I
love online classes. This summer I took a class in Astronomy from CU Boulder
and really enjoyed the flexibility of online learning. I am the type of person that once they start
something they really like to get into it and complete the project. For me, being able to adjust the pace of a
class is pretty awesome. The online
self-paced format of Astronomy allowed me to complete the course in three
weeks. However, not all students enjoy
the online learning format. This summer
I also offered several of my TAG students the opportunity to participate in a
summer book discussion through Edmodo. Six students signed up to participate. Unfortunately, summer schedules have
prevented the students from all engaging in the discussions at the same
time. At first, the asynchronous nature
of our discussions did not seem to deter the students. However, over time, students participated less
and less. So, I’ve been thinking about
some of the characteristics of students and online environments that make the
match successful for some students while unpleasant for others. What characteristics are necessary for students to
be successful online learners? Are there specific learning styles that learn
better in a virtual environment than others?
Characteristics
of students that had the most success in the Gifted Kids Network pilot.
- Good at following written directions
- Self directed learners
- Good time management skills
- Don’t procrastinate
- Willing to work both on their own or in groups
- Enjoys discovering new information not having it spoon fed
- Enjoys internet research
- Enjoys trying and learning new technologies/software applications
- Aren’t afraid to try something new
- Have a teacher or parent in their home or school environment that can support their technological questions.
- Communicates with teacher/mentor when there are questions or problems
- Keeps open communication with the instructor, so he or she knows circumstances that may prevent my meeting a deadline. Requests an extension when cannot meet a deadline.
- Preservers when they don’t understand the first time
- Willing to redo an assignment or activity until they achieve mastery
Characteristics
of students that had the most difficulty
·
Trouble following written directions
·
Needs structured environment
·
Disorganized
·
Poor time management skills
·
Procrastinates
·
Prefers to have content provided for
them rather than investigating and discovering on their own
·
Hesitant in learning new technologies
·
Does not speak up when they don’t
understand something
·
Does not wish to resubmit assignments to
achieve mastery
Suggestions
for being successful in an online class
Self-directed and Self-motivated As an online learning student, you need to be self-directed
and self-motivated in your approach to learning. Online courses are not
easier than traditional classroom courses. Teachers in online classes take the
role of facilitator and guide for exploring a subject and not the dispenser of
the information. You have to assume a greater share of the responsibility for
learning that takes place in an online environment. You may find that online
classes require more time, commitment, and discipline.
Learning
Style Unlike the traditional classroom
where you receive auditory, visual and non-verbal input, the virtual classroom
is primarily text-based. Communication occurs almost solely in written form.
Print materials are the primary source of directions and information in online
courses. Online classes provide less opportunity for verbal interaction. If you
learn best by listening and interacting with other students and instructors, if
you are dependent upon auditory input, you could be at a disadvantage in an
online course, but you can succeed. Online courses frequently offer multimedia
opportunities to engage in content.
However, many schools block streaming video sites, limiting the ability
to use multimedia in the program. Students
may need to access the class from home in order to view multimedia content.
Communication
Skills In online classes, a lot of the
communication is written, so being able to express yourself effectively in
writing is important. What you write is
the main source of information available to the teacher and fellow students.
Problem
Solver Things will go wrong. You will be
more successful if you attempt to resolve a problem that occurs by asking
questions and trying to problem solve, rather than waiting for the problem to
go away on its own. When you run into an obstacle, seek solutions that allow
you to fulfill course requirements. Contact others in the class. Contact your
teacher. Propose alternate solutions. If you are experiencing difficulties on
any level-either with course content or the technology, communicate this to
your teacher immediately.
Ability
to Organize and Prioritize Work Because
there is more freedom and flexibility in the online environment than in a
traditional classroom, you need to be particularly responsible and
self-disciplined. The online process requires that you pay careful attention to
deadlines, using the online calendar to keep track of your assignments,
frequently checking grades to be sure you haven’t missed an assignment, and
posting to the discussion forum in a timely manner is essential.
Procrastination
Since you don't have to physically
go to class, it's tempting to put off reading class ‘lecture’ or completing
class projects until later. It is critical
to stay current with readings, projects, and any other required tasks. Don't
wait until the last minute to do your work. It seems as if when you are working
at the last minute, you can count on having computer problems, the network
going down, a snow day or other weather delay preventing you from accessing
your school computer.
Stay
on Task You find yourself wandering through
cyberspace instead of finishing your reading of course lectures and project
descriptions. Online courses have fewer external cues or prompts to return you
to the task at hand than do those in regular classroom settings. You will be
required to preview, study, and review course material without the direct
supervision of the teacher or the stimulation of classroom interaction.
Participation Be an active participate in the online learning community Participate
in discussion forums, the lounge, use the class ‘chat’ function when it is
offered, and communicate with classmates and the teacher through messaging. Discussion
forums take the place of class discussions. Contribute your ideas and comments.
Read those of your classmates. Keep comments and discussions positive. You can
learn a great deal from each other. No question is too dumb to ask. Someone
else probably has the same question.
Academic
Honesty Academic honesty and integrity applies to online courses. Cheating
on tests, copying from the internet, submitting someone else’s work as your
own, and other forms plagiarism or academic dishonestly will not be
tolerated.
Critical Thinking Skills Be able to apply critical thinking and decision making
skills to the learning process. The online learning process will require you to
make decisions based on facts as well as experience. You must be able to use
critical thought to assimilate information and make effective decisions.
Perseverance
You must realize and accept that
online classes are a different learning environment and that things will not
always go as expected. Multiple attempts may be common before tasks are
successfully completed. At times, you will be confused and uncertain of what to
do, not fully understand something, and have computer and/or network problems.
You must persevere and refuse to give up when these situations happen.
