Internet-based courses can offer a unique opportunity, but do they also offer unique challenges? Every university course, whether attended on campus, through traditional distance learning means or through a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), represents an academic challenge for the student. This is the nature of higher education. Distance learning and MOOCs in particular can pose special demands on students. Recognizing these specific difficulties should allow us to identify characteristics or skills that will help the student. The main difference between an Internet-based course and one presented in a traditional in-person setting is the physical isolation of the student. This isolation has a number of consequences. First, there are fewer opportunities to get direct feedback on questions. In a lecture or seminar a student will, at least in principle, have the opportunity to ask for immediate advice if he does not understand the material presented. In an online learning environment such contact will tend to take place through discussion forums. The use of these channels requires a certain security in communication...