To take online classes, you must have excellent computer skills. In addition, your computer and Internet connection should be up-to-date and reliable to ensure you can complete your classwork on time. You should be able to navigate the Internet and the program the school uses to interface with the instructor. This could be a program such as Blackboard or some other forum-style web interface. You should also have a working knowledge of email and a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word.
Although there are many different methods used in online classes such as podcasts and videologs, most of the learning is done by reading. This would include reading textbooks, forum posts and research information that is found on the Internet. If you do not learn well by reading, you may have a difficult time learning over the Internet. Almost all communication is done via text, so your explanations on materials would also come as written words. Some people do not learn well this way.
For some, going to school on the Internet is like going to school in an amusement park. With Facebook, Twitter and email always at hand, one can get distracted very easily. Since online classes are done at home, distractions from the television, family and sleep are also nearby. It takes self-directed motivation to read the textbooks and perform the tasks necessary to complete the classwork in an online class.
Most people work and have family responsibilities while taking online classes. It is imperative that time is set aside everyday for the completion of coursework. This time has to be juggled with work demands and kids' needs, too. An online student must be someone who can find those pockets of time that are unscheduled and put in the time required to do the work.
Since the communication in online classes are text based, you must be able to express yourself well in writing. You have to be able to ask classmates and instructors for help, and the way to do this will be through the written word. Forum posts, emails and chats are all word-based media that require writing skills. Many classes require assignments that are papers, as well, so writing skills are important on many levels. Help in the class is likely to come only when you are able to express yourself in an email explaining your difficulty.
People skills are a two-fold problem. Some people need the stimulation of other people in order to learn. You will not get this from an online class, and this could present a problem for your learning. Also, you must have the assertiveness to get in touch with your instructor if you are confused or have a problem. Actually going to a class would make it easier to address an instructor, so you must know if you can speak up when you need help.