An on-line course is different from a traditional, face-to-face, classroom. If this is your first on-line experience, it may take you a while to adapt to the differences. To be successful in this course, you must exercise certain disciplines that perhaps were not as important in face-to-face education. For example . . .

• You must be self-motivated and pro-active. You won't be able to depend upon others to prod you into action. Decide now that you will be your own disciplinarian.
• You must take responsibility for your own learning. An online course is not a professor lecturing to you about what to think; it's more like a guide pointing you in the right direction but expecting you to do the traveling. Don't expect to "be taught" (passive); expect to "learn" (active).
• You must understand the challenges of electronic communication. Student-faculty correspondence is limited to electronic forms of communication. So, there may be delays between the submission of a question or assignment and the instructor's response. Whenever possible, your instructor will respond to your inquiries within 24 hours. In some situations, depending on schedules, this may extend to as long at 72 hours (3 days). Also, keep in mind that without the benefit of hearing the tone of voice or seeing facial expressions, it is easy to misinterpret something that is communicated via text. So, check your understanding. Ask questions and communicate your doubts and concerns.
• You must start immediately and stay on schedule. With this type of class, you simply cannot put assignments off until the last minute. You will have to pay close attention to assignment start dates and deadlines. Don't fall behind. For this type of course, you MUST get things done on time. Again, you need to be your own disciplinarian. Don't expect constant reminders from the instructor.

If you understand these issues, your learning experience can be equivalent to if not greater than the traditional classroom experience.