Tools

Before enrolling in a course, make sure you have access to the tools necessary to complete assignments. A word processor can help you to organize your work and communicate your thoughts more clearly. If your lessons appear through cable television, you'll want to know how to program your video recorder to record the programs to refer back to. Access to a fax machine, computer with adequate hard disk space and  e-mail  are "musts" for many classes.

Schedule

Set aside a regularly scheduled time for study. If you have not been involved in academic pursuits recently, you may find that your career, family, hobbies, social and civic commitments leave little time for studying. To help you fit studying into your schedule, keep a record for a week of how you spend your time, and then decide what you are willing to give up. Schedule your studies for a time when you are mentally fresh and able to devote at least one hour to your work. Think of the hour as "reserved time." If you miss too many study periods, revise your schedule.

Where to Study

You will find it easier to focus in an appropriate environment for study. Find a place that is free from distractions. You might consider work — before or after hours and on your lunch hour — a public library, or a separate room in your home.

Reading Skills

You must comprehend and retain what you read for real learning to take place. Reading skills can be developed by concentrating on what you read and by taking frequent pauses to organize and review the material in your mind. At the end of a study session, review everything you have read, making special notes of important points. Reading a computer screen can be hard on your eyes; it may be necessary to download hard copies of reading assignments and communications from your instructor and co-workers.

Communication Skills

It can be intimidating to speak into a microphone in a video or conference call, but your communication skills are an important part of any assignment — on the job, at home and at school. Distance learning provides the opportunity to enhance these skills. Pay careful attention to instructions and be certain that you understand what is being asked. It often helps to develop a brief outline before responding to questions whether they are submitted in writing, via e-mail, orally or on video/audio tape. Organization, grammar and the appropriate style are important whichever medium you choose.