Tips for Success
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Online courses are not meant to be easier or involve less time than an onsite class (face to face) . The class is just presented to you in a different format. Here are some suggestions we give to you to be a successful online student:

1) Take the Blackboard Orientation
The Blackboard orientation is designed to help students become familiar with the course management software at Rio Hondo.

2) Time Commitments
Although online classes are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you must make a personal time commitment to regularly access your course and participate in order to be successful. Online courses do have due dates - be sure to meet them.

3) Self-Motivation
Online courses require more discipline than courses you might take on campus. If you are to be successful with your online class, then you must be self-motivated.

4) Log on
Many instructors will post weekly messages about due dates and assignments. A failure to "visit" your class regularly may result in missed messages or even missed point-earning.

5) Read
Read everything your instructor has posted on your Homepage, it is there for a reason.

6) Participate Actively
You must participate actively in the class. Participate in Discussions and/or E-mail. Know your syllabus and what your instructor requires.

7) Ask for Help
Don't be shy. Use the Blackboard E-mail tool to contact your instructor whenever you have a question, a problem or are confused about an assignment, but be sure to first read all instructions. Don’t wait until the last minute.

8) Keep Documentation, Keep Documentation, Keep Documentation.
Written work should, when possible, be completed offline and saved so that a backup always exists. For example, whenever you have completed an assignment make sure you have a hardcopy of the assignment and also save it to a floppy or pen drive.