Staying Motivated

A big part of keeping motivated when taking an online class is to learn something from your classmates and instructors on a personal level. Use the discussion boards to learn about what your classmates and instructors think about the topic you're studying and to share your own views and thoughts. Group projects also can provide great opportunities to connect with and get to know your classmates, so don't be afraid to share a bit about yourself as you set your project goals and work toward achieving them.

Motivation also comes from being able to tie what you're learning to your own experiences. Does the course content apply to your hobbies? Your workplace? Your family life?

A well-designed online class addresses these issues and provides plenty of opportunities for connection and communication. If your course doesn't seem to do this, please talk to your instructor and/or eLearning.