Staff / Faculty

Conference Facilities

Location | Contact

Business & Industry

Online Courses

Degree Programs

Distance Learning

Certifications

Professional Develop.

Personal Enrichment

Safety & Environment

CEUs | Camps

ESL Center

Lang. & Culture Prog.

Credit Lang. Courses

Cultural Workshops

Online College

Dual Enrollment

USDA

High School

Welcome

MSU @ a Distance

What is Distance Learning

Are you READi

How to Succeed

Admission & Registration

Tuition & Fees

myCourses

FAQ's

Course Support

Contact Us

How to Succeed

Independence - Successful distance learners do just as well, if not better, without people looking over their shoulders.

While some people need teachers to keep them motivated and on-task, distance learners are able to motivate themselves. They realize that they will never be face-to-face with the people who give them assignments and grade their work, but they don’t need others to encourage them. The most successful students are self-motivated and set their own goals.

Discipline - Successful distance learners never (or at least rarely) procrastinate.

You’ll rarely find them putting off assignments or waiting until the last moment to write their papers. These students enjoy the freedom of working at their own pace and appreciate the ability to complete their work in as much time as it takes them, instead of waiting for an entire class. However, they understand that putting off their work too often can end up adding months, if not years, to their studies.

Successful distance learners have good reading comprehension skills.

While most people learn by listening to lectures and taking notes, the majority of distance learners are expected to master material through reading alone. Although some distance learning courses offer video recordings and audio clips, most programs require that students understand a large amount of information that is only available through written text. These students are able to comprehend texts at the college level without the direct guidance of a teacher.

Committment - Successful distance learners can resist constant distractions.

Whether it’s the phone ringing off the hook, the kids screaming in the kitchen, or the allure of the tv, everyone faces distractions. Successful students know how to filter out the constant disturbances that threaten their progress. They feel comfortable turning down an invitation or letting the machine pick up the phone when they know there is work to be done.

Successful distance learners feel alright about missing the social elements of traditional schools.

Sure, they realize that they’ll miss out on the homecoming game, the dances, and the student elections, but they’re convinced that the independence is absolutely worth it. Whether they’re mature adult learners who aren’t interested in the fraternity hype, or younger students who get their socialization from extracurricular activities elsewhere, they are comfortable with their current social situation. In place of classroom discussion, they explore the issues with their peers through email and message boards or discuss what they’re learning with spouses or coworkers.

Successful distance learners are comfortable expressing their opinion and taking an active role in communicating ideas.

If you have no problem elaborating on your viewpoints and expressing yourself, you have the potential to do quite well in an online course. Much of your grade depends upon the feedback and insight you provide via online discussions.

Then again, those who tend to be hesitant to speak out also have an advantage. Online programs give those who may not be the most outspoken in a group setting, or those who need some time to formulate their thoughts, the ability to shine. Since most courses follow a similar format - one where you are typically asked to read or review a lesson plan and then post your thoughts to discussion questions - there is a great opportunity to flesh out your ideas and thoughts. Some students feel the engagement of an online class is actually higher than in the traditional setting because everyone has a chance to sound off, and interaction is encouraged across the board. Shyness no longer matters.

Successful distance learners are comfortable with technology.

You'll need to be. Although many colleges and universities make the transition from the classroom to the computer virtually seamless, the nature of online learning is technologically demanding. You'll need to be familiar and comfortable with the Internet, downloading software (when necessary), and simulating all classroom activities (discussions, question-and-answer, quizzes and tests, etc.) online.

Successful distance learners are able to actively participate.

Contribute your ideas, perspective, and comments on the subject you are studying, and read about those of your classmates.  Your instructor is not the only source of information in your course--you can gain great insight from your peers and they can learn from you as we.

Successful distance learners log on to their course everyday or at least 4 to 5 times per week.

Once you get into the online system, you will be eager to see who has commented on your postings and read the feedback of your instructor and peers.  You will also be curious to see who has posted something new that you can comment on.  If you let too many days go by without logging on to your course discussion group, you will get behind and find it very difficult to catch up.

Successful distance learners are willing to speak up and seek help when there is a problem.

Many of the non-verbal communication mechanisms that instructors use in determining whether learners are having problems (confusion, frustration, boredom, absence, etc.) are not possible in the online paradigm.  If a learner is experiencing difficulty on any level (either with the technology or with the course content), s/he must communicate this immediately.  Otherwise the instructor will never know what is wrong.

Only you can determine if distance learning is right for you. Convenience is a key reason students enroll in distance learning courses. Factors such as your job, location, and family commitments can make it difficult for you to take on-campus courses. While convenience is clearly a benefit, it is only one factor you should consider. The amount of time required to complete a distance course is comparable to that expected of an on-campus course. Other factors to consider are your learning style preferences and motivation, time management, computer and Internet skills, and access to equipment and computers.