When you are pursuing an online course, it is so easy to get distracted and disengaged. There are so many things that may shift your focus from your studies. There are distractions from family members, and the temptation to browse other websites or engage with social media pages while you are online. Depending on the design, you may also feel isolated, passive, or become easily bored from reading long passages and watching videos that go on and on. Your experience will be completely different when you are engaged in a well-designed online course. Such a course includes interactive content such as quizzes, gamification elements, or simulations that can keep you actively engaged as you participate in the teaching and learning process.

If you are taking an independent, self-paced course, you will have the opportunity to progress through the course at your own pace. However, if the certificate from the course is required for promotion or is a requirement for your job, your supervisor may ask that you complete the course within a certain timeframe.

Being engaged is one of the most critical features for success in the online learning environment. As a matter of fact, some may say it is the most important success factor.

A self-paced course can also help develop critical life skills such as self-regulation and time management. In this environment, you are required to work autonomously which requires discipline, personal motivation, and that you manage your time carefully. Set yourself timelines for completing the course, stick to the timelines, and complete the course on time.

Being engaged is one of the most critical features for success in the online learning environment. As a matter of fact, some may say it is the most important success factor. Engagement with the content, the facilitator and your peers is absolutely necessary if you are to successfully navigate your online learning experience.

If you are new to the online learning environment, it may be daunting at first. However, there are some simple strategies that you can use to make the experience less stressful and more engaging and interactive.

1. Complete all the activities that are included in the course. Interactive activities such as quizzes, games, and personal reflections are included to ensure you actively engage with the course content.
   
   
2. Collaborate. Working in groups on course assignments and activities will be an asset, so find out if there are other persons that you know who are also completing the course. Check with colleagues in your NSO or colleagues from regional NSOs to see if they are also completing the course. Your peers can provide support as well as help to keep you motivated to complete your tasks and assignments on time. Even though you are not necessarily able to meet other course participants face-to-face, take advantage of the tools that can facilitate online meetings and discuss ideas that may or may not be related to your course
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3. Get to know your instructor. If your online course is a virtual instructor-led training (VILT), get to know your instructor. Build connections with your instructor. Most instructors in the online environment are trained e-facilitators and are very supportive and just as effective as in the face-to-face setting. They will even provide virtual office hours where you can ask questions and get help with your tasks and assignments
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4. Stay on track with your assignments. Complete your assignments on time. If your online course follows a weekly schedule where there are tasks and assignments to complete, ensure that you complete your assignments on time to avoid a pile up. Having multiple assignments to complete at one time can be very overwhelming and affect your level of performance and the benefits you get from the course
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5. Create a distraction-free workspace and time schedule. Carve out a space in your physical environment where you can work without being distracted. Select a convenient period of time when you can engage with minimal distraction and devote your undivided attention to your work. It is very easy to get distracted when working from home or completing an online course from home.

Now that you are armed with these tips,