How To Be A Successful Online Learner (eLearner)

1. How To Be A Successful Online Learner(eLearner) Bob Knipe Dean, Learning Technologies, GCC rgknipe@genesee.edu (585) 345 6969 We’re glad you’re here today!

2. How To Be A Successful Online Learner(eLearner) • Our goals for the day • Introductions

3. How To Be A Successful Online Learner(eLearner) What are the major differences between online learning and conventional classroom learning?

4. Myths & Realities • Online courses are easier

5. Myths & Realities • Online courses are easier • The evaluations, assignments, reading, discussion and overall academic rigor of online courses are the same. • Or more.

6. Myths & Realities • Online courses are more flexible

7. Myths & Realities • Online courses are more flexible Online courses are “asynchronous” Work can be done anytime: better for working adults jugging jobs, families, etc.

8. Myths & Realities • Online courses are more flexible Online courses are “asyncnronous” But you still have to do the work!

9. I need to be a technical wizard

10. I need to be a technical wizard No, you don’t.

11. I need to be a technical wizard No, you don’t. But there are some basic needs.

12. I need to be a technical wizard. But there are some basic needs. Internet access from home. Broadband (dial-up will drive you nuts) Time and a quiet location w/o distractions to do your work.

13. Myths & Realities • Organization & time management skills are more important in an online course.

14. Myths & Realities • Organization & time management skills are more important in an online course. 91% of successful students tell us online courses take as much or more time than conventional courses.

15. Myths & Realities • Organization & time management skills are more important in an online course. 91% of successful students tell us online courses take as much or more time than conventional courses. If you don’t have time for college, why did you register for an online course?

16. So… it’s a matter of WHEN you do the work, not IFyou do the work.

17. Myths & Realities So… it’s a matter of WHEN you do the work, not IFyou do the work. Let’s talk about the work.

18. TIME AND TASK MANAGEMENT

19. What’s YOUR day look like? • Job(s)? • Kids? • Classes? • Cooking? Eating? • Sleeping? • Home responsibilities? • Extended-family responsibilities? • Social time? • Personal time? (I need to be alone…) • Commuting? • Church, volunteer activities? • Military, community work? • Exercise? • What else eats up your day ??????

20. Myths & Realities Normal expectation for college work: • 2 hrs out of class for every 1 hr in class

21. Myths & Realities Normal expectation for college work: • 2 hrs out of class for every 1 hr in class • 1 Cr. = 1 Hr. in class (3 hours total/week) • 3 Cr. = 3 Hrs. in class (9 hrs total/week)

22. Myths & Realities Normal expectation for college work: • 2 hrs out of class for every 1 hr in class • 1 Cr. = 1 Hr. in class (3 hours total/week) • 3 Cr. = 3 Hrs. in class (9 hrs total/week) So… a 3-cr. online course will require at least 9 hours / week to be successful

23. Myths & Realities Normal expectation for college work: • 2 hrs out of class for every 1 hr in class • 1 Cr. = 1 Hr. in class (3 hours total/week) • 3 Cr. = 3 Hrs. in class (9 hrs total/week) If a 3-cr. online course requires at least 9 hours / week … a full 15 credit load = 45 hours / week in order to be successful.

24. Myths & Realities Normal expectation for college work: • 2 hrs out of class for every 1 hr in class • 1 Cr. = 1 Hr. in class (3 hours total/week) • 3 Cr. = 3 Hrs. in class (9 hrs total/week) If a 3-cr. online course requires at least 9 hours / week … a full 15 credit load = 45 hours / week in order to be successful. That’s a full-time job!

25. How can I DO all this? • Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize

26. How can I DO all this? • Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize • Establish a schedule and stick to it.

27. How can I DO all this? • Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize • Establish a schedule and stick to it. • Be honest with others in your life about what you need.

28. Myths & Realities • I’d miss interacting with my instructor and classmates in an online course.

29. Myths & Realities • I’d miss interacting with my instructor and classmates in an online course. Well designed online courses may include textbook readings, instructor messaging and emails, online resources, web links, weekly assignments, reaction papers, term projects, online discussions, group work, field trips, phone calls, online quizzes & exams, publisher-supplied materials, student presentations, reports on field research….

30. Myths & Realities • I’d miss interacting with my instructor and classmates in an online course. Well designed online courses may include textbook readings, instructor messaging and emails, online resources, web links, weekly assignments, reaction papers, term projects, online discussions, group work, field trips, phone calls, online quizzes & exams, publisher-supplied materials, student presentations, reports on field research…. You’ll be plenty busy interacting with others!

31. Myths & Realities • The top ten RISK FACTORS for NOT succeeding in an online course:

32. Myths & Realities • The top ten RISK FACTORS for NOT succeeding in an online course: #10 Learning Style #9 Previous success with college work • GPA, #credits earned, etc.

33. Myths & Realities • The top ten RISK FACTORS for NOT succeeding in an online course: #8 First-time eLearning Student • Not used to the rigors of college-level work • May need extra support to succeed

34. Myths & Realities • The top ten RISK FACTORS for NOT succeeding in an online course: #7 Technical Factors • Lack of computer / internet skills • Lack of broadband access at home • Inadequate tech support

35. Myths & Realities • The top ten RISK FACTORS for NOT succeeding in an online course: #6 Gender • Sorry, guys! #5 Age

36. Myths & Realities

37. Myths & Realities • The top ten RISK FACTORS for NOT succeeding in an online course: #4 Transitional Course Needs #3 Engagement with the course • Inadequate instructional design

38. Myths & Realities • The top ten RISK FACTORS for NOT succeeding in an online course: #2 Inappropriate advising • Inaccurate or incomplete self-advising • Unrealistic expectations of online learning • Assumption of passive learning • Overextended student • Time management issues

39. Myths & Realities #1 Time of registration!

40. Myths & Realities #1 Time of registration!

41. Other advantages of eLearning

42. Teaching Centered Learning Centered

43. Other tips… • Set a schedule and keep to it. • Don’t procrastinate • Solve techology and “I don’t get this” issues NOW, not later • Read the syllabus. Pay close attention to directions, assigments & timelines • Use a weekly planner • Find alternative ways to the contact your instructor

44. To The Student • Learn your computer & software. Email your instructor or helpdesk if you’re having problems (http://hd.genesee.edu) • Keep in touch regularly (even if nothing’s immediately due) - login several times / week • Online convenience doesn’t mean less work

45. Success on Exams Payday! An exam isn’t a threat – it’s your chance to show off!

46. Success on Exams • Remember the importance of active learning (hope isn’t a factor) • Pay attention to wording on instructor and publisher generated study guides • Develop mock exams (what’s s/he gonna ask?) • Form study groups • Tutoring is FREE at GCC! • Use it early, not just before an exam

47. Help… GCC Online Resources • http://hd.genesee.edu • http://www.genesee.edu/DL Email • Your instructor! (always first) • online@genesee.edu • rgknipe@genesee.edu