Tips for Taking a Business Writing Course Online

With more colleges offering business degrees online, you may find that taking an online business writing course is an option that fits into your busy schedule.

However, differences exist between a traditional on-campus course and an online course. While enjoying the convenience of attending a class via computer from anywhere in the world, also understand that taking a course with such freedom and autonomy may present challenges.

For a better chance at success, follow these tips for taking a business writing course online.

Before you enroll:

Identify your goals. Why do you want to take an online business writing course? If you want to review and practice writing skills you are already familiar with, you might be better off buying a quality business writing handbook for independent study. If you are seeking to enhance your resume or advance your career, choose a course that will count toward a business degree. You never know what the future may hold, and even if you already hold a degree, you may want that course credit to count toward a larger goal.

Check credentials and affiliations. Ideally, obtain referrals from others who have completed the course successfully. Many websites offer inexpensive business courses online, but the best option, if expense is an issue, is to take the course through your local community college. Most community colleges offer online business courses for about a hundred dollars per credit hour, and classes will transfer to another institution if you decide to earn a business degree.

Make sure you have the proper technology. You will need access to a computer with high-speed Internet service, word processing software, and plenty of memory. The course description will specify technology requirements for the course. If your system does not meet those requirements, or you do not have unlimited access to one that does, you have little chance of completing an online course successfully.

Take into account extra costs, including the cost of your free time. Be aware that you may have additional costs for textbooks, paper, supplies, and possibly school fees. Also, don't mistakenly assume that an online course will take up less of your time. Online courses take just as much time to study and complete assignments as a traditional course.

Buy a good business writing reference book. Most likely, the course will specify a required textbook. However, you will also benefit by having a good reference book on grammar and business writing. Consider it an investment. You will use it to review what you have learned and look up formats for letters, memos, proposals and other types of business documents long after the course is finished. All bookstores carry business writing manuals and handbooks. Consider The Business Writer's Handbook, by Gerald J. Alred, Charles T. Brusaw, and Walter E. Oliu, now in its eighth edition.

While Taking the Course:

Schedule time for class. The benefit of taking an online course is that you make your own schedule. The disadvantage is that it's often easy to procrastinate and ignore that schedule. Create a daily or weekly schedule of when you will participate in "class," and then read class materials, check the virtual classroom and forum, and complete assignments on time according to that schedule.

Actively participate in discussions. Just as in the traditional classroom, the more you interact with the instructor and other students, the more you get from the course. But unlike the classroom, that interaction doesn't come automatically. You must make a point to actively ask questions, post comments, and interact with others in the class. Some online instructors require a certain amount of forum posts per week.

Schedule time for studying. Most colleges recommend 2-3 hours of study per week for each hour in the classroom. For a writing class especially, you need to make time to complete writing assignments that may need several revisions. If your online business writing course is worth 3 credit hours, you will need 6-9 hours per week to study and complete writing assignments, in addition to the time you spend at the computer during "class."

Find a study partner. Once you get to know other students in the class, you may find someone locally with whom you can meet to study, proofread each other's assignments, and discuss the class. If not, you can always recruit a friend or family member to help you study and keep you motivated, even if that person is not enrolled in the class. It helps to be accountable to someone, especially with the freedom of an online class.

Keep excellent records. Print a hard copy of every single document from the class, including the syllabus and all assignments. Save your work to your computer's hard drive, a back up disk, and also print it out on hard copy. Computers are never reliable, and in the case of an online class, all your hard work may disappear in an instant. You are responsible for keeping records of you assignments, tests, and grades, not your instructor. That way, if there is a dispute, you will have documentation.

Business writing, as with any other writing, is a skill that improves with practice. In order to improve writing skills, you cannot just read about writing or memorize a list of grammar rules. You must practice. You must write. So sit down, keep your grammar handbook nearby, and jump in!