|
Successful
online students:
Are self-motivated and goal-oriented.
Are able to stay on-task and complete assignments on-time.
Possess basic computer skills and are able to meet class
software and Internet requirements: email, word processing, getting
files from other locations, sending and receiving files, saving a
file, cutting and pasting, and other skills specific to course
content and technical level of the class.
Manage their time. It is best to treat an online course the same
as an In-class course. Schedule time blocks to complete course work
at specific times and stick to your schedule.
Allocate sufficient time to complete assignments. Online courses
require a greater time investment by the student than a comparable
In-class course. In Online courses, the student accepts the
responsibility to learn the material. An online class takes more
time. Make sure you allot sufficient time to be successful in the
class.
Take responsibility for their own work product.
Are tenacious (sometimes the problems get sticky). When you
don’t get the desired results in a lab, you don’t have an instructor
in the room to answer your questions and assist with
troubleshooting. You must be self-reliant. You must troubleshoot
your own problems and attempt to figure out what the problem was.
The instructor will be available for assistance but he is not
immediately available.
Are able to work alone. In an Online class, you will frequently
be alone. Students study at different times and at different paces.
Many students do not like to work alone. They prefer the class
community and the ability to collaborate on issues.
Are willing to communicate with the class. There are mandatory
communication requirements built-in to the course (discussion items
and group projects). Your chances of success will be increased by
communicating frequently with your Online classmates outside of the
mandatory items. If you become frustrated with a lab procedure or
don’t understand something—communicate. Ask a classmate for
assistance.
Online courses traditionally have a high drop rate (50% is not
uncommon) and low success rate. Reasons for this range from the issues
above to changes in job schedules or home issues. Life intrudes on our
plans.
Online or In-Class—which
version is right for you? |