How to Succeed in an Online Class

     Focusing and staying engaged in a classroom environment is a hassle for quite a few students, myself included. This is proven even more difficult in an online class setting. While online classes give students plenty of freedom with time and flexibility, it is also plenty more responsibility on the students to make sure they get the work done on time. Being able to manage time and work schedules, limiting distractions, and participating in class discussions and forums are imperative on succeeding in an online class.
     The biggest challenge I have faced so far in my online classes is time management. Instead of having a scheduled class period where I would dedicate one to two hours on schoolwork, I have had to forcibly designate time in between my hectic work schedule myself. While I enjoy being able to pick and choose when and where I do my work, it is sometimes a bit of a struggle to find a good time block everyday. With that being said, I also have to find a time and space where I will be less likely to be distracted from schoolwork.
     During the time I set aside for school, I try my best to block out all distractions. I go to a mostly quiet place or room (i.e., bedroom, library, on-campus computer lab) and focus purely on assignments. Notifications on my iPhone had been my biggest distraction, so that device was the first to be silenced. I also stay off social networking sites while doing schoolwork; however, being social in a class setting is important to success.
     Another key point I have struggled with is participating and engaging in class posts, discussions, and forums. Since my classes are all online, there is no face-to-face time with my teachers or peers. This is why it's important to for me to speak up in class forums and to interact with other students posts. In a normal on-campus class setting I would rarely participate in group discussions, but online classes give me the opportunity to think about and write out exactly what I'd like to say.
    These are the key factors that have proven to be an obstacle for me thus far in my online class journey. Hopefully these little bits of advice/insight on how I do things will help someone else. Best of luck. Ciao.