Skip to main content

Preparing for Online Learning

Are you new to distance education? Use this page to determine if online learning at Saint Louis University is right for you. Find tips for succeeding in online courses and information on how to enroll in online courses at SLU.

Online Readiness Assessment

Distance education allows you to take courses and pursue skills or a degree on your own schedule; however, distance education presents a different set of challenges than traditional on-campus courses. Explore this brief introduction to online learning to determine if it's right for you.

Tips for Success in Online Courses

  • Organization: Read the syllabus! At the beginning of the course, take note of all assignments and exams. Keep track of due dates and plan time for coursework in your schedule.
  • Time management: You should allocate time to complete your readings or assignments. Most online courses are self-paced but with specific due dates.
  • Engagement: Actively participate in your online course. This includes contributing to discussion boards, emailing your professor and checking your SLU email daily.
  • Focus: Make the most of your study time by setting up a distraction-free work zone.
  • Take a break: Don’t forget to include some downtime in your schedule to help you recharge. This will give you a boost to tackle your next task.

Accelerated Online Courses

All courses offered during the winter session and many of the online summer session courses are accelerated. Accelerated courses may run four, six or eight weeks, but they contain the same content as a traditional semester-length course. Accelerated courses operate at a faster pace, and it is common to have weekly (if not daily) assignments, quizzes or exams. For example, a 3-credit-hour winter session course runs for around four weeks. Essentially, this is almost 130 hours of coursework compressed into four weeks. You should plan to spend a minimum of 31 to 32 hours a week on your coursework. Therefore, it is important to keep up with the coursework and to commit to going online daily. 

Things to Consider Before Enrolling in an Accelerated Online Course

  • Is the course foundational for your major?
    • Because of the accelerated pace, retention could be challenging. It might be better to take the course during the regular semester or a longer summer session.
  • Do you have the time to commit to the course?
    • If you are going on vacation or will be without internet for several days over break, it will be hard to keep up with the pace of coursework.
  • Do you have the drive to complete the course?
    • Online learning, in general, requires self-motivation. This is especially true in an accelerated format.

Information For Enrolling in Online Courses or Programs

If you decide to enroll in an online course or program, be sure to take advantage of all the student resources available. You can find more information at Support for Online Learners.