Many people expect online courses to be easier and require less of a time commitment, but that is not necessarily the case. They do offer more flexibility in when you complete your assignments, but they still require just as much, if not more, of your time than a traditional course. In addition to completing the same types of readings and assignments as traditional courses, you’ll also likely have to log in to your course module multiple times per week to participate in discussion questions.

Since you won’t be in class with an instructor to remind you, you’ll have to be extra careful to know deadlines and complete course assignments on time. You’ll be responsible for your technology. If it goes out, have a back-up plan. If you don’t know how to use it, you’ll have to learn.

Rather than delivering lectures, they’ll often assign academic readings or videos and pose questions for everyone to respond in an online discussion thread. This does not mean that you do not have access to your professor. They will still be available to help you via email and other means.

Most courses will require textbooks that you can choose to purchase in physical form, but your professor will likely also assign a number of online texts that you’ll have to read on your computer, phone, or tablet.

Most courses will rely on class discussion threads to help students engage in critical dialogue about the material. You will likely have to both create an entry everyone can see and respond to other students throughout the week. If you prefer to only sit and listen during course discussions, you’ll have to get use to sharing your ideas.

You’ll need a reliable computer and internet access capable of streaming video and audio resources. Even the most reliable technology goes out sometimes. Can you identify a good back-up plan (internet access at a nearby restaurant, computers at a library, etc.)?

You’ll need to be fairly adept at browsing the internet, creating spreadsheets and word documents, downloading and uploading files, and basic troubleshooting.

Per the industry-standard Carnegie Unit, students should expect to be engaged in about three hours of work for each credit hour they take (one hour in class, plus two hours of out-of-class study time). For a three-credit-hour class, this equates to nine hours of work. You should expect to dedicate the same amount of time or more per online course.

You’ll need to have the self-discipline to sit down and focus on school, hold yourself accountable to deadlines, and focus on one task at a time. Time management is crucial. Can you block off regular chunks of time to work on school?

Do you have a place where you can go to get away from distractions and focus on school? Are your family or roommates cooperative and willing to give you time to yourself and help you eliminate distractions?

Many of your class assignments will be given via written communication. You’ll have to read the requirements carefully and be prepared to submit the assignment on time.

Many of your assignments will require reading a text and writing a response. Is that an effective learning style for you?

Email will likely be your primary means of communication. You should check it daily for updates from your instructor. Not seeing an email is not an excuse to not complete an assignment.