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| Distance Learning Hints |  Tools
Before register to a course, make sure you have access to the tools necessary to complete assignments. To organize your work and communicate your thoughts more clearly can help a word processor. If you use a cable television for lessons, you'll want to know how to program your VCR to record the programs to refer back to. For many classes access to a fax machine and a computer with adequate hard disk space and modem for e-mail transmission is "musts".
Schedule
Set aside primarily a regularly scheduled time for study. If you’ve not recently been implicated in academic pursuits, you may find that your career, family, hobbies, social and civic commitments leave little time for studying. To 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. Plan your study for a time when you are mentally fresh and able to devote at least one hour to your work. Consider the hour as "reserved time." Missing too many study periods, revise your schedule.
Where to Study
You’ll find it easier to focus in an appropriate environment for study. Search for a place that is free from distractions. Consider work place, before or after hours, and on your lunch hour, a public library, or a separate room in your home.
Reading Skills
Comprehend and retain what you read for real learning to take place. Your reading skills will be developed by concentrating on what you read and by taking frequent pauses to organize and review the material in your mind. Finally, review everything you have read, making special notes of important points. Reading from 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 terrifying 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 gives the opportunity to enhance these skills. Consider instructions and be certain that you understand what is being asked. It may help 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, the appropriate style and grammar are important whichever medium you choose.
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