We asked our HACC online faculty members to describe the skills, behaviors, and personal attributes of a successful online student. (As you read each, ask yourself – “Does this describe me?”)

Personal Attributes of Successful Online Students

• Self-disciplined
• Highly motivated
• Accept personal responsibility
• Enthusiastic & Interested in Learning
• Open to learning new skills
• Dedicated to their success
• Inquisitive mind
• Patient
• Persistent
• Open-mindedness
• Willing to work hard
• Courteous and kind
• Good listener
• Realistic about time
• Independent thinker
• Self-starter

Skills of Successful Online Students

• Strong organizational skills
• Pre-requisite skills/knowledge that the course requires
• Basic knowledge of Windows operating system
• Computer and Internet proficiency
• Understanding the power of the computer and Web resources – research is easier on the Web
• Working knowledge of the course environment
• Good to strong reading and English comprehension skills
• Good English writing skills – an organized, concise, and clear writing style aids online communications.
• Good basic study skills and habits
• Good listening skills.
• Ability to follow written instructions.
• Good planning skills – plan time each week to read and complete assignments and assessments. (Plan additional hours each week to work on semester-long projects.)

Behaviors of Successful Online Students

• Set aside time needed for coursework.
• For a 3-credit, 15-week course, the student should be able to dedicate approximately 10-15 hours per week to the course. (This will vary depending on student aptitude, skill, prior knowledge of subject matter, and instructor expectations.)
• Designate specific times each week to work on the course and stick to it!
• Keep in contact with the professor and ask questions if trouble or questions arise.
• Communicate your need for assistance with other students – often someone will be able to help.
• Actively participate in online discussions.
• Be willing to assist classmates who may need help.
• Read the syllabus carefully and keep a copy handy for reference.
• Keep up with reading – carefully read all instructions.
• Stay on top of assignments and meet due dates – don’t procrastinate until the end of week.
• Plan ahead – spread the workload and review the material evenly throughout the week.
• Work with your assigned team members if there is a team assignment.
• Have a goal for each logon session – this will help you accomplish what you need to get done.
• Head off problems early by asking questions as soon as a difficulty arises.
• Venture beyond the classroom – the material provided in class is just the beginning!
• Make use of HACC’s excellent online library services.
• Take advantage of on-campus and online student services, such as tutoring.
• Create your material offline in a word processor, then copy and paste into course textboxes or upload as an attachment. This allows you to edit efficiently and provides a backup copy in case you are disconnected from your course.
• Plan on 10 minutes a day M-F to check for emails and announcements from your instructor.
• Immerse yourself in the material, don’t merely memorize it. (Try to teach it to someone else and think of other examples not given in the text.)
• Expect that online courses may be more difficulty than in a face-to-face classroom.
• Expect to be self-taught in many regards – actively seek out information.
• Take all assignments, no matter how small, seriously.
• Take advantage of the fact that there are no time and place barriers in online courses. The course should fit into your schedule, not dominate it.
• Work on your course when you can give full concentration to it – work in a distraction-free environment.
• Take time to familiarize yourself with the course environment and the layout of the course. (Work through available tutorials.)
• Take notes when reviewing online lectures just like you are sitting in a class and listening to the instructor.
• Set a reasonable schedule. Students who work full-time should take no more than two (2) classes in spring/fall and one class in the summer.