by Penny S. Vincent

Created on: October 29, 2007   Last Updated: September 01, 2009

Attending an on-line university is much different from attending an on-campus one. It's difficult enough to decide which courses to take, or what degree to pursue. However, a person attending on-line courses must also decide whether to take synchronous classes, asynchronous classes, or a combination of both types of classes (I found this to be the best way for me). Synchronous classes means having regularly scheduled seminars, and set deadlines for assignments. Asynchronous usually means having no set seminars or set schedule, and entirely at your own pace. Having chosen the type of classes and particular degree, finding the right on-line school becomes the next obstacle.

Not every on-line school offers the same courses or degrees. Not every school is accredited or recognized as being legitimate universities. Nor does every school offer financial aid, scholarships, or is eligible for students applying for Stafford Loans or Pell grants. Thus, it is can become quite a challenge to attend on-line universities right from the start. Moreover, not every person will make a good on-line university student. However, every student can improve his or her chances of success.

If a person is considering an on-line education, he or she should make sure to be comfortable with using various software applications, and the Internet. Applications such as Microsoft Office 2003 and chat room technology are especially important for the student. An on-line pupil must also use good reading and reading comprehension skills. A person considering taking on-line courses might want to practice or improve his or her reading by going to some sites similar to http://www.helium.com/ and reading articles of interest to them.

An on-line student will find himself or herself doing many research papers and writing many essays. More than are usually done in on-campus classes. Utilizing the on-line tutorials and learning centers facilitate the learning process. Using the Spelling and Grammar Check, with all options checked will also help the student build written communications skills. Utilizing websites such as http://www.mindtools.com and http://www.accd.edu/sac/history/keller/ACCDitg/SSind ex.htm will be of assistance too. These sites help improve the student's time and stress management skills, as well as critical thinking skills. Taking the university's orientation, student academic, software applications, and composition courses during the first semester will greatly improve these skills as

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