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Successful
Online Learning |
| Welcome.
This is the first in a series of short articles on how to be a successful
learner in an online environment.
In this issue, I will provide
a short overview of the differences between online and traditional courses,
and recommend some tips for success with online courses.
What
are the differences between online and traditional courses? The
outcomes and objectives of online courses are the same as traditional courses;
the only difference is the method of delivery.
In a traditional class, you
meet with the instructor and other students at a specific time two or three
times a week in a classroom, lab, or lecture hall. Once there, you can
sit or sleep through the lecture or presentation. Online courses
offer you the opportunity to connect at whatever time fits your busy schedule.
You log in to your course at times that you choose and participate in discussions
and group work when it is most convenient for you. In the online
model, you, your classmates, and the instructor do not need to be logged
on at the same time, which creates an interesting option to learning. |
|
By
Charles Christison
Instructional
Designer
Distance
Learning Center
UW-Platteville |
|
| In online
courses, most communication is conducted via the posting of messages.
The originator does not know when the recipients will be reading the posting
or when a response will be forthcoming. This offers everyone the chance
to think and reflect on the original posting before responding.
The freedom of not having
to attend a regularly scheduled class can sometimes be the downfall of
an online student. Itís easy to put off logging in and reading postings
from your instructor and your classmates and contributing your own thoughts.
Remember, even with an online course you have assignment and project deadlines.
In the virtual classroom, students and the instructor come and go at all
hours. Not having a regularly scheduled class with an instructor can be
disconcerting for students new to this kind of environment.
All this points to the need
for time management skills. Developing time management skills is a necessity
and cannot be over-emphasized. To be successful in online learning requires
active participation and a commitment of time, energy, and self-discipline.
Here are some key points:
| PARTICIPATE.
In the online environment, your presence is not readily apparent; no one
can see you sitting in your seat. To make your presence known, you need
to participate. Most instructors make participation a requirement. Participation
in an online course is accomplished through the posting of discussion messages
and assignments. Communicating your thoughts with others is key to building
a community.
How often should you log
in to read and respond? Usually the instructor will set some guidelines
to keep the discussions moving forward. I suggest checking in at least
once a day on weekdays and at least once on weekends. Not checking in frequently
may cause you to fall behind. |
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| BE
PERSISTENT. If you have any difficulties or problems, don't
wait! Most problems are easily solved, but we have to hear from you before
we can help.
For technical issues contact
the Help Desk at (877) 724-7883. For questions regarding exams, call Learner
Services at (800) 442-6460. Remember, in this medium your instructor is
only an email away. Your instructor may also set up office hours, times
at which he or she is available for phone conversations. |
|
| THINK
BEFORE YOU SEND. The online environment allows you to reflect
on ideas of your own and of others. Unlike email, where you usually respond
off the top of your head, online discussions are more professional. Reflect
on the ideas of others, then contribute your ideas to the group. |
|
| SHARE
TIPS, HELP, and QUESTIONS. For many of us, participating
in online courses is a new frontier. There are no dumb questions, and even
if you think your question or solution is apparent, please share it. Others
in the class will appreciate it. |
Next time I'll have more
thoughts and tips for the online learner. For now Iíll leave you with a
quote from Eric Hoffer:
| "In the times of rapid change,
learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully
equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists." |
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