Characteristics of Successful Online Learners
Not too many years ago, institutions of higher learning were bracing themselves for the changes that online learning would bring. There was a lot to sort out: from developing online class modules and content management systems, to training faculty how to teach in an online environment, to helping students make the transition from passive to more participatory learning.
Now in 2018, most faculty and students in colleges and universities nationwide are well acquainted with online learning and have embraced its advantages.
Online Education Advantages
- Convenience and flexibility
- Greater variety of programs and courses
- Lower associated costs. While tuition may be the same as for a traditional class, you save money on commuting and may also live at home while taking online courses, so you're spared room and board, babysitter fees, and other costs associated with commuting
- More comfortable learning environment
- Fewer distractions, particularly for those who feel nervous in a social setting could benefit from participating in an online classroom
- Classes can be fit into a work schedule
- Can make progress with lessons even during bad weather when classes are typically canceled
- Students enrolled in one college can take credits from other institutions in order to get courses they need that their principal institution may not offer
Do these factors inspire you to take an online course? Let's take a look at some of the characteristics of successful online learners and see if you measure up.
Characteristics of Successful Online Learners
Good time management skills. You may have been born with good time management skills, or perhaps you've had to develop them. If you're good at managing time, then you will probably do well in an online course. Not only do you have to juggle college work, a job, and your personal responsibilities, but you'll also have to plan for turning assignments in on time, studying, and preparing for exams.
Waiting till the last minute, staying up all night in a caffeine-fueled frenzy trying to master material you've known for weeks you would need for tests, or writing frantic essays at the 11th hour is a recipe for failure. If you don't know how to parcel out your time for your coursework, get help from an advisor or tutor.
Basic technical skills. If you haven't mastered computer basics, you may not do well in an online learning environment. Some older students in particular may falter when navigating the course modules, with problems ranging from not knowing how to move around in the course, to failing to save or inability to turn in assignments because they don't know what they're doing.
Before enrolling in an online course, you should have some basic understanding of what an operating system does, and some familiarity with standard software such as those in Microsoft Office Suite. Your module will likely be different from any program you have experience with, but having facility with these other programs can help you become more intuitive with your course module and content management system.
Good communication skills. While we mentioned above that online courses can provide a more relaxed learning environment than the traditional classroom for students who feel social stress more keenly, it is nevertheless important to communicate effectively, both in writing and speaking. You may not ever talk to the instructor, but then again you might, and it's all to the good if you can easily articulate any questions or problems you might have.
Obviously, writing skills should include the ability to create coherent work in polished English. If you write with difficulty, or have trouble conveying your meaning, you will need to take a communications or writing course that will help you beef up these skills.
A knack for self-direction. While your instructor will be available to guide you as you move through the course module, you will need to be somewhat self-directed to succeed at online learning. As you've probably gathered, learning in a traditional classroom tends to be passive, with the student listening to lectures and taking notes, then following up by writing papers, completing reading assignments, and taking tests.
A big part of online course success will be you reading assignments as directed, but also following up with your own research into a topic. Online learning will give you an opportunity for deeper and wider exploration of the topics you're studying, so to get the maximum benefit, you'd be wise to reach beyond the material in your own self-directed study.
Are you interested in online classes? If you want to study business, criminal justice, technology, or more, ECPI University might have the right degree program for you. For more information about this exciting opportunity, connect with a helpful admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty, or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.
For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.