Becoming a Successful Online Learner

Let me dedicate this post for those who are planning to enroll in a distance education program or online training as part of their continuing professional growth and development. 

Image Source: Western Piedmont Community College

Successful online learning highly depends on the expertise of the educators to guide and support the learners in achieving the learning outcomes of the online course, but even more is demanded from an online learner, if he would like to satisfyingly surpass the course requirements. Since there is an absence of the instructor, knowing how to study independently is a great deal. Becoming a successful distance learner entails a number of characteristics that one must possess:

SELF-MOTIVATED

In a traditional classroom, learners are being motivated by their instructors, in distance learning, the student must learn to motivate himself. A motivated learner never gives up, when he feels bogged down; he will just remind himself that this will help him to achieve his dreams.

KNOWS HOW TO MANAGE TIME

A successful online learner never procrastinates. He will always make use of his time wisely by working with assignment and other activities ahead of time to avoid cramming for the deadline of submission. He has a study program and schedule to see to it that every online course program activities are attended.

KNOWLEDGEABLE IN COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

Since distance learning nowadays requires computer with Internet access, it is a minimum requirement that the learner is a computer literate. He should also know how to take advantage of the rich multimedia resources of the World Wide Web. He is fully aware on how utilize the learning environment system of his virtual classroom. But, in case the skill is insufficient, he doesn't hesitate to seek the help of online instructor or other classmates, who are more knowledgeable.    

HAVE GOOD READING COMPREHENSION

In a face-to-face class, learners are used to listen and take down notes during lectures, while in distance learning, it is expected that learners can master the course through reading materials. Although, there are some other media contents that can be used as resources, like clip arts, videos, and audio files, still large amount of information in the web are in text.   

FOCUSED

Successful online learner is in focused every time he is studying. He knows how to stick to his schedule to finish his paper works. He works hard to finish the requirement on time.

                               

FLEXIBLE

He deals with changes positively. He might be used in traditional learning set up, but he managed to adjust himself with the new virtual environment, participate in the class discussion and collaborate through e-mail and pod cast.  

RESPECTFUL CLASS PARTICIPANT

He is respectful all the time, with his online instructor and classmates and shares his insights about the topic and always cordial in discussing issues with other members.