BellaOnline Forums Education Distance Learning Distance Learning -- do's and don'ts?

I just started a DL course on Adobe Photoshop thru a unviersity extension program.

This is my first experience with DL.

For those who've already done distance learning, could you share with me what you've learned about how to make this a successful experience? What do you know now that you wish you would have known when you first started?

I have just graduated from a distance learning degree program and if there is one piece of advice that I could give anyone taking a distance course is to pay attention to the calendar. Become obsessed with the calendar that lists what you are supposed to do each day including the readings. For some reason when you get behind in a distance learning course, it is hard to catch up. The work just piles at an astronomical rate. Also, because it is a distance learning class, you have to go to extreme lengths to let the instructor know that you are trying. Tips: Instead of posting the minimum on the discussion board post one extra geared toward the instructor. Also, once in a while turn in an assignment early. In addition, email the instructor to clarify anything pertaining to the course. You might ask the point of these tips. Well, these tips could be the difference between a D and a C if this course had you struggling.

I learned this the hard way;
(1)Don't wait until last minute to complete and submit your tests or assignments. Give yourself ample time to prepare and submit your work. It is during those last minute that your computer might just decide to "act up" or crash or the submit button just stops working. Some professors won't take your technical problem as genuine, but as an excuse you didn't want to do your work. Make sure you don't get that F for technical failures beyond your control.

(2)Although most distance learning exams are "open-book", meaning you can use your textbook while doing the exam, it doesn't mean this makes the exam easier without studying in advance. Don't wait to take the textbook to lookup your answers when you're doing your online exam. This is a disaster for failure as most exams are timed and the timer will go off as you flip through a textbook to look up answers. You'll end up getting anxious, frustrated and possibly fail the exam. Be safe and take any exam as seriously as regular classroom exam. In other words, read and prepare in advance.

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