Preparing yourself for an online course,
whether it is totally online or with some classroom time,
is a matter of asking a series of questions.

Studies have shown that it takes a certain amount of self discipline and motivation
to schedule and manage yourself through such a course. 
If this is your first experience with online or distance learning,
your skill set of experiences and expectations begin with your educational goals with the course.

Concept map of elements of
an online learning experience

What purpose does this online course serve in my education?
Think the process through!
You may have to work without face-to-face contact with your teacher,
your classmates, and possibly outside academic support

How confident am I of

• Managing my time?
• Keeping your focus on the course objectives and assignments?
• Taking responsibility for accomplishing tasks?
• Meeting unexpected problems or challenges?

The course syllabus provides information about

• Prerequisites
• Course objectives and priorities
• The teacher and language of instruction
• Course schedule
  or pacing as regards timelines for completing tasks
• Procedures for submitting assignments
• Requirements for interaction
  whether live or asynchronous contributions
  whether in person or online via
  email, text messaging, chat rooms, videoconferencing
  whether discussions, feedback on projects, Q&A sessions,
  whether with the instructor, course mates, experts
• Assessment & tests
  Grading scales
• Academic support, whether online or in person
  Study guides, help lines, reference works, research librarians
• Opportunities for feedback throughout the course.

What is this course electronic learning environment like?

• What are the course technical requirements
  hardware, software, specialized applications
• What is the optimal browser, and perhaps email client
• What training is necessary for the course applications?
• What training or orientation is available for the textbook website, CD, DVD, etc.
• What training or orientation is available for the course learning system, such as Blackboard, WebCT, Moodle, etc.
• What training or orientation is available for additional communications options?
  Conference or chat rooms, discussion boards, video conferencing, email, voicemail, text messaging, etc.

What is my home learning environment like?

• What hardware and software do I have at home?
• What access to the Internet and email do I have?
  How fast is the connection and what connection is necessary?
• What technology does this course require?
  If not explicitly stated, ask the teacher
• If I should have a computer failure (disk crash or virus attack),
  what is my back up?
• Can I schedule time to complete assignments without interference?
• What alternatives outside the home are available to me?