Taking online courses is not easy. Sure, you can study at home with just your pajamas on and studying while eating. But, online instructors will demand that you put in the kind of quality work as you would in a face to face or traditional classroom instruction.

Here are some basic tips to succeed in an online study:

Technical requirement. Make sure your computer or laptop meets the technical requirement. There are schools who are offering courses that only runs on MS operating system. Have a reliable internet connection. This will help avoid delays in doing coursework.

Basic computer knowledge. You must be comfortable working with e-mails, online research and can cope with navigating around the online study platform.

Time management. Always allocate time to check your progress on a daily basis. This will allow you to know if you are behind, to study easy and quick course units if you want to be advanced or if there are updates from the course instructor that needs your immediate action.

Polish your organizational skills. Prepare a calendar and write down assignment deadlines and test dates. Have space where you can focus on doing coursework. Make sure you have all the resources you need to start the online course. If the school promises to send you books and manuals, follow-up in case of delays.

Independent and self-motivating attitude. Online study is different than traditional instruction in many ways. One of that is instructors won’t be there to guide you and motivate you all the time. You need to be committed to learning and finishing the course. You are more responsive to your own learning. Of course, in case of difficulty, you can always contact your instructor by e-mail. Participate in the class forum if available. You connect with classmates taking the course and learn from them.

Most importantly, know what to expect. Study the course guidelines, objectives, and schedule. This will let you know what is needed to pass the course. This will let you know what you are getting out of the course or if the course is what you are looking to study.

For a career changer, look for courses that will give you additional knowledge in the kind of industry you want to be in. There are MOOC (Massive Online Open Course) offerings that are for free. Studying courses will let you know if the industry you think you like is right for you. This will also prepare you for your future work.

Have you tried studying online? Leave us the tips that helped you succeed and course recommendations in the comments below.

Originally published on LinkedIn.