Is Online Learning For You?

Taking an online course requires you to have an open mind about technology and an acceptance of online learning as a viable option to learn. Reflect on the following statements and see if these fit with your individual learning style.

Are You:

1. Open minded about sharing life, work, and educational experiences as part of the learning process
   
   
2. Able to communicate through writing
   
   
3. Self-motivated and self-disciplined
   
   
4. Willing to "speak up" if problems arise
   
   
5. Have access to a computer and a modem
   
   
6. Feel that high quality learning can take place in an online classroom

If this describes you then you can be a successful Eager to Learn student.

Lets take a moment to see why each of these characteristics are so important to success.

1. Much of the work that you do in an Eager to Learn course reflects on your current practices, when sharing on the discussion board and through assignments we encourage you to think about how the lessons apply to your own practices. Ideally what you are learning in these courses will be applied to your practice. 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.
   
   
2. Online students communicate in a learning management system that is predominately through the written word. Being able to communicate through writing helps the other students and instructor understand the message that you want to send. We do NOT expect you to be a fabulous writer, but to be able to communicate your thoughts on the message board and emails so that what you have learned is addressed. For support with writing visit: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/oldindex.html
   
   
3. 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. Online is not easier than the traditional educational process. In fact, many students will say it requires much more time and commitment. 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 quality education – not an easier way.
   
   
4. 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. The communication medium is a computer, internet access and other technology as noted on the website; the student must have access to the necessary equipment. Refer to the next section to get a detailed information on the needed technology.
   
   
6. If you feel that you will be uncomfortable in an online setting then Eager to learn may not be for you. Online is not for everybody. Keep in mind that the level of social interaction can be very high in the virtual classroom and the learning is of a higher caliber. Before you say It’s NOT for me, continue taking the orientation class to learn more about the process

The online learning process requires commitment on the your part, however by being prepared and having an attitude of success you will find that this is a fabulous way to learn!

For more help with deciding whether or not to become an online student, investigate the links below:

© 2008