Every programming class takes time and this is a programming class. An online class requires better organization of your time than a f2f (face to face) class. There is something about showing up in class that encourages most people to get their act together- it is easier to let things slip in an online class. One of the advantages of an online class is working on the class at your own schedule; one of the disadvantages of an online class is that you have to have a schedule for working on the class. If you are a person who cannot manage your time then an online class is going to be hard- but we all need to learn better time management skills- so this is a chance to improve both your computer skills and your time management skills.

If this is a 3 unit class, then you should schedule at least 3 hours a week as "class time" in addition to the time that you would spend reading the book before or after class. Many people will take longer to learn material by reading on their own than it would by attending a f2f class. Then you need to schedule some time for doing the assignments and programming assignment often take 3 hours a week (less for some classes and often less at the start of the semester.) Some people simply take more time to get assignments done.

Consider setting aside a 3+ hours time slot one night a week as class time and always spend that time on this class- just as you would if you had to come to campus once a week for the class. Then schedule another block of time for doing the assignments and for study time. An online class will not work if you assume that you will fit this class in sometime during the week- that means you often end up having to spend 6+ hours on Saturday or Sunday and feel unhappy about that. Few people can learn a week's worth of material in one 6-8 hour session and remember it later.

I will not remind you repeatedly about due dates for assignments. The assignments will be due on a fairly uniform schedule. Since most people tell me they do assignments over the weekend, assignments will generally be due 10:00 a.m. on Mondays.

You need to start assignments early; this is particularly true if you end up having troubles with assignments and need to ask for help via the discussion board. Although the assignments will be due Monday mornings you should not expect that other students (or your instructor) will be on-line to help you in the wee hours of Mondays.

I will generally have three weeks of material open- this can help if your schedule at work varies. If you know that you will have a hard week at work, or have family affairs that will take time- work ahead. Working ahead is always easier than trying to catch up.

If you have ideas to share about how to make online classes work- share them with other students by posting them to the class discussion board.

In real estate- it is Location, Location, Location. In an online class it is Time Management, Time Management,Time Management