Final answer:
Success in online courses is influenced by a student's effort, engagement, utilization of resources, and self-evaluation of educational goals and motivations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best predictor of success in online courses is often a combination of factors including the student's level of effort, the student's engagement with the material, and their ability to utilize available resources effectively. Engaging with fellow students and the instructor, understanding personal motivations and educational goals, and utilizing online resources like web-based sample quizzes, study guides, and adaptive learning tools can all contribute to a more effective online learning experience. Additionally, students who demonstrate a high level of effort, as shown in studies like that of Heckert et al. (2006), tend to perceive their courses as more valuable and believe they learn more from them, regardless of the grades received.