Many schools have provided students with the option of taking college courses through distance learning. As a student and faculty member, this writer has seen a number of mistakes made by students taking courses online. The purpose of this article is to show the ways students can eliminate common mistakes made in distance learning courses.

Prior to the start of the class, students should read the syllabus. The student should ensure the course that is offered online is something she can learn on her own. In the distance learning arena, faculty members are known as facilitators instead of teachers. The difference between facilitators and teachers is the facilitator is there to provide guidance to the students. The student is held more responsible for their learning in the distance learning classes. After reading the syllabus, if the student feels she will not be successful in the distance learning course, she should take the course as a face-to-face class if the option is available.

Next, at the start of every work week, the student should examine the requirements for the week and plan their schedule accordingly. For example, as an online doctoral learner, this writer receives the list of assignments due for that week every Monday. Every week, three discussion questions have to be researched and completed, two responses to the peer's discussions must be completed three out of seven days, and a major paper is due every Monday. Based on the week, the work is divided by the day. The lightest days are Tuesday through Friday and the heaviest are Sunday and Monday. The days the initial discussion question is completed two responses to the peer's postings are also completed. Some distance learning courses have similar guidelines so it would be in the student's best interest to create a schedule to assist her in completing assignments in a timely manner.

Another characteristic of the distance learning courses is the completion of team projects. One common mistake made by some team members is waiting until the last minute to complete their portion of the assignment. When students act in that manner, they are not taking the other students in consideration. One of the most important things to do when participating in a team assignment is to come up with a team charter. The charter should contain the team member's contact information, each member's strengths and weaknesses (APA formatting, Word, PowerPoint, etc), the goals of the team, a timeline for submission of the assignment, and a conflict resolution process. Another tactic a student can take is to be proactive instead of reactive. The student can take a look at the project, break the project down by section, and highlight the section she would like to complete with a deadline attached to the assignment. If the student is proactive in this manner, she has the opportunity to show her leadership abilities as well as be a team player.

Last but not least, when taking a distance learning course, the student should set aside plenty of time to study. In the distance learning class this writer facilitates, the students have at least six quizzes and three exams. The students have the ability to use all of their resources during the exams; however the exams are timed. The biggest mistake the students make is not studying for the exams because of their ability to use their resources. Students have to make time to study in order to successfully complete their distance learning courses.

Learn more about this author, Tamika Steward.
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