Prior to registering for any distance education course, each student should make sure that this method of instruction fits his or her learning style. Some people learn best by interacting face-to-face with the instructor and other students. To be successful in distance education courses, an online student should be self-motivated and be able to work well independently.
Students who take online courses must possess good computer and Internet skills to be successful. Students should have daily access to a computer (preferably at home) that meets the computer needs requirement. Skills specific to individual courses may also be required; for example, proficiency with a word processing software may be needed for an online English course.