Most people who take online classes have encountered the problem of the last-minute crush at least once. This is a last-minute rush at the end of the semester to finish all the assignments and tests that the students had been putting off, similar to how students in a traditional class might procrastinate on papers and reading until the end. For online students, though, it can be worse because many online classes have more lax timetables and rely more on self-study schedules. If you're about to start taking online classes, you still have a chance to get your study schedule under control and finish with time to spare.
Consistent Times
Some online classes require students to log in at specific times for lectures -- in other words, they're like traditional classes, only with the students in remote locations. For these classes, treat them like traditional ones: show up on time, study between each session, and treat the entire semester or quarter as if you were attending class in a classroom.
Other online classes make the lecture recordings available at any time, and others rely on online modules that have no specific lectures. In these cases, set consistent times for yourself. For example, if you work and are taking an online class at night, "show up" for lectures at 7 p.m. each night and spend a specific amount of time studying each day (or evening, as the case may be). A consistent time will train your brain to treat the class as one that deserves attention and not as something that you can do later when you have more time.
Front-Load Assignments (Within Reason)
If possible, work ahead. Do assignments the week before they are actually due, for example, or do the first two weeks of work in the first week, and then work week by week. Give yourself a buffer so that you don't fall behind if you get sick or simply have an off week later on.
Lighter Initial Schedules
If you're taking online classes that don't have set lecture times, go easy at first. Don't take too many, thinking that the flexible schedule will allow you to do more. Take one class to begin, and get used to how an online class works with your normal schedule.
Online classes are very convenient and allow people to learn when they might otherwise be unable to get to a campus. However, completing the courses requires advance planning, so start now, and get a head start on the course.
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