Communication 491-01

Ten Tip On E-Learning

• Make time for e-learning. Set aside specific times to work in your course and stick to that schedule.
• Pace yourself. Choosing your own study times is great but make sure you don't fall behind in the course.
• Prepare for the course. Review the introductory material to become familiar with the course structure, navigation, tools, and learning resources.
• Be a strategic learner. Scan the learning outcomes and deliverables beforehand and keep them in mind as you go through the course.
• Don't feel you have to read everything. The supplementary materials are for learners who want clarification or a more detailed explanation of a concept.
• Maintain a positive attitude. Acquiring new skills can be difficult, but the knowledge gained is well worth the pain.
• Ask for help. Use e-mail and the discussion forum to take advantage of the expertise your instructor and fellow students have to offer.
• Take the initiative. Get started and don't be afraid of making a mistake. Learning is a process. We don't expect you to be certain about every assignment you submit
• Collaborate. Ask questions and answer them via e-mail and in the discussion forum
• Share your experiences. Ask yourself how the course material relates to your experiences and share those thoughts with other students.

Qualities of Online Learners

 In general, the online student should possess the following qualities:

1. 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. In addition, the student is given time to reflect on the information before responding. The online environment should be open and friendly.

2. Be able to communicate through writing.
   

   In the Virtual Classroom, nearly all communication is written, so it is critical that students feel comfortable in expressing themselves in writing. There are a large number of students that exhibit limited writing abilities – these will need to be addressed before or as part of the online experience. This may require remedial efforts on the part of the student.

    

3. 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.

    

4. Be willing to "speak up" if problems arise.
   

   Many of the non-verbal communication mechanisms that instructors use in determining whether students are having problems (confusion, frustration, boredom, absence, etc.) are not possible in the online paradigm. If a student is experiencing difficulty on any level (either with the technology or with the course content), he or she must communicate this immediately. Otherwise the instructor will never know what is wrong.

    

5. Be willing and able to commit to 4 to 15 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.

    

6. Be able to meet the minimum requirements for the program.
   

   The requirements for online are no less than that of any other quality educational program. The successful student will view online as a convenient way to receive their education – not an easier way.

    

7. Accept critical thinking and decision making as part of the learning process.
   

   The learning process requires the student to make decisions based on facts as well as experience. Assimilating information and executing the right decisions requires critical thought; case analysis does this very effectively.

    

8. Have access to a computer. Keep if mind where a back-up computer exists if the event you
   might need one.  "Control technology, do not let technology control you."
   
9. Be able to think ideas through before responding.
   

   Meaningful and quality input into the discussion forumis 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.

10. Feel that high quality learning can take place without going to a traditional classroom.
    
    If the student feels that a traditional classroom is a prerequisite to learning, they may be more comfortable in the traditional classroom. Online is not for everybody. A student that wants to be on a traditional campus attending a traditional classroom 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 residence hallon a campus. This should be made known. An online student is expected to:

• Participate in the virtual classroom 5-7 days a week
• Be able to work with others in completing projects
• Be able to use the technology competently
• Be able to meet the minimum standards as set forth by the institution
• Be able to complete assignments on time
• Enjoy communicating in writing.