Thinking about continuing your education with online coursework- or even a degree? Great! A degree can be a big help in advancing in your career or learning new skills to change careers. But, are you the type of person who is suited for online education? Just what does it take to successfully obtain an online degree?
Computer: Of course, owning a computer is obvious. You can't do internet coursework without a computer. Now, you probably do have a computer, but, do you share it with family members? If so, then do you have access to the computer for the time required for an online course? And, is your computer up-to-date? Does it have the storage and memory necessary for a fast internet connection and coursework? If not, then you may want to upgrade.
Internet: Your own internet connection is really vital to be successful in online studies. Again, you probably do have internet connection. But, is it a fast internet connection, or is it slow dial-up? If you have a slow dial-up connection, then it's time to upgrade to a faster DSL or cable connection necessary when uploading big files.
Organization: Organization goes hand-in-hand with self-motivation. Without a classroom structure, are you able to provide that structure yourself? Will you remember deadlines? Can you organize your life so that you set a specific time aside for your class work?
Self-Motivation: Let's face it; you need to be very self-motivated to be a successful online student. There's no classroom to go to, and, often, no set time you need to be in class. And, when you're in your home environment, there will be tons of distractions. Do you get distracted easily? Are you able to follow a routine without the prodding of others? You need to know what type of person you are before pursuing an online education.
If your computer and internet are up to speed, and you feel you have the self-motivation and organization necessary for self-directed online study, then go for it! With layoffs happening everywhere, employers are able to be super picky when it comes to hiring. With additional training you are giving them a reason to say yes, not no.
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