This text is appropriate for online or hybrid Student Success classes, General Education courses delivered online, and as a supplemental resource across the curriculum to prepare students for effective online learning. It addresses strategies specific to the hybrid and online learning environment combined with key components, learning styles and critical thinking, from best-selling Keys to Success to help students be effective across the curriculum.  

Keys to Online Learning addresses though the convenience of online education has enabled greater numbers of students’ access to degree programs, being successful in this environment requires specific skills and strategies. Every element can be fundamentally different for online students (i.e. the presentation of material, classmate and instructor interaction, assessments and activities). Students will learn how to effectively experience the online environment learning process as they decide what, how, and when course materials are accessed.  Reading skills are required for print and onscreen content. Writing is the main form of communication, informally on discussion boards and formal writing skills in academic papers.  Assignments require virtual collaboration, and developing peer relationships requires a different skill set than those used in face-to-face settings.  Online education can make a student more anonymous, so motivation and time management is paramount.  This resource will support online students to develop the aforementioned skills: reading, writing, assignments, and more, infusing learning styles and critical thinking throughout.