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3 Tips for a Smooth Transition to an Online Degree Program

By U.S. News & World Report

With expanded flexibility and access to various programs, more students are making the transition to online degree programs. But the move from an on-campus education — or even just the transition back to online learning after taking a break — can be a significant shift.

Some students might be misled by the idea that online learning is easier; however, the rigor of coursework is often the same as on campus, and in many cases, the same faculty teach the classes. Students transitioning to online education may notice a freedom to complete work at a customized pace, but they must develop structure and self-motivation to ensure success.

[Explore how to develop self-motivation skills for online learning.]

Here are three ways students can ensure a smooth transition to online education.

1. Commit to a schedule: Online degree programs offer effective and flexible ways to earn a degree, but it’s up to the students to ensure they stay on track and complete their work on time. One key is to commit to a schedule that works.

Successful online students must have strong time-management skills to ensure they’re balancing school, work, family and other personal activities. Students should plan to set aside designated time each day for online coursework and build out a study schedule that is achievable.

2. Set up a designated space with reliable technology: Online students typically spend more time in front of a computer screen, so it’s important that they have a dedicated work space and the right technology to create and foster a similar type of learning environment as on-campus students.

A designated space gives students the freedom to learn and feel productive devoid of distractions. This could be a local library, a desk at home in a quiet area or even the break room at a job. They should find a space that works well and allows them to focus. But that space should also include reliable technology.

[See four technology must-haves for online students.]

Online courses are often cutting-edge and taught using a variety of multimedia tools and resources. This requires students to have up-to-date equipment and technology — including a desktop or laptop computer, a stable internet connection and possibly a webcam, headset and microphone — to ensure they can successfully access these courses. Using a mobile device for some coursework may at times be convenient, but it won’t always provide the necessary access and functionality to complete assignments.

3. Tap into the university network: Even though students aren’t physically on campus, online degree programs are meant to be a place where students can ask questions, interact with other students and feel a sense of community with their peers and professors. Thanks to evolving technology, there are several ways students can connect with classmates and professors, including Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, peer-to-peer chats and online clubs.

[Discover tips to interact with professors and students in online classes.]

Online degree programs also offer support services and other resources to help online learners ensure their success. For example, Arizona State University‘s ASU Online offers enrollment counselors to help students through the application process and ensure they are off to a good start.

At ASU Online, students are paired with an academic adviser who helps keep them on track. Separately, ASU offers success coaches who provide online students with success strategies and reminders.

Finding a program that offers support and a community as well as student resources is key.

The takeaway: If you’re considering an online degree program, be sure to create a detailed study schedule, find a designated place with reliable technology to learn and build a strong community support system. These steps are critical to making the transition successful.

More from U.S. News

6 Questions to Ask About Flexibility in Online Degree Programs

Study: Many Online Students Use Mobile Devices for Coursework

8 Tools to Increase Productivity for Online Students

3 Tips for a Smooth Transition to an Online Degree Program originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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