An online student needs to be a good reader, to be able to communicate well by reading and writing, and needs to be able to ask for help if something is not clearly understood.
Reading, Writing and Question Asking Proficiency
In addition to technical skills, online classes depend heavily on reading and writing proficiency. While many classes use audio and video to deliver course materials, still most communication from your instructor and among your classmates will be in writing. You will be assigned research papers, essays, discussion board postings and emails, all of which require reading and writing skills.
Furthermore, when you do not understanding something, you must not hesitate to ask your instructor for clarification. Without this clarification, it is easy to fall behind in your work. If you have difficulty asking for help, online classes may not be for you.
Do these statements about reading, writing and asking questions apply to you?
I like reading.
I can read a textbook, a magazine article, or a product manual and usually understand it without having to ask for help.
I don't mind my classmates seeing what I write.
I feel comfortable in a learning environment where most of the directions I receive are in writing.
I know how to prepare a research paper on my own.
I know how to make a bibliography.
I don't mind asking questions if I don't understand something.
I don't mind asking more than once if I don't get a clear explanation the first time.
I am patient, yet persistent, in pursuing the answers I need to my questions.
If you answered "yes" to most of these questions, you should be successful in an online class.