Plan for technology glitches. You will have occasional technology glitches; that is a fact. Plan for having a backup computer or access to an alternative Internet service.

Schedule time to log on to the course site and study on a regular basis. To promote success, reduce procrastination, and eliminate frustration, set a regular study time for the course. You must log on several times a week.

Take advantage of "any time, anywhere" learning. You do not have to respond to discussion forum questions on the spot. Reflect oh the questions and type your responses in your word processor. This allows you to articulate your responses before posting them, without worrying out being "Dropped" or "timed out" by your Internet service provider. Also, unlike in traditional classes where you have to listen to everyone's comments, in an online course, you may choose to read and react only to those comments that intrigue you and are relevant to your learning.

Be extra cautious, kind, and sensitive. The online environment offers a level playing field. Factors such as appearance, age, race, disabilities, etc., are not visible. However, because of the lack of body language, students and teachers may offend each other, often without intending to do so. Be polite and sensitive when replying to posted comments. Don't "say" anything online that your would not tell to someone's face. Also, do not "SCREAM" your response. Avoid typing in all caps and exclamation points when communicating. Make sure your comments are meaningful. To reply, "That SUCKS!" is disrespectful to your peers and teacher and becomes a meaningless, mindless, angry communication.

Don't stay lost and confused. When students get overwhelmed, they drop. Often the mode of learning is blamed, when in fact, they didn't ask for help when they were lost or confused. If you are unclear about something, it is very likely that others in the course have the same question. Send an e-mail message or call your instructor, or post a message in the discussion forum. Other than yourself, no one wants your success more than your instructor. Please believe that.

Go beyond the call of duty. Take advantage of the links to supplementary materials that your instructor has gathered for you. They will give you a more in-depth analysis of the course content.

Stay in touch. Stay "connected" with the course, your instructor, and your classmates. Don't allow yourself to fall behind. Stay involved.