A group of Duquesne faculty participating in a CTE online book study developed these tips to give to students to help them succeed in online learning.  Faculty teaching online might want to include a list like this on their blackboard site or in their syllabus.

Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.

If a student is new to the on-line format, take only one course the first semester. Read and understand the course Syllabus – know the student assessment measures for each on-line course to determine whether to take one or more on-line courses in a given semester. Engage the support of family members to help you succeed. Let them know what you’re dealing with before the semester begins. Most likely they really don’t know how hard you are working. They will be there when you need them most.