1.3 What Makes a Good Online Student?

Before you enroll in a UC Berkeley Extension Online course, please consider for a moment whether online education will work for you.

Basic, practical requirements include

• regular access to a computer with a modem or direct network connection
  
• comfort with, knowledge of, and experience with computers and the Internet, including e-mail and Web browser software
  
• the ability to download, install, and do basic troubleshooting of computer software
  
• the ability to dedicate from as little as 45 to as many as 225 hours total to a course, including readings and assignments, depending on the length and scope of the course

In addition, we recommend that you also

• be able to negotiate around the limitations of work, family, and other scheduling issues
  
• be self-motivated, self-disciplined, and independent
  
• be unafraid to ask questions and receive feedback
  
• be able and willing to meet deadlines
  
• be able to learn through "virtual" interaction with your instructor and other students
  
• enjoy and be comfortable with reading and writing

Again, you can find more information about what's necessary to succeed as an online student in links on the course Resources page.