Online Education Requirements

Do You Have What it Takes?

Online education is not for everyone, as it can be an intimidating process that requires a little bit of technical ability, but most importantly it requires that you be a self-starter and able to motivate yourself to success. In general, seeking an education online will require:

• Self-Motivation: An online education is an exercise in self-motivation. Generally these classes are set up as scheduled reading or exercises from a textbook which you will be required to purchase, and then quizzes taken online to gauge your progress and what you have learned. If you are the type of person that does not get up to do things on their own without being goaded into it, you might find doing well in an online environment difficult.
• Basic Computer Understanding: You don't have to be a certified computer guru in order to achieve an education online, but you should at least know the basics of surfing the Internet, downloading files, e-mailing and working with word processing software such as Microsoft Word.
• Do You Like to Read?: Most traditional educational environments involve sitting in a classroom and listening to a teacher lecture on a subject for hours every week. This type of environment is conductive to learning for many students. Some tend to ignore the professor, however and glean all that they need to know from the assigned reading. If this describes you, then you are probably well-suited to pursuing an education online.
• Time Management Skills: Don't think that just because you aren't going to class you can log in for five minutes a week, take a test and expect to pass a class. You will need to be able to dedicate your time to study at home or at your local library, do research, come up with papers, arguments, thesis, etc. just as if you were attending a regular class.
• A Strong Desire to Learn: Before you begin your online education experience you should be certain of why it is you are taking classes. Without drive and determination to achieve a goal such as a degree, you may find yourself wasting your time, quickly discouraged and dropping out.

Of course, every educational situation is unique, your reasons, motivations and results are going to be your own. Know, however, that if you are serious about seeking an online education, Massachusetts Education Online is here to help you get started by providing you with the information you need to find the best online program for you. Examine ways to pay for you education online on the following page.