How to be a Successful “Online Learner”

How to be a Successful“Online Learner” (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

Online Learning • Online learning provides • Easy access to course information • Flexibility in learning • Learning can take place any time from any location provided you have a computer and Internet access • Timely and up-to-date information • Timely feedback from your instructor (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

Challenges • Students must be aware of how to effectively work in an online teaching/ learning format • This is different from face-to-face instruction and techniques used in that format • Students use different techniques to be successful (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

Challenges • Online learning takes work • This teaching/learning format does not take less time and energy • You must access course information and participate weekly • Do not procrastinate!! (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

Tips • Students must take MORE responsibility for their own learning • Instructors serve predominately as facilitators in many online courses (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

Tips • Participate • Interact with your instructor • Access the course information each week • If you delay…. you increase your likelihood for NOT completing the course and running out of time (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

Tips • Review your course outline • Become familiar with • What is expected in the course • When to turn assignments in • Where to turn assignment in • How to submit assignments (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

Tips • When you have problems seek assistance immediately • Contact your instructor • By e-mail and/or phone • Contact tech support online • By e-mail and/or phone (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

Tips • Schedule time each week to work online • Establish a regular schedule to work on assignments • E.g., every Saturday afternoon, early in the morning, after work (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

Tips • Maintain contact with your instructor throughout the course • Inform him/her of your progress and/or any problems you may be experiencing • Realize that you are not alone and that you have assistance when needed (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

Tips • Establish a place to study and complete your work • Try to avoid any type of interruptions if possible (e.g., phone) • Remember online learning takes commitment • It is NOT an easier learning format (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

Tips • Make sure that you have a computer with the appropriate hardware & software to access the course and complete the class • You need the following: • MS Office • 486/66 (minimum) PC with 16 MB of RAM • 28.8 modem or better • Internet service provider (i.e., Bell South) • Internet Explorer (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

Tips • Make sure you have the minimum computer skills necessary to be successful in an online course • You must know how to • Use basic computer software • Upload & download files • E-mail (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

Tips • Realize you are communicating predominantly through writing • Think before you write • The online environment is flat • Oftentimes information can be misunderstood or poorly communicated • Try to be positive in responding to others (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

Additional Resources • If you are interested in learning more about online learning conduct an Internet search using your favorite search engine such as http://google.com • type in the following terms: “successful online student” • Using those terms your instructor found the below URL • What makes a successful online student? • http://www.ion.illinois.edu/IONresources/onlineLearning/StudentProfile.asp (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

Additional Resources • Another set of search terms that can be used is…“online student tutorial” • This located a wider variety of additional tutorials on the subject you may be interested in reviewing (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

Credits • Clip art is from • Microsoft Office Online • Microsoft Office (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

If you have comments or questions please contact your instructor (c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie

How to be a Successful “Online Learner”