Back to "Is Online Learning for Me?" Success Tips for Online Students In general the online student should: Be open-minded about sharing life, work, and educational experiences as part of the learning process. Be able to communicate through writing. Be self-motivated and self-disciplined. Be willing to speak up if problems arise. Be willing and able to commit 6 to 10 hours per week per course. Be able to meet the requirements for each course. Accept critical thinking and decision making as part of the learning process. Have easy access to a computer and a modem.. Be able to think through ideas before responding. Feel that high quality learning can take place without going to a traditional classroom. Be excited and enthusiastic about communicating and collaborating with others in a virtual environment. The online learning process is normally accelerated and requires commitment on the part of the student. Staying up with class and completing all the work on time is vital. Once a student gets behind, it is almost impossible to catch up. This is not a good option for students who are not motivated and need structure to complete activities.