CultusDo you want to go to school online?
Due to different situations, going to school online may be the best way to earn your degree. Here’s some tips to help you with your online goals:
1. Make a solid plan
Know what program you want to go through in school whether a Bachelor’s, a Master’s, or a certificate of completion. There are plenty of options. Figure out how much time you have to complete the said program or how often you want to work.
2 . Do your research
The internet is a big place. There are tons of online schools and programs out there such as NJIT online. You may know what you want to do and what path you want to go down, but you need to find the right school to fit. Know exactly what you are getting into before signing up.
3. Planning your schedule
Going to school online takes a huge amount of self discipline. Know going in how much you have a week to dedicate to classes. How long do you want your program to take? How much time each week can you dedicate? Make a typical weekly calendar highlighting work hours and stick to it. Sign up for the appropriate amount of classes for your time commitment.
4. Communicating your schedule
If you don’t have set hours or a reminder to continue, you will probably procrastinate. Have someone help hold you accountable for staying on task and completing work. Make sure those around you understand that your school hours are yours and should be respected just like any other class or job.
5. Eliminate distractions
The internet is an incredibly distracting place. Make sure you either have the willpower to avoid social media or have some sort of program that allows you to block websites you may have the temptation to open.
6. Make sure your technology is ready
Before you can apply for online schools, you need to make sure you have the technology to complete the work. This includes hardware, software, and warranties. Your laptop is about to become your lifeline. Make sure it’s ready for all you’re going to need from it.
Use these tips to begin your online schooling and lifestyle and if you have any other suggestions feel free to write them in the comments.
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing about education and technology and spending time with her dog, Max.