We’re Committed to Your Success

The following skills are essential to your success for online course education.

• Self-Motivation and Self-Discipline
  With the freedom and flexibility of the online environment comes a need for great responsibility. The online process takes commitment, self-discipline and independence to meet course requirements and deadlines. Online courses do not take less time than an equivalent on-campus course—it is important to stay on top of assignments and course requirements. In the online environment, you must schedule your time so that you are able to initiate and complete assignments independently. Developing an effective schedule for completing coursework and pacing yourself will be the key to success.
• Ability to Follow Deadlines
  Sonoran’s online courses are structured with specific due dates for assignments, tests, homework, essays and projects. All deadlines and due dates are included in the course syllabus. Missing deadlines is one of the most common issues students face when taking online courses. Since there is no teacher at the front of the classroom reminding you to get your work done, it’s up to you to keep track of the announcements, course calendar and syllabus. It’s best to work ahead, so that you have time to contact the instructor and receive feedback if you have questions about the material or assignment.
• Strong Written Communication Skills
  Strong reading comprehension skills and the ability to communicate effectively through writing is strongly recommended for online students. Most course material in the online environment will come from textbooks and lectures. In addition, online students communicate mostly through text-based tools, such as email, discussion forums, chats and instant messaging. Online learners need to feel comfortable expressing thoughts and ideas through the written word.
• Time Commitment
  On average, you will need to commit 5–15 hours per week per course. Keep in mind that online coursework is not necessarily easier than on-campus coursework. Successful students view online coursework as a convenient, not easier, way to receive their education. In fact, many students feel that online classes often require more effort, time and commitment.
• Willingness to Speak Up
  Typical nonverbal communication methods instructors use to help when students are having problems (confusion, frustration, boredom, absence, etc.) are not possible in the online environment. If you are struggling through the coursework or experience technical difficulties, you must address the issue with the instructor immediately.
• Ability to Think Ideas Through Before Responding
  Meaningful, quality input during discussions is an essential part of most online courses. Luckily, most online courses are structured with allotted time to allow for careful consideration of responses. Online learners should be able to work in a collaborative environment by being open minded, willing to participate and prepared to have ideas challenged.
• Flexible and Adaptable
  Online learning is an adventure that will expose you to many new experiences. The ability to be flexible and remain open-minded is crucial to having a positive experience.
• Time management: Log-in Frequently and Study Schedules
  Even though you may not need to be physically present in a classroom on a specific day and time, you still have to follow the course schedule provided by your instructor. Online classes are not independent study courses; you are still required to log into class, engage in discussions, and actively participate. Students should be online frequently and log into classes at least three to four times per week in order to keep up with the content flow, complete assignments, participate in discussions, and communicate with classmates and instructors. Some courses may require you to log in every day. Never wait until the last minute to complete assignments. One of the major reasons for having a negative experience with an online class is procrastination, as it’s easy to fall behind in the online environment. The best way to succeed in an online class is to set aside scheduled time on a regular basis to study and participate in classes.
• Computer Literacy
  To participate in online courses, you must have a basic knowledge of computers and internet skills including:
  • Using a keyboard and mouse.
  • Knowledge of terminology, such as browser, IMHO, application, etc.
  • Managing files and folders: save, name, copy, move, backup, rename, delete, check properties.
  • Software installation, security and virus protection.
  • Using software applications, such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel and email.
  • Knowledge of copying and pasting, spell-checking, saving files in different formats
  • Sending and downloading attachments.
  • Internet skills (connecting, accessing, using browsers) and ability to perform online research using various search engines and library databases.
  • Ability to use online communication tools, such as email (create, send, receive, reply, print, send/receive attachments) and discussion boards (read, search, post, reply, follow threads), chats and messengers.
• Ability to Learn New Programs on Your Own
  Online learners must have experience using computers and various software so that they are able to figure out how to use new programs on their own.