Self Direction

You need to set some strong goals for yourself and commit yourself to obtain them. You need to improve your time management skills and study habits (such as keeping yourself on track, meeting deadlines, and working independently) before you can be successful in online learning. You should consider these tips for success in online learning.

Learning Preferences

You may need to stretch yourself to use different types of media, such as audio and video, to learn in an online course. You will also need to rely on yourself to solve minor problems, proactively and intentionally seek help, or make decisions about your learning. You may need to work in an online group. That requires good communication skills.

Study Habits

You will need to carefully choose a study space for your online courses, and plan on spending 10-20 hours each week there. An online course requires at least 10 hours a week of work. You need to devise a way to keep track of your assignments and due dates so you can plan your work. You will need to be willing to reach out to your instructor and fellow classmates when you have questions.

Technology Skills

You should consider identifying technological support resources before starting an online course. Ideally, you should work to acquire the following skills: using the Internet and a Web browser to perform searches, the ability to install software on your computer, and the ability to perform simple troubleshooting activities.

Remember, you can always go to the JMU Libraries Learning Technology Services or JMU IT HelpDesk for technical assistance.

When navigating in the online world, there is much potential with the connected dots to support your learning. There are also aspects that need your attention to protect your computer security and your self-identity. Please read carefully the RunSafe Services by JMU Information Technology: https://www.jmu.edu/computing/security/runsafe.shtml, and learn more details about surfing behaviors, security for accounts and wifi, data safety, and computer maintenance.

Computer Equipment Capabilities

You should have an up-to-date operating system, an up-to-date browser, a fairly fast connection to the Internet, virus protection, and possibly headphones with a microphone. The complete list of hardware and software required for online learning may vary slightly by course. You should check out the specific course requirements before starting an online course.

Note: After you thoroughly read this page, please click “Mark as done” on the top right-hand corner of the page to proceed in this Orientation course.

Adapted from

Online Readiness Questionnaire by Penn State University is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.