5 Tips for Being a Successful Online Student

For as long as students have gone away to college, they've needed to develop skills to succeed. Maintaining good grades in any institution of higher learning requires regular class attendance and good study habits.

At Concorde Career College, we have several programs designed to pair the flexibility of online education with the hands-on learning environments of classrooms and labs.

While each has unique benefits, being a successful online student calls for a different set of skills. Without the hallmarks of the traditional college experience, online students must have top-notch organization skills and be able to keep themselves on track.

Considering an online degree program? Here are five characteristics, you'll need to succeed in an online learning environment.

1. Managing time well

Doing well in your online courses will require mastering use of your time. According to About Education, how well you manage your time is one of the biggest determinants of success in your online studies. Select a time of day when you tend to be most productive and devote that period to your studies consistently.

2. Creating an ideal study environment anywhere

Online learning from home can present challenges because you face more distractions - the dog that wants to be let out, the clothes that need folding, the dinner that needs cooking.

Whether you're working at home or from your grandmother's house during the holidays, you'll need the ability to create an impromptu study space where you can concentrate. To set up your space anywhere, try the following tips:

• Find a well-lit spot that is away from significant activity
• If you need quiet for studying, make sure you have noise-canceling headphones, and use a white noise app on your phone
• Try a coffee shop or library if other spaces won't work
• Schedule studying when distractions are at a minimum, such as when children are sleeping

3. Staying exceptionally organized

Without the set-in-stone schedule that traditional students enjoy, you'll need to develop your own ways to stay on top of your work, as U.S. News & World Report notes.

Add all your assignment due dates to your calendar, whether on the wall, on your computer or on your smartphone.

If you're concerned about forgetting key deadlines, set reminders on your phone or computer.

4. Initiating interaction with others

Working on your own as an online student can become isolating, but there are multiple ways you can - and should - reach out to others.

Take advantage of the interactive features of your online classes, including chat rooms, forums and video conferencing. Sharing knowledge with other students will enhance your online learning experience.

5. Balancing competing obligations

As an online student, you likely have other commitments, such as a family and a part-time or full-time job.

One of the advantages of online learning is the flexibility that enables nontraditional students to learn where and when they can. Develop a schedule for learning that works with your personal obligations and preferences.

With a little patience and planning, you can develop skills that help you master the art of online learning. Remember that everyone has good and bad days, and the key is persistence over the long term.

To get started on your educational journey, choose among more than 20 health care career programs offered by Concorde Career Colleges.