The 6 Skills You Need For Online Learning Success

Written By Abena Sey

August 13, 2020

When I pursued my online graduate degree from a reputable Canadian university, I finished my program mastering 10 skills that I attribute to being an online learner.  I believe that a good online learning program not only helps learners develop expertise in a particular field of study, but also, helps learners develop skills that are marketable.  While partaking in online learning, you should expect to gain new skills and expertise in your field, but there are some essential skills that you will need to have prior to starting your program.  These skills are necessary for you to best navigate your online learning experience.  You do not need to demonstrate mastery in these skills, however, having a good foundation will be helpful to you.  In fact, you will find that your skills will develop over the course of your online learning experience.   Put in the work, and you will grow.  Here are 6 skills that you need for online learning success.     

Time Management Skills

The structure of online learning requires learners to have a high degree of independence.  Courses may be asynchronous, which gives you flexibility to balance a full-time job, a family, or other obligations.  However, an asynchronous program means that you are in charge of creating a schedule for the time that you will devote to your studies.  This can be particularly challenging, if time management is not an area of strength for you.  Don’t despair!  There are tools and strategies that you can use to develop your time management skills.  **See my blog post on Time Management Tips To Increase Productivity as an Online Student for strategies that I used to manage my time.

Communication Skills

In online learning, there is a high volume of written communication, more than you would receive in a traditional learning model in-class.  You will mainly communicate with your instructor and colleagues through email or in virtual, asynchronous class discussions using the learning management system of your institution.  You will need to have a strong aptitude for reading, because you will typically have weekly readings and assignments related to them.  Depending on your instructor’s teaching style, you may also have audiovisual learning resources as part of your learning assignment.  You will need to have good listening skills to help you best learn from this type of learning resource.  Along with reading and listening skills, you will also need strong writing skills.  A large portion of your assignments are writing assignments.  These may include weekly virtual discussion forums with your colleagues, essays and presentations, or collaborative projects.  You will need to write clearly and concisely in all forms of your written communication.  If you need support in your written, oral, and listening skills, consider taking advantage of the learning support offered by your school or invest in a tutorial service, just don’t give up.  Communication skills can be developed through practice.  

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