Twenty years ago, online college degrees were often met with skepticism from employers. Online learning was still relatively new, and questions abounded about its quality and how it compared with traditional, in-person education.

Time and a pandemic changed that.

Online education and remote work quickly became part of everyday life. A 2025 study found that the pandemic significantly helped shift employer perception of online degrees toward widespread acceptance. Among the findings:

  • Some hiring managers are nearly 10 times more likely to hire a job applicant with an online degree than they were pre-pandemic.
  • Top executives are 13 times more likely to do so compared to the survey’s other respondents.

Today, online learning is a cornerstone of education and professional development. Whether you’re taking online courses for the first time or simply want to refine your study habits, read our 10 best practices for online learning.

>>Related Reading: 6 Myths of Online Learning

1. Learn the Online Classroom Before Class Begins

Everyone knows the anxiety of learning a new piece of software. Reduce first-week stress by getting used to your school’s online learning platform, also known as the LMS (learning management system). Check out:

  • The course homepage
  • Discussion boards and chat tools
  • Notification preferences (so you receive alerts for grades and announcements)
  • The calendar (many platforms have a master calendar that compiles all your due dates into one view)
  • Where to submit assignments

Once you get familiar with everything, the whole experience will be easier.

2. Download and Review the Syllabus

The syllabus is your roadmap to:

  • Course objectives
  • Required textbooks and materials
  • Assignment deadlines
  • Technology requirements
  • Instructor expectations

As you move through the course, review the syllabus weekly to stay on track.

3. Understand How the Course Is Organized

Many instructors get into a regular pattern of holding seminars and then assigning learning units, discussions, quizzes, and projects. If your instructor doesn’t lay this out in the syllabus or pre-course communication, email them and ask.

Once you know how everything is structured, you can break the course into manageable pieces, focusing on one element at a time. If you’re someone who likes visual reminders of your progress, use a chart or calendar to mark course milestones as you reach them.

4. Create a Weekly Study Plan

Chances are you already have a busy life, including a job, family, friends, and other commitments. Experience has shown that to stay organized, most online students need to schedule their coursework like an appointment.

There are lots of time management tips and tools to help. Try:

  • Time blocking
  • Digital calendars
  • Weekly to-do lists

Project management software can also be used in your personal life. If you’re someone who swears by your project management tool at work, consider adopting one of these for home and school:

Remember to account for your work schedule, family commitments, and any vacations or special events.

5. Set Clear Academic and Personal Goals

What does success look like to you? Define it. Consider the following:

  • Earning a specific GPA
  • Completing assignments on time
  • Finishing your degree by a target date
  • Developing certain career skills

Get these down on paper, and review them regularly. Why are these important to you? What do they represent?

Use these goals to stay motivated. Keep in mind how your coursework is connected to your long-term career objectives, and don’t forget to celebrate small wins along the way.

6. Create a Dedicated Learning Environment

Students sometimes underestimate how important their own study space is. If you don’t have the luxury of an extra room, carve out a quiet location that’s just for you. A room divider may help.

Make sure to have:

  • A reliable internet connection
  • A comfortable, ergonomically correct workstation
  • Good lighting

7. Minimize Distractions During Study Time

Make some rules for your study space. This is the time to swear off social media and TV and silence your devices. If you need to, use a website blocker.

Let your family members or roommates know when your study time is and ask them to handle household tasks themselves during that time. Of course, take study breaks as needed.

8. Participate in Seminars and Engage With Course Activities

You’ll get the most out of online college when you are an active participant in the experience.

Prepare questions in advance, take good notes, and ask questions to clarify any difficult concepts. Engage with your peers. You’ll not only build networking opportunities but also form friendships.

9. Communicate With Your Instructor Early and Often

Don't wait until you're struggling! Never hesitate to email or chat with your online instructor — the vast majority of them enjoy communicating with students. It’s one of the reasons they teach. Reach out when:

  • Instructions are unclear
  • Technical difficulties could impact your timeliness
  • Any life circumstance is affecting your coursework
  • You need clarification on feedback

The better you understand expectations and ask questions, the greater confidence you’ll have as the course progresses.

10. Stay Positive and Keep Moving Forward

Persistence matters. No one goes into online learning for the first time knowing what they’re doing. There will be competing responsibilities and an unexpected setback or two. That’s OK.

Focus on progress over perfection, and don’t give up. Virtually every online school offers support resources, including academic support and a career services department. Make good use of them.

>>Learn More: 6 Common Mistakes Online Students Make (and How to Avoid Them)

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Purdue Global

Earn a degree you're proud of and employers respect at Purdue Global, Purdue's online university for working adults. Accredited and online, Purdue Global gives you the flexibility and support you need to come back and move your career forward. Choose from 175+ programs, all backed by the power of Purdue.

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