Online learning has many advantages: classes are available anytime--no waiting for a course to be scheduled. People are not pulled away from work to attend days of training; travel costs are eliminated or cut.  Employees who work late shifts or in critical-coverage areas now can have equal access to training and development opportunities.

But online learning is a big change for many. Here are some tips to help you succeed as an online learner:

• Check to be sure your technology is working before you start. It is frustrating to be halfway through a program, then hit a roadblock because a video won't play.  Click HERE to see technical requirements; find out who in your agency's computer services or IT department can assist you if need be.
• The biggest obstacle to online learning is INTERRUPTIONS.  It is hard to concentrate on learning if you're constantly interrupted. Most programs are meant to take between 5 and 30 minutes. Try to find a quiet time during the day to take the courses, and turn off your phone's ringer, your email notify, etc. You may need to put up a 'do not disturb' sign or find another computer in a quieter location.