What does it take to succeed in the world of online education? I scoured the Internet for qualities that enable online students to shine and these attributes were peppered on almost every site.

• The ability to learn without supervision
• The ability to set a timetable and stick to it
• The ability to avoid and ignore distractions of any kind
• The ability to grasp necessary and sufficient information from a motley collection of resources
• The ability to study without being part of a group

For those of you who think you do not possess these characteristics, do not despair. An online learner myself, I’ll let you in on a few trade secrets.

First of all, I set timetables all right, but I never stick to them. I’m always behind. But one thing I am is committed; I just have to finish what I started. So I forgo sleep, sit up a couple of nights, and voila, my work is done.

I can study without supervision, but my best friends are deadlines. There’s nothing more motivating than the Damocles’ sword of a deadline hanging over my head.

I’m good at assessing what needs to be learned to complete a course successfully, so I study only what’s necessary to get a passing grade. I wouldn’t recommend this to all those who study online, but I find that this helps me balance work, classes, family and social life without stressing out.

Distractions are a part and parcel of life. I don’t ignore them completely; rather, I give in to them once in a while. You can call it a treat for some assignment done well. The best part of giving in to temptation once in a while is that I’m so wracked by guilt for slacking off, and work extra hard in the bargain.

As you can see, I’m having my cake and eating it too. Enjoy learning from home; make it a pastime, not a chore.