Online courses are becoming more popular for traditional and non-traditional students. Not that long ago online courses were frowned upon and often struggled for respect and accreditation. Those days are behind us now as entire degree programs are available online.

While many online courses and programs are available success is not automatic. In some ways online study simplifies life such as in allowing adult students the liberty to schedule study time around family and work responsibilities. However, online study can raise potential problems because students are forced to fit study time into their schedules rather than fitting their schedules around a designated class time. Procrastination can be a trap for busy adult students.

Are there tips to success with online study? Yes. The suggestions I offer are based upon my experience as a student and an online instructor of college courses. I have done or seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to online courses. What tips can I offer based upon my experience?

1) Stay current. Stay current with your assignments. Neil Sedaka sang "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" and catching up is hard to do too. Many courses carry time limitations such as 8 or 10 weeks. Do not procrastinate because the end has a way of coming faster than you think. I suggest creating a study schedule during the week and stick with it. It may be a large block of time or smaller sections of time spread across the week. The wonderful part of online study is that you can schedule this time where it will not conflict with work or family activities.

2) Stay focused. Why are you pursuing online study in the first place? Keep your goal in mind. Write it down if you need to and post it in numerous places around the house so that you are reminded daily what you want to achieve. Since I was a boy my dream was to one day earn a Ph.D. It took years of hard work as an adult student but I received my degree in 2006. You can accomplish your academic and professional goals but you must stay focused. Actions will push you closer to your goals than will good intentions.

3) Be organized. Online study is another ball many adults through into the juggling act that is they lives. It requires a concerted effort to keep the balls in their proper place so the juggling act does not crash to the floor. Effective routines can help.

When I was in school my school section of the house was a corner of our bedroom where I had a small computer

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