How Not to Be an Outline Course Dropout!


E-learning opportunities, also known as online learning, have significantly expanded since the COVID-19 season. The range of courses includes content learning, personal development, language skills, job training, religious subjects, and business subjects. Plus, a greater number of colleges, graduate, and post-graduate schools now offer online courses. Some of the many benefits and advantages of online learning are as follows:


  • cost-effective
  • time efficient
  • offer access to a greater number of learning opportunities
  • provide a variety of course delivery methods
  • opportunity to learn new technology to navigate some courses
  • flexibility
  • creation of a personal learning environment
  • gain a broader perspective from a larger cross-section of student and faculty communities.


When deciding if taking a course online is right for you, consider my 3 Ds—desire, decide, and determine. First, you must desire to learn the course subject matter.  Secondly, you must decide to take the course and enroll in it.  Thirdly, you must determine in your mind that nothing or no one will stop you from completing your online course.

Unfortunately, statistics indicate that many students do not complete online courses despite their benefits and advantages. Are you familiar with Benjamin Franklin’s quote, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail“. Without a plan to complete your online course, there’s a great probability you will become an online course dropout. To avoid that, I recommend developing a plan with the following three components.

1. Before beginning the course

  • Research and implement various learning techniques. For example, listening to classical music before you study enhances the areas of the brain associated with learning and memory.
  • Sign into your course. Familiarize yourself with the course Introduction section. Gather downloadable course assets–course syllabus, outline, etc.  Get a notebook and writing utensils. If the course is self-paced, estimate how much time is required to complete the course. Decide when you will begin the course. Set up a schedule of the day(s) and time(s) you will work on your course.  Put them on your calendar.
  • Set up a quiet place to study. Share your course schedule with those in your household. Advise them that you are unavailable at those times, except for emergencies.
  • Choose an accountability partner.


2. While taking the course

  • Eliminate distractions – Silence your devices and their notifications.
  • Stick to the schedule you established.
  • Celebrate your progress every time you complete a lesson. Acknowledge your achievements and stay focused on your goals. 
  • To help you stay motivated, revisit the reasons why you enrolled in the course. Also, frequently repeat this affirmation, “I’m a winner, not a loser”.
  • Embrace life challenges and keep it moving.  If life interrupts your schedule, it’s time to pivot–plan intentional victories over trouble. Like a GPS, get back on schedule as soon as possible.
  • Keep yourself accountable. Connect with classmates or instructors in the course community or discussion area. Check-in with your accountability partner regularly.
  • Practice self-care. Take breaks. Change your study schedule if necessary.


3. Upon course completion

  • Celebrate this accomplishment.
  • Thank your accountability partner for their support. Announce it in the course community or discussion area, and on social media.
  • Do a course review to offer feedback and to share how valuable the course was to you.

If you establish and follow your plan, you will complete your course(s). You are a winner, not a loser because you have “stick-to-itiveness“, the quality of sticking to a task despite difficulties, distractions, or delays.  

Remember, quitters never win and winners never quit!