WHAT MAKES A Successful
 

 Online student????

Online students today are often working people who are trying to improve their opportunities. Young adults and older people are also discovering online learning.

Corporations train technical professionals online while private and public universities redefine their markets to span the globe. Finally, and most importantly, options for students are growing rapidly. 

Brick and mortar schools will never go away, but the virtual classroom has become a significant player in today’s learning community. How will you become a part of this growing learning community?

In general, the online student:

1.      … has ready access to a computer and the Internet.

You will need a computer, an Internet Service Provider, and an

email address. JWCC provides a web-based email service to all credit students at no additional cost.  You must have access to any other equipment as required by your instructor. Your school’s computer lab may be a good “Plan B” if you have computer trouble, but “Plan A” should be to have a good, working computer.

2.      … communicates well through writing.

In the Virtual Classroom, nearly all communication is written, so it is critical that you feel comfortable expressing yourself that way. If you have limited reading or writing abilities, these should be addressed before your online experience.

3.      … commits 3 to 12 hours per week per course.

Online learning is neither easier nor faster than Face-to-Face (F2F) learning. Many students would say it requires more time and commitment.

4.      … is self-motivated and self-disciplined.

With the convenience and flexibility of the online world comes responsibility. Online learning takes commitment and discipline to keep up with the flow of the class.

5.      … "speaks up" if problems arise.

Non-verbal clues your professor uses to see if students are having problems (confusion, frustration, boredom, absence, etc.) are not there in online learning. If you have trouble with any aspect of the course (the technology, course content, etc) YOU must seek help immediately. Other­wise the instructor may never know what is wrong.

6.      … is open-minded about sharing life, work, and educational experiences as part of the learning process.

Online learning often requires you to apply your learning. Online com­munication eliminates visual barriers like ethnicity, sex, and age that hinder some individuals in expressing themselves.  

If you feel that a classroom is a requirement to learning, you may be more comfortable there. Online learning is not for everybody. Someone who wants to be on a campus, attending classes in classrooms is probably not going to be happy online.

While the level of social interaction can be very high in the virtual classroom, given that many barriers come down in the online format, it is not the same as living in a dorm on a campus. Meeting your classmates for breakfast before class or going out for lunch afterward doesn’t usually happen online.

8. … recognizes the importance of regular and effective participation.

Online students are expected to:

•          Participate in the virtual classroom frequently each week

•          Work with others in completing projects

•          Use the technology properly

•          Complete assignments on time

•          Enjoy communicating in writing.

•          Communicate effectively and often with their instructors and classmates.

9.      … thinks ideas through before responding.

Meaningful and quality input into the virtual classroom is an essential part of the learning process. You have time 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.

The online learning process requires commitment on the student’s part. Staying up with the class and completing all work, on time, is vital. Once someone gets behind, it is very difficult to catch up. 

You need to: want to be there, and want the experience.   

Just as many excellent instructors may not be the most effective online facilitators, not all students possess the all necessary qualities to perform their best online. You may want to use the reference links to resources and online learning tips to be a successful online learner. Find and identify your instructor’s expectations. Take advantage of questionnaires for prospective students to assess whether you are a good candidate for online learning.