Computer
You should have access to a computer, Internet access, and an NAU e-mail account before the semester begins. See System Requirements for more information. If you do not have the required computer configuration, consider accessing your class through one of the NAU Computer Labs located around Arizona. To make sure your computer is virus free access our virus support pages. You are responsible for maintaining your own computer for the duration of the semester, but you can get help 24 hours a day through our Academic Computing Help Desk at 1-888-520-7215.

Books
Get your textbooks early; they are important for your success as an online student. You can find out what textbooks you need by calling the NAU bookstore (928-523-4041) 2 months before the semester begins. Ask for text name, author, and edition. Or you can email your professor to get book information; you can find their email address by looking up the class on the Distance Learning website, clicking on the class and then clicking on the professor's name. You can order texts through the NAU bookstore, through another online bookstore, or through a local bookstore.

Workspace
A comfortable and efficient study space is important in online learning. If you are studying at home, it is important to have a good chair and desk to work at, along with a properly functioning screen and good lighting. If you are studying at work you similarly need to have a proper workstation set up along with a place to store your course materials between study sessions. If you are using other workspaces such as a library or computer lab, sort out your bookings in advance to ensure you have access when you need it.

Commit Time
Commit as much time to your online course as other courses you are taking. You should expect to spend at least 135 hours/term on each 3-credit class (which would be 9 hours/week for a 15-week class or 27 hours/week for a 5-week class). Schedule your "class time" just as if you were physically going to class on campus..

Log in
Log in to class on the first day it's available! Then keeping logging in as frequently as your professor recommends--this keeps you up to date with the latest messages and other information. Classes will have different requirements about how frequently you log in, but making it a daily habit helps you stay on top of the work.

Self-discipline
Use self-discipline to keep up with assignments: don't get behind! If an instructor doesn't give a lot of due dates, make your own deadlines to help you up set a good pace to finish on time.

Get Support
Get the support of your colleagues, family and friends before you start. This built-in support system will help you tremendously since there will be times when you will have to sit at your computer for hours at a stretch in the evenings and on weekends. It helps to surround yourself with people who understand and respect what you are trying to do.  

Professor
Your professor is your most important resource. Remember that your professor cannot see you, so you must be absolutely explicit with your questions and requests. If you are having problems understanding something about the course, you must speak up; otherwise, there is no way that anyone will know that something is wrong. Also, if you don't understand something, chances are several people have the same question. Know if your professor prefers you to email, post, or call with questions. Allow a reasonable amount of time for your instructor to respond to e-mail. Most will try to respond as soon as possible or at least within 48 hours.  

Computer Help Desk
If you are having technical problems, get in touch with NAU's Academic Computing Help Desk. You can call them at 1-888-520-7215; they are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. .

Advisors
Academic Advisors can help you plan out your degree and make sure you are taking the classes you need to graduate with the degree you want. You can reach the advisors for online degrees by calling 1-800-426-8315.

NAU Library
Many NAU Library Resources are available to you online. For more information on how to use the library as an online student, check out our Online Orientation .

Online Learning Is Not Easy
Online learning is not easier than the traditional educational process and learning does not occur passively. Like a traditional classroom, how much you learn depends on how much effort you put into class work. To get the full benefits, you need to become actively involved in the learning experience.

• When reading, underline or highlight key passages. (Some software allows you to do this online, but you can also print online text for the same purpose).
• Commit to doing all the work regardless whether it is submitted for grading or not. Doing the work will improve your grades.
• Get involved in the class's online chat rooms and post comments to the online discussions. .

Think Ideas Through
Think ideas through before responding. Meaningful and quality input into the virtual classroom is an essential part of the learning process. Time is given in the process to allow for the careful consideration of responses.

Save Everything
Save a copy of every assignment you submit online at least until you receive your grade. 

Be Positive
Maintain a positive and constructive tone in your online communications. Direct and vigorous discussions should be welcome in any online course and contribute to the learning experience. However, vindictive, sarcastic or other types of negative communication come across poorly in online communications and may lead to an equally hostile reaction from other participants.

Refine Your Writing Skills
Writing skills are particularly important in online learning, as in most cases the only impression of you that people will receive is by your writing. If you have difficulty writing clearly, you may wish to see what resources are available in your community, possibly through a community college or other continuing education program. We also offer online writing tutoring. Another writing resource is NAU's English Department which has a writing center that tries to accommodate the needs of online students.