Don't Be a Dropout: 7 Secrets of Successful Online Students

A recent report found that community college students enrolled in online courses were more likely to fail their classes or drop out of school than those learning in a traditional classroom, but it also indicated how savvy students could succeed in the online format. With demand for online classes overwhelming community colleges, those institutions need to help their students--many of whom have jobs and/or families--adapt to the online education.
Researchers at the Community College Research Center at Columbia University studied 51,000 community college students enrolled in Washington State community and technical colleges from 2004 to 2009. The study authors cite several reasons why community college students may not graduate from online schools, including technical difficulties, isolation, lack of structure and poor time management skills. Their findings echo the results of a 2010 analysis of the Virginia Online enrollment is growing at a record pace, according to the nonprofit education group The Sloan Consortium. Additionally, the Department of Education released a report in 2009 suggesting that learning outcomes in online education were generally equal to those in face-to-face classrooms. So what gives?
Research indicates that successful online students generally share certain characteristics, including motivation, strong support systems and good time management skills. Here are seven tips that can help you succeed in the online environment.

7 secrets of successful online students

1. Pick the right online college: Before forking over your hard-earned money for tuition, make sure the program you've selected offers the resources you need, including 24-hour technical support. Find out how classes are structured. Will you be able to contact an instructor for extra help when you need it? Will you complete all work independently or be assigned group projects? If the program offers sparse support services, you may be better off looking elsewhere.
2. Have the right computer and connection: It may seem obvious, but to be successful in online courses, you need to have the right hardware and software. Make sure your computer is able to run any programs needed to complete course assignments. In addition, since many online schools require students to download documents or stream videos and lectures, a high-speed Internet connection is a must.
3. Be goal-oriented: Successful students, even those enrolled in online elementary schools, are the ones who can keep themselves motivated by setting clear goals and focusing on concrete steps to get there. Maybe it is finding other online students to act as accountability partners or rewarding yourself after each successful course.
4. Create a schedule: Just because a course is online doesn't mean it is any less rigorous than an on-campus class. The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point recommends you log in to your online course every day. If that's not possible, you should shoot for a minimum of three to five times per week. Determine when you are most focused during the day and schedule a block of time to spend on your studies. Then, stick to it. A three- or four-credit class may require five to 10 hours of study each week.
5. Avoid time sucks: Strong time management skills are a must if you plan to earn an online degree. Visiting Facebook 20 times when you should be writing an essay is not a smart study habit. If you lack the self-discipline to stop surfing the web, it may be time to install a filter on your computer. You can avoid other time sucks by setting up a work space in a separate room away from family and other distractions.
6. Connect with other students: Isolation isn't good for anyone, especially online students. Reaching out to others students, both online and offline, can increase your chances of success. You can find other online students at discussion sites such as College Confidential or, if your online college has a nearby campus, you may be able to join a study group there.
7. Participate in class discussions: Online schooling isn't meant to be a passive activity. You get out of it what you put into it. Many online programs require a minimum amount of participation. However, you can gain more from your coursework and likely be more motivated to complete your degree if you go beyond just the bare minimum.

Getting an online degree isn't rocket science--unless, of course, you are studying rocket science. Otherwise, all you need is to follow a few simple steps while keeping your eye on the prize and that degree can be yours.