Successful Online Learners: 10 ESSENTIAL TIPS! What is your impression of online learning? Is it really a good fit for your personality and learning style? Do you have the skills and the dedication to keep yourself task-orientated in that type of environment (procrastinators beware!!)? Answering these questions will take some research, personal reflection, and brutal honesty, but all are important as you navigate this educational option. Online learning is not for everyone and sometimes the risk comes with consequences, so make an informed choice. |
Skill ONELove to Learn: Are you comfortable problem solