While completing your online degree or certificate, you’re most likely going to use the Internet for the majority of your research. Just about anybody can post to the Web, so it’s important that you’re critical of the sources you decide to use. Cross-check your information on several different sites before validating.

Also, if the information is taken from a Web site that has no clear professional or scholarly affiliation, check if the information is supported by hyperlinks to the original source or references for the writing. If so, you should click on these links and use those Web sites as a reference rather than the original site.

Source: Bright Hub

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Everyone falls into the trap of being overwhelmed, overworked, and just plain tired of repetitive tasks. When this feeling settles in it’s hard to keep your concentration in check…something highly valued when it comes to absorbing information for class.

Or when you have a discussion post due you might feel it best to throw out the first thing that comes to mind so you can be done with it, right? Don’t think this way, it may be the boredom or sedentary getting the best of you. William Klemm, D.V.M., Ph.D. of Psychology Today shares 12 other ways to improve concentration. One I find most important is fighting boredom.

Dr. Klemm says one of the best ways to fight boredom is by making the target into a competition or game of sorts. By not letting the repetitive task seem like something you do all the time can enliven it for you. Try timing yourself, or taking a different approach to starting the task. Whichever way you approach it, don’t do it the same way everyday.

[Related post: Create Your Own "Success Kit" for Your Online Classes.]

College courses require hours and hours of weekly reading. Even the best students can fall behind. Sometimes, it may seem impossible to catch up if work or family responsibilities have temporarily taken over your study time.

[Not sure what the online environment looks like? Sign up for a virtual open house to get a better idea.]

There is one option for getting back on track: speed-reading. Speed-reading is more than just reading fast. It’s a technique for scanning and pulling out main themes. Speed-reading can also be a good tool for test preparation.

It’s important to read smart as well as fast. Otherwise, you’ll comprehend and remember little — and waste valuable time. Keep in mind that speed-reading can’t help if reading is difficult for you. Talk to an advisor or trusted professor if comprehension is an issue.

Now, if you’re ready to give speed reading a try, here are 8 ½ quick tips – any more would take too long — to incorporate speed reading into your study plan.

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There are many formulas for success, do you have one? Making your own this year may take a load off your shoulders. Think of it as your “back-up” or insurance on yourself for class.

Here are some great tools and sites to add to your kit:

1. Time Tracker
   A to-do-list with a clock. This tool lets you know when you’re spending all of your time on one item, and alerts you to re-allocate time wasted to other efforts.
2. Co-mapping
   Online mind mapping software to manage and share information. You can use it to take notes, plan and organize. It’s a way to have one set of notes, and one set of files.
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