Great for those balancing work and family commitments, online classes are an ideal way to give your skills a boost. However, if you’re a first-time online learner—or are considering online education—online classes may seem intimidating, especially if you’re not technologically savvy. But there’s nothing to fear. With the right preparation—and the know-how to take advantage of the many resources and technologies online universities have to offer—success can be yours.

Toward that end, we’ve come up with five tips to help you succeed in online classes, from getting to know your operating system to opening your mind.

Tip 1: Master your online learning environment. 

From your syllabus to class discussions, your chosen online college will likely use one online classroom environment for most daily tasks. Even if you don’t consider yourself technologically inclined, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can become accustomed to the online learning environment. Take time to get to know your online university’s operating system before your classes begin. You’ll find that the more familiar you are with your university’s operating system, the more prepared you’ll be to excel in your online classes.

Tip 2: Create a consistent study schedule. 

Exams. Quizzes. Papers. Discussions. There’s a lot going on in online classes. Establishing a consistent study schedule helps you stay organized and fully engaged in your online classes. To build a routine that works for you, start by identifying the times of day when you feel most focused, then block out regular study periods that fit naturally into your weekly responsibilities. Be sure to include time for reading, completing assignments, and participating in online discussions. Sticking to a predictable pattern—whatever that looks like for you—helps you stay connected, prepared, and on track.

Tip 3: Use all available student resources. 

Like brick-and-mortar institutions, online colleges offer a variety of resources to help students succeed. Need guidance on some aspect of your program? Enrollment specialists and academic advising teams are ready to help. Having trouble writing a research paper or with your statistics assignment? Online universities offer assistance with writing, math, and much more, just as traditional, campus-based institutions do. The only difference? You don’t have to leave your chair to take advantage of them.

Tip 4: Engage with course tools and technology. 

Online colleges are dedicated to providing the latest educational technologies to help students succeed. From mobile learning apps to new ways to interact in real time with instructors and classmates, be sure to explore your university’s latest technologies. If you’re intimidated, don’t be. The beauty of online education is that there’s always technical support readily accessible—often 24/7—by phone, email, or live chat.

Tip 5: Participate actively in your online community. 

When it comes to online vs. traditional education, an open mind is key. Online education isn’t classroom-based education—and it’s not supposed to be. Embrace the differences, participate in discussions, ask questions, reach out to classmates and instructors, and let your personality shine. You’ll soon discover that you’ve signed up for more than online classes. You’ve signed up to be part of a community of learning.

Ready to succeed in online classes? With dozens of online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs to choose from, Walden University can help boost your skills and change your world.

Walden University is an HLC-accredited institution offering degree programs online. Earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.