School is a big time commitment, and the advice you’ll get is similar to what you’ll hear as a first time parent. Things like, “your priorities will change” and “it’s not just about you anymore, it’s a big commitment!” You may nod and smile in response, but don’t let others deter you from pursuing your dreams. If getting a degree online is in your plans to further your working knowledge, and to satisfy your curiousity then go for it! Just make sure to educate yourself on what you’ll expect before you enroll online.

1.  Make sure you’re comfortable managing your time.
Since the format is virtual, you won’t have a professor coming up to your desk in class asking why you’ve been missing so many assignments. Online learning is at your own pace, but the only person reminding you to check assignments and discussion board posts will be yourself. You’ll need to develop some great time management skills quick in order to stay on top.

2.  The school should be regionally or nationally accredited, or both.
Accreditation is an important factor in deciding on investing in higher education. While there are many different types of accrediting agencies, the important thing to know is that the accrediting agency is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (www.chea.org) – which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

3.  You need to be comfortable using technology…for just about the entirety of your program.
Since the online education format is solely online, you will be reliant on your internet connection and laptop/desktop. You can’t use your car breaking down, or dog eating your homework as an excuse for missing assignments. Check out the school’s technology requirements first.

4.  There are several ways to make connections with classmates. Just because you’re online doesn’t mean you’re alone.
This is a big question for many looking at online schools. And even though you don’t have the daily interaction with peers in the physical sense, there is always interaction through social mediums like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and also inside the classroom. Online learning can, for some, be more productive and beneficial in terms of absorbing information because there isn’t the distraction of being in a physical classroom. It’s just about the relay of information from one source, your professor and peers, to another, you.

5.  Once you apply, make sure to develop a working relationship with your academic advisor.
Don’t wait until after registering for too many classes. Make first contact after you’ve applied to the school of your choice. Once you’re in there are 5 questions you should ask up front. Ask them if transfer credit should be used, or if you’re in the right degree program.

[Learn more about online education programs at American Public University.]

Once you’ve followed my list you should be ready to begin your program. Don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. Online education is a great medium of delivery for education, but it does have its challenges. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to your advisor or sign up with a tutor. Your education is what you make of it, so make the most out of your experience.

By J. Mason

Illustration by Mark A. Hicks

For the student who has too much on their mind, this post is dedicated to you…

In any given week think about the amount of lists you produce of things that need to get done. What’s the issue here? Unless it’s built around a schedule that works for you, you’ll forget about the lists and you won’t get these things done. I’ve emphasized on here before about limiting distractions. While this is an ideal concept, it’s nearly impossible for those with family and work obligations. I sugggest giving into the distraction from time to time to be more constructive.

For those looking for inspiration try 43 Folders. It’s a snarky site with great information to really get your creative mind in gear. Say you’re having issues coming up with talking points. Type into their search something on that topic and check out the results. If the perfect answer doesn’t come up, don’t be shy about posting your own question. Think of it as an intellectual Yahoo! Answers. It’s another way to gain perspective, and a different viewpoint.

By: J. Mason

Have you caught yourself staring at the computer screen lately, mind a blur, drool dribbling down your chin, and papers strewn everywhere? Do you know the signs of burnout when you see them, because if you don’t you may be headed for a widespsread circuit combustion if you’re not careful.

Like a computer, the more items running in the background the slower the computer. When you over extend yourself you get burned out quicker, and the projects you’re working on for school can suffer in terms of quality. Make sure to check your internal “task manager” to see where your energy usage is being spent, it could help you out in the long run.

Here’s a great list of energy zappers from Sherrie Bourg Carter, Psy.D. via High Octane Women:

• Wearing tight clothes
• Sporting high heels
• Clutter
• Working straight through without breaking
• Negative people
• Heavy lunches and junk food

Most online students work from the comfort of their couch or home office, so the heels may not be applicable, but uncomfortable clothing could be. Wear sweats, or slightly looser clothing when you’re powering through a big term paper. As for clutter, it causes anxiety, and gives you something else to be distracted about. If you don’t have time to tidy up a certain area move to a different part of the house with minimal distractions.

[related: 4 Tips for Succeeding in an Online College Course]

Working straight through can be very daunting, and puts a lot of pressure on yourself to finish by a certain time. Space out the work, and don’t put it off!

Last but not least, negative people and food. If your friends or family have nothing positive to say at a time of high stress, tell them (politely) you’ll talk later and leave it at that. And junk food, while tasty it’s a wreck on our bodies. The heavier the meal the more sluggish you’ll feel, and motivation will take a rest with you.

