subject: Online Degrees - Study Tips For Online Programs [print this page] While the convenience of online university programs is a huge benefit, there are some specific concerns or challenges that students may have when they embark on this type of program. Staying on task while studying online degrees can prove to be more challenging than traditional university courses. That is because without a professor or peers standing right there to keep the student's interest, it's easy to venture out into all the other entertainment options of the internet, for example. To help prevent this, experts recommend that students that are new to online study evaluate their own study skills and practices, to figure out what sort of program might work out best for them.
One of the most important components to staying on task when undertaking the studies that are necessary for online degrees is setting up a work schedule. This should involve not only the time it takes to go through the online course itself, but then any extra study time that is necessary. Many online courses require that their students take part in discussion portions of the virtual classroom, either with organized chat times, or with a forum that students can post questions and answers in to hold an ongoing discussion.
If it's also necessary to juggle another type of reading list or further work research projects along with the main coursework, this will also need to fit into any type of time budget. These are all things to think about when you are attempting to determine whether or not online degrees will really fit into your schedule at this time. The time that it takes to earn a degree requires more than simply the classroom time, which is what many people might not think about right off the bat. That can then lead to a dropout rate that could be avoided with a proper work and study schedule.
For those online degrees that also require a research component or thesis project, it may be a good idea to hire the services of a tutor as well as the initial professor's assistance. This could also be scheduled with a work internship or apprenticeship that gives the type of real life experience that is so important down the road for employers. While helpful in the long run, this is also something that may take more time out of your initial schedule. By meeting with an academic counselor right off the bat, it may be possible to avoid any of these surprises.
