|
|
 Prospective Students
Are you ready for online learning?
Take our short survey to see if you are an Online Learner!
Characteristics of the
Successful Online Student
Online courses offer students
opportunities to learn in new ways and make learning available to many
who cannot attend a traditional class. However, online courses are not
for everybody, just as not every student is successful in traditional
college classes.
In general, the successful online student should possess these
qualities:
- Be open minded about sharing
life, work, and educational experiences as part of the learning
process.
Introverts as well as extroverts find
that the online process requires them to utilize their experiences.
This forum for communication eliminates the visual barriers that
hinder some individuals in expressing themselves.
- Be able to communicate through
writing.
In the virtual classroom, nearly all
communication is written, so it is critical that you feel
comfortable in expressing yourself in writing.
- Be self-motivated and
self-disciplined.
With the freedom and flexibility of the
online environment comes responsibility. The online process takes a
real commitment and discipline to keep up with the flow of the
process.
- Be willing to "speak up" if
problems arise.
When you experience difficulty on any
level (either with the technology or with the course content), you
must communicate this immediately. Otherwise the instructor will
never know what is wrong.
- Be willing and able to commit to
8 to 9 hours per week per course.
Online is not easier than the
traditional educational process. In fact, many students will say it
requires much more time and commitment.
- Be able to meet the minimum
requirements for the course.
The requirements for online are no less
than that of any other college writing course. An online course is
a convenient way to receive your education, not an easier way.
- Accept critical thinking and
decision making as part of the learning process.
The learning process requires you to
make decisions based on facts as well as experience. Assimilating
information and executing the right decisions requires critical
thought.
- Have access to a computer and a
modem.
The communication medium is a computer,
phone line, and modem; the student must have access to the necessary
equipment. Many students prefer to work from home; however, students
may access the computers in the High Tech Centers on campus seven
days a week.
- Be able to think ideas through
before responding.
Meaningful and quality input into the
virtual classroom is an essential part of the learning process. Time
is given in the process to allow for the careful consideration of
responses. The testing and challenging of ideas is encouraged; you
will not always be right, just be prepared to accept a challenge.
- Feel that high quality learning
can take place without going to a traditional classroom.
Learning takes place in both formal and
informal settings. Learning results in clearer understanding
and changes in the individual, and you do not have to attend a
traditional on-campus class to learn.
Personal
Traits for Success
-
Be responsible for your own learning
Even though
you don’t see instructors and classmates – taking classes via the
Web is still going to school. You need to take online courses as
seriously as you would any traditional learning programs. Remember,
too, that instructors can’t read your facial expressions as they
would in a traditional setting. If you’re struggling, you need to
let your instructor know right away so he or she can get you the
help you need.
-
Be self-motivated
With the freedom and flexibility of the
online environment comes responsibility. The online process takes a
real commitment and discipline to keep up with the flow of the
process.
-
Have good time management skills
and good organizational skills
These can be
as simple as logging into your classes every day (or at least five
times a week) to check message boards and announcements, to starting
assignments the day after they are posted, to setting aside a
regular time every day or every week when you’ll study. Once you’ve
set your goals, stick to them. After a time, they will simply
become a part of your every day actions and habits.
- Willing to participate in online discussions and activities with classmates and instructor.
Since there is no face-to-face interaction with instructors and
classmates, you need to be proactive. Join in on chat sessions,
post messages on discussion boards and start one-on-one email
discussions. One of the greatest benefits of online learning is
anonymity – so there’s no need to be intimated – say or ask what you
need to in order to keep learning.
 Computing
Skills for Success
Students
should know how to:
|