If you’ve felt like you’re on hyper speed lately then you probably need to slow down a bit. Take the time to prioritize what you’re working on, and find a happy medium that fits with your class schedule and time constraints.

By: J. Mason

Nothing prepares you more for school than your student handbook. You got them in grade school, something your parents had to sign that you read…even though you probably never did. What you’ll find in the handbook can amaze you though, and it will save you from waiting on an answer from someone.

Things you can expect to find in your handbook:

• Information on transfer credit
• How to register for classes
• The drop/withdrawal policy at your school
• Writing standards
• Information on exams; this is particularly helpful for those new to online learning
• Your rights as a student, as well as guidelines
• Tuition and Fees information
• Features inside the classroom

If you don’t believe me, go see for yourself. Having something like this at your fingertips is super useful, and should be kept with you throughout your studies. If you’re not sure where to find it reach out to your advisor, or a fellow classmate.

By: J. Mason

A huge thanks to eLearners.com for inspiring this post!

For online and offline students alike, group work can mean headaches.  It’s tough coordinating schedules, personalities, priorities, etc. But, fear not, loyal readers! We’ve come to your rescue.

Check out these tips to group work in an online setting!

1. Bond with your team members
2. Clearly identify (and assign) the work required
3. Identify clear tasks necessary to accomplish the goal
4. Simplify the tasks and break them up into steps
5. Develop a communication plan
6. Build in rewards for working together

As far as I’m concerned, my top tip form this list is the communication plan. When you’re bringing people from different time zones, backgrounds, experiences together… it’s paramount that you establish expectations and even rules for communication.  Is your team going to touch base daily by 10pm EST? Weekly on Sundays? Figure out what works best for everyone and go from there.

If you want to read more about the tips above, check out this guide!

Read more: Online University – Is it right for me?

By N. Cooper

Sure, you’re reading a lot for classes, but after you’ve set aside classwork are you done with reading? Newspapers count in terms of staying current, and top of matters of your state, technology, and new developments, but what about reading from a book?

[Check Out eBooks Instantly From the Library]

Smartphones and technology have really taken us away from things, like books, that used to supply us with entertainment. Now, I’m speaking more to book worms with that notion, but it’s good to read a book (it can be under 200 pages) every now and then. Reading challenges your mind to create scenarios spelled out through words, and it could also improve cognitive thinking. For some, myself in particular, reading can be calming as well. If you’re the type to fall asleep a few pages in, then try reading short stories.

[related: Special Podcast - 4 Tips for Succeeding in an Online College Course]

Books don’t bite, and carving a half hour to an hour out of your day for a chapter in a book won’t hurt you. Give the written word a try, and turn off the TV for a little while!

We all suffer from it… lack of sleep, exhaustion, the itis… whatever you want to call it; it downright STINKS.  I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that there have been times where I’ve felt like I can’t possibly keep going, I can’t possibly finish my homework tonight, and I can’t possibly wake up for work this morning.

Here are a few tips that’ll help keep you on your toes… allowing for you to keep going, finish your homework tonight, AND make it to work this morning!

1. Exercise. I know, this isn’t a blog about exercise — but the healthier you are, the better you’ll be able to perform in school, at work, etc.  Work in at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity every day or two… you’ll feel a difference.
2. Eat better! It’s so easy to order a pizza or microwave a frozen dinner after a long day of work and schoolwork and family.  I get it.  But, it’s just as easy to toss a few chicken breasts in the crock pot in the morning, or throw together a salad instead.  Again, you’ll feel the difference and your brain and body will thank you!
3. Don’t multitask. When you’re working on school work, work on school work.  Easier said than done, I’m aware.  But the more focused you are on the task at hand, the more efficiently, thoroughly and quickly you’ll be able to get it done.
4. Rinse and repeat. Okay, so maybe don’t rinse, but it’s a good idea to review the last thing you learned when you sit down to study and move forward.  Nothing like a good memory jog!
5. Get those 8 hours. Or as close as you can.  You can’t expect your body and mind to work with you if you’re not giving it what it needs: rest!

What other tips do you put into practice to keep yourself in tip top shape?

By N. Cooper

Remember the old adage; if you cheat in school, you ultimately cheat yourself? So, what exactly is cheating? Generally speaking, it’s when someone plagiarizes material, fabricates false data or citations, lies to an instructor to gain an academic advantage, or simply copies someone’s answers on a test. Call it academic dishonesty. Because the Internet is a vast and powerful tool (coupled with the ease-of-use a computer provides in accessing and copying material), the question of academic integrity in online education has attracted attention from time to time.

