The design of an online course is one of the external factors that affect students' success. This includes technical aspects such as the sequencing of topics, a good layout, easy navigation of the system and the availability of help screens. The quality of interaction with the instructor also determines how satisfied students are with the process of online learning. Courses where instructors use a wide spectrum of presentation styles and encourage questioning and discussion are more engaging. The opportunities available for students to test their knowledge, as well as the promptness of the feedback they receive, are also important.
Online courses cater to the requirements of students who find it difficult to attend on-campus instruction. People with family or workplace commitments generally opt for such courses. Any change in the status quo, at home or in the office, has the potential to interfere with their completion of assignments or participation in online discussions. Students who have too much on their plates may find it difficult to put in the necessary effort and take responsibility for their own learning. This, in turn, affects their success.
Traditional classrooms provide an environment with several built-in controls to ensure students adhere to their courses of study. When there is an assignment to be submitted, for instance, there are teachers to remind students about the deadline and classmates who can help. Students who take online courses do not have such mechanisms; therefore, the effort they invest in the education process depends, to a large extent, on their self-motivation. Whether it is finding time to study after a hard day's work, completing assignments, working alone or participating in online discussions, it is students' inherent desire to perform that decides their success in completing coursework.
Along with the motivation to do well, students also need certain personality traits to succeed in online study programs. During online discussions, everyone receives an opportunity to participate. Students who have the ability to overcome the fear of communicating their thoughts are able to make the most of this facility. Online courses provide students with the option of interacting with their fellow participants. Those who have the confidence to strike a rapport with people they haven't met face-to-face find it easier to build a support network. The ability to focus on the goal and put in hard work are the major attributes of students who succeed in online study programs.