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* a willingness to interact with your instructor and classmates by computer and an interest in developing a virtual partnership with faculty members and class members at a distance.
* a willingness to dedicate the same amount of time and effort to a distance education course that you would to a classroom-based course.
* the self-discipline to learn without face to face interaction with your instructor and class members.
* the necessary time management skills that will enable you to balance distance education course work with your professional responsibilities and personal responsibilities.
* the ability to meet deadlines and keep track of your projects when using the postal service or online file transmission.
* an appreciation of and commitment to the convenience and flexibility that online courses provide.
* a willingness to learn to use the technology necessary to complete course work.
* self-directed and self-motivated. As a distance learning student, you need to be self-directed and self-motivated in your approach to learning. You have to assume a greater share of the responsibility for the learning that takes place in an online environment. Professors should assume the role of facilitator and guide for exploring a subject and not the dispenser of the information.
* visual learners. Unlike the traditional classroom where you receive auditory, visual and non-verbal input, the virtual classroom is primarily text-based. Communication occurs almost solely in written form. Distance learning provides less opportunity for verbal interaction. If you learn best by listening and interacting with other students and instructors or if you are dependent upon auditory input, you could be at a disadvantage in an online course.
* assertive. Online classes provide fewer ways to be noticed. You must make yourself known by introducing yourself, participating in discussions, and sending email messages to the professor. You will have to take the initiative without the prompts provided by regular classroom interaction.
* persistent. You must realize and accept that online classes are a different learning environment than you are used to and things will not always go as expected. Multiple attempts may be common before tasks are successfully completed. At times, you will be confused and uncertain of what to do, not fully understand something, and have computer and/or network problems. You must persist and refuse to give up when any of these problems occur.
* good problem solvers. Things will go wrong. You will be more successful if you attempt to resolve a problem that occurs, rather than wait for assistance. When you run into an obstacle, seek solutions that allow you to fulfill course requirements. Contact others in the class. Contact your instructor. Propose alternate solutions.
* good writing skills. In online classes, a lot of the communication is written so being able to express yourself effectively in writing will help you succeed in an online course. What you write is the main source of information available to the instructor and your class members. This type of communication does not provide any non-verbal cues to the reader. Occasionally, miscommunication may occur.
* the ability to organize and prioritize work. For an online course, you are responsible for creating an effective schedule and balancing your time around class requirements, including completing projects to be submitted.
* the ability to stay on task. You may be tempted to digress when you are viewing web sites, getting distracted by the neat and fun sites. You may find yourself wandering through cyberspace instead of finishing your reading. Online courses have fewer external cues or prompts to return you to the task at hand than regular on-ground courses. You will be required to preview, study, and review course material without the direct supervision of the professor or the stimulation of classroom interaction.
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