For example, check out pro tennis player, Serena William’s cheeky postgame interview at the 2011 US Open (starting at the 37 second mark). She jokes that she hopes her sister, Venus would take her online classes for her because, “she’s really smart.” It’s funny. And yes, there sometimes persists the misnomer that academic dishonesty occurs more frequently with online learning than in traditional classrooms. However, the reality is that when cheating occurs, it’s at all levels of education, in the classroom and online. Here’s an interesting Academic Cheating Fact Sheet  provided by the Ad Council.

Look, it’s simple. Online education does provide convenience at a distance, but you’ll find that there are more people who are self-disciplined and truly dedicated to lifelong learning than not. The advantages of online learning, particularly at American Public University, is that students are taught by scholar-practitioners, many who are distinguished leaders working in their fields. The curriculum they teach is assessed constantly and updated based on guidance from industry advisory councils. We’re talking about successful leaders who are at the top of their game. The knowledge and experience online academic programs impart is meant to help students develop important, lifelong skills that could impact their professional abilities. So, why would anyone want to cut corners and pass up these great educational opportunities?

In this day and age when online education is closely tied to professional development and designed to prepare graduates for real-world implementation, that old adage may be even truer. Besides, not all of us have smarter big sisters.

By J. Thompson
Online Learning Tips Staff

Nothing says, I don’t care to write the very best, than a term paper, presentation, or resume that’s riddled with typos and grammatical errors. Look, typos happen. If only we had our own staff of editors and communication experts. Instead, we have spellcheck. So, until that happens, use these proofreading tips to elevate your game.

Avoid the Texting Effect

In a world where Tweets and texts emphasize convenience and abbreviations that would make Shakespeare blush, it’s important that you leave enough time to think about your subject material before writing discussion board posts and class papers. Remember, you’re communicating with professors and classmates, not your best friend. In short, slow down and give yourself the time to clearly articulate your thoughts. Don’t rush.

Use the Grammar Buddy System

Let’s assume you’ve spent a dozen hours researching and writing a paper on a complex topic. Sometimes you can get “too close” to the subject material to the point it’s mentally exhausting. This is where errors creep in and can ruin the quality of your work. One of the first things you should do is find a learning partner with opinions and editing abilities you can trust. Make a pact with your buddy that once you complete a draft, that he or she will read it with an eye for grammar and messaging. In return, you will provide the same free service to your grammar buddy. You’ll be surprised how well this works not only in spotting errors, but also in getting feedback that can actually improve your work.

Read it Backwards

A screenwriter with an Oscar on his mantel once mentioned this little editing trick. Take each page of your document and start at the end. Let your eyes skip backwards (right to left) across each line of the page and up to the beginning. It takes a little getting used to, because you’re not reading for messaging. You might be surprised how quickly your eyes jump to a typo, homonym or grammatical error.

Print It

There’s only so much artificial lighting from a computer monitor that your eyes can take before your mind turns to mush. Sometimes it is best to print off your work, get comfortable and edit on paper. Plus, you can easily write notes, which you can come back to later. Just don’t forget to recycle your used paper.

These tips are simple, effective, and they will save you time. More importantly, good proofreading skills can result in better grades and will translate into even more success when you’re communicating in the workplace.

By J. Thompson
Online Learning Tips Staff

We all have our favorite bookmarked websites and tools for class, some are better than others. The great thing about educational tools/apps is that they can double for work and life. Below is a list of some of my favorite tools and sites that I use regularly.

• Instapaper: It reserves an article I was reading, and didn’t get to finish.
• iCyte: This is a GREAT research tool. Whether you’re looking for something specific for school, or you need to know more about the latest development on zoning. You can take notes, organize your thoughts and more.
• gDoc Fusion: This tool is great for those documents you get that you can’t open from an email. You can also merge documents, and share information faster.
• Wordweb: For that word you just can’t think of a synonym for, or a definition of something on an article, this tool bails you out and tells you what you want to know. After downloading you simply press and hold down Ctrl+Alt+W and a window pops up with suggestions.
• Toodledo: We all could use a little more organization in our lives, and thats what this provides. It’s an online to do list that helps you track the things you need to get done.

There are a lot more to choose from on our tools and links page. What are your favorite tools for school that keep you in-line and at the head of your class?

By: J. Mason