Study Skills for Successful Online Students - Online Is a Whole New Game

You will need a different set of study habits to keep up with online classes.
The online world moves faster than a traditional college classroom. You will have to research for more information yourself.

You will be on your own to work through the class material and find additional resources. Set up a place to study Find the quietest place possible, large enough and comfortable.

Get a real desk and a good chair.

You'll need to set up your computer and have space for books and supplies.

Get your software set up and have all your supplies at hand. Organize Your Time Go through your course calendar and syllabus and work out a study schedule.
You need to budget 10 hours a week, every week for a course. If you want an A, plan 15 to 20 hours per week. You can break up your study time into small blocks whenever you have a short break.
Participate Fully in online discussions Engage in depth, ask useful questions.
Prepare ahead of time.
Review all your reading assignments.

You need to study for discussions. There's no time limit to discussions.

Dig deeper into the subject.

Interact and respond to your classmate's questions.
Don't just make lone comments. Don't dominate the conversation. Give others a chance to participate.

Be friendly but professional. You may find those discussions count for a large part of your grade. You can't just skip them.

Make connections and network with your fellow students.

Communicate with your instructor Introduce yourself as soon as you start the class.
Before you ask a question, be sure it's not covered in the materials you already have.

Remember the response you get in technical forums, RTFM.

Time your e-mails when he's not apt to be swamped.
Be polite even when you think he's in the wrong and don't go over his head. If you're not getting anywhere by e-mail ask for a meeting on the phone.
Don't be afraid to ask for help if you have a problem.
Understand and remember class material Highlight your class materials or make an outline for your notes.

Every so often, write down what you have read in your own words.

Paraphrase.
If you don't understand an idea, bring it up in your online discussions or ask your professor for his opinion.
Now when you have a test, just go through your highlights and your notes.
Start out slow with online courses.
A full load right off will swamp you.

Start out with one or two classes until you're used to the technical challenges.
You need to get used to working on your own and budgeting your time.

And if you are working full-time or have a lot of family responsibilities, the work involved in just one class will surprise you. You can succeed if you become skilled in the different study skills necessary as an online student. Your college degree becomes possible even if you are short on time and money.
You can work full-time and still succeed. No matter what your challenges, it's possible to earn your college degree online.