll also need to be able to plan ahead when you have a big assignment coming up, so that you're not left doing it all at the last minute.

Independent Learning Skills

Successfully navigating an online degree requires more than just good time management skills. You also have to be able to learn well on your own, as opposed to a traditional classroom or lecture environment. Independent learning usually requires reading the text on your own, so your reading comprehension skills will need to be up to the task. In addition, you'll likely need to follow lecture notes and other materials that the instructor posts in the online classroom to supplement the text. Since you won't be in a classroom where you can interact directly with the professor and he or she can see if you're struggling, it'll be up to you to know when you've learned the material well enough to complete the assignments and do well on the exams.

Asking for Help

The online degree format works best for self-starters, but that doesn't mean that you're expected to never need help. Therefore, asking for help when you need it is one of the most important skills for a successful online student. If you feel like you need more assistance in learning the online class system, or if you're struggling on an assignment or with learning the materials, don't hesitate to contact your professor or make use of the school's student services. For instance, at ECPI University we keep class sizes small to enable professors to offer special help when needed, and we also offer free tutoring for students to help you succeed.

CONGRATS #ECPI!!! PROUD TO BE A PART OF THIS ORGANIZATION! http://t.co/8O3vf0bYNU — Mindy Hackler (@Mindy_Hackler) November 12, 2014

Flexible Online Degree Programs that Fit Your Life

If you've ever thought you didn't have the time to get the degree you've always wanted, check out ECPI University's online degree programs. Our online classes offer the flexibility to work around your busy schedule, and our student services, such as free tutoring and career assistance, are there if you need help reaching your goals. Contact us today to find out more about our offerings and learn why ECPI University’s online degree programs are the choice of so many students! It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.

For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.