DCE courses present different challenges than traditional face-to-face courses.  This information can provide a guideline for what to expect and how to prepare for success.

• Hot Tips for Success
• Where to get your textbooks and other materials
• Technical Requirements for Online and Computer-based Courses

1. Have realistic expectations
A general, reasonable estimate of the time needed to participate in a typical distance education course is 3 to 5 hours per credit, per week. For example, a 2 credit course would take approximately 6 to 10 hours per week to keep up with assignments, readings, and other related learning activities. This will vary widely according to the actual course, your own study skills, and mastery of the information. Most DCE courses are independent learning experiences; without the structure of regular face-to-face meetings, many students find that these types of courses require a higher level of self-discipline and self-motivation to complete.

2. Develop a study strategy
At the beginning of the course, review the course materials to get a good sense of how the information is laid out and structured. Use this to map out a study plan or schedule that you will use to work through the material. Share this schedule with the people in your life; they can better support your study schedule (and help keep you on track) if they are aware of it.

3. Keep up with the course content
Set a regular schedule, or adhere to the published schedule, for course events and content. Distance or continuing education courses often are less structured than a traditional class that meets regularly in a classroom setting. Successful students are those who can be self-motivated, and self-disciplined. Keep on top of course content to avoid "cramming" large volumes of information prior to a test or project deadline. Keeping an even pace reduces stress, improves your ability to truly take the time to learn the material, and will make it easier for the instructor to provide assistance to you if you should have difficulty. Instructors are apt to view your request for assistance more positively if your request is paced with the course, rather than just prior to a major exam or project deadline. Keeping on pace demonstrates to the instructor that you take your course endeavors seriously.

4. Take advantage of contact opportunities such as virtual office hours, course chat rooms, course discussion boards, orientation sessions, or teleconferences
These sessions are scheduled and provided for your benefit. The instructor may use these sessions to provide assistance to students who have questions, discuss the course material and build upon the print or electronic materials you have received, or provide you an opportunity to express your views and connect with classmates. Generally, students who are well-connected to the instructor and/or course peers are more successful than students who attempt to learn in isolation.

5. Get a study buddy
Even if you can't make contact with someone who is also enrolled in your course, enlist the help of a family member or good friend who can provide feedback, proofread your written assignments, or help to quiz you as you prepare for exams. This person can also serve as a cheerleader or coach to check in on your progress or provide a little reminder when you need to focus on your course.

6. Reward yourself along the way
The end of the course may seem far off; celebrate milestones along the way and you'll make progress seem more attainable and keep yourself motivated.

7. Apply the learning
Look for opportunities outside of the course to apply what you've been learning. By putting concepts into practice right away, you are more likely to retain and truly own that information.

8. Make the most of your free time
Carry flash cards, study notes or summary sheets with you, in pocket size. Review these when waiting in line, when on hold on the phone, or whenever you have 5 or 10 minutes of idle time. During the course of a week, these idle minutes add up!

Where to Get Textbooks and Other Instructional Materials

NDSU Bookstore
Order and purchase textbooks, clothing, gifts, office supplies and computer supplies.
Phone numbers: 

• NDSU Bookstore : (701)-231-7761
• Herd Shop (Convenience, Snacks: (701)-231-8214
• Fax: (701)-231-8814

Toll Free:  1-800-428-8309

NDSU Library Resources for Distance Education Students
The NDSU Libraries supports the teaching and learning of the NDSU community by providing resources and services to all students, faculty and staff. Subject Librarians are available for each discipline to help you.

• Information for Distance Education Students  – provides an overview of library services and procedures for DCE students.
• Library Services - contains information and links to many of the services available through the NDSU libraries such as Interlibrary Loan, Circulation, and Reference.
  • Off-Campus Access:  General information on accessing the NDSU Libraries' eResources.
  • Librarian Subject Specialists:  Provides a listing of Subject Librarians by subject areas/departments.

For assistance, to contact a Subject Librarian by phone, or to report problems:
(800) 843-7358 (ND only)
help@earl.lib.ndsu.edu

Other helpful direct contacts:
Interlibrary Loan (701) 231-8885
Circulation (701) 231-8888
Reference (local) (701) 231-9746
Ed Services Librarian (701) 231-9746