If you want to further your education or enjoy your education in a different and more flexible environment, online classes are a great avenue for that. Online education can provide you with the flexibility you can't get from in-person classes. However, online classes can present their own challenges as well.

Strategy #1: Create Goals

It is important to hold yourself accountable for the class that you are taking. You will want to write down when your assignments are due and allocate time for getting the work done so that you are completing your assignments before the due date and not crunching to get everything done at the last minute. It can be useful to partner with someone else in your class. You can act as accountability partners, check in with one another, and ensure that you both are getting the work completed for the class.

Strategy #2: Create a Written Schedule

With an online class, it is up to you to find time in your schedule to attend online sessions, watch videos, do the reading, and complete the assignments. You must be responsible for your time.

Create a written calendar or schedule that you follow. Set aside specific blocks of time for watching lectures, participating in forums, reading, studying, and finishing all your work. You need to incorporate your classroom into your weekly schedule.

Set reminders in your phone for each of these tasks and check in with yourself to ensure you are sticking to your schedule.

Strategy #3: Create a Workspace

It is much easier to get your work done when you have a dedicated workspace. In addition, having a dedicated workspace can allow you to feel like you are checking in and are in learning mode time.

Your workspace doesn't have to be something fancy; it could be a dedicated spot in the library, or an area of your kitchen table you use for school, or a little fold-up desk you use at home.

You will want to find a study space that allows you access to the materials and internet connection you need to get your work done. Try to create an area that is as free of distractions as possible. For example, put your phone on silent or do not disturb mode so that pop-up notifications are not grabbing your attention.

With online school, you need to set learning goals and find an accountability partner. You need to create a schedule and routine you can stick to. Finally, you will want to create a workspace that allows you to focus on what you need to get done. These three strategies can help put you on the road to online school success.