This question is one which bothers hundreds and thousands of people out there, but the crux of the matter is that it is YOU who has to determine whether you would be able to succeed in an online degree program or not. Even though going for online education can turn out to be fun and interactive in the long run, but it really is not meant for every single one of us. At the same time as some enjoy the freedom and independence eLearning offers, some others repent enrolling at an online institution.
Successful online learners have certain common traits. Here is a checklist presenting these traits so you may determine whether you have the potential and capabilities to study online or else go for traditional schooling:

Are You Self-Motivated?
At times people require instructors to encourage them so they may stay motivated towards their studies, but distance learners are self-motivated individuals. Students who pursue an eLearning program realize the fact that they would never get to meet their online faculty therefore they set their goals and remain motivated on their own to succeed in their degree programs.

Are You A Procrastinator?
Successful online learners do their work on time. They are rarely found putting off assignments and projects till the last moment. Such students appreciate the freedom eLearning offers to them by letting them study at their own pace and work on their assignments whenever they are free. They further realize that procrastinating would only add months or even years to the completion of their program and the acquisition of their online degree!

Do You Have Good Reading Comprehension Skills?
A vast number of people learn quickly by simply listening to lectures and taking notes, but those who engage in online education have to understand most of their course material through reading alone. Even though distance education courses offer streaming videos as well as audio clips, students are mostly required to comprehend a major part of their course material through written text. Hence, successful online learners have the capability to comprehend written material at all levels on their own without the guidance of a teacher.

Can You Resist Distractions?
Distractions are present all around us. May it be the kids crying and screaming, a favorite show on the TV, a friend calling to head out for a drink, we all get distracted. But successful distance learners have the capability to filter out such disturbances as they know that if they pay attention to them, it would certainly threaten their progress. They know how to turn down invitations, deal with screaming kids and let their machines pick up the phone, as they know they need to work on their degree program.

Are You Ok With Missing Out On Social Activities Offered by Traditional Schools?
Triumphant distance learners realize that they will not be able to attend the homecoming game, student elections, dances etc, but they believe that they freedom they are being offered as a substitute is totally worth it. Such individuals feel comfortable with their current social life, and instead of going through classroom discussions etc, they interact with their virtual class-fellows located all across the world through live chat, discussion boards, email etc.

Enrolling in an online college or university might be a good option for you if a few of the above mentioned traits are present in you. Make note that eLearning is really not meant for everyone, and even though it is the perfect option for some, others have trouble studying on their own. But, after assessing yourself against the abovementioned qualities you find that you have some of them in common with successful distance learners, then online education might also be meant for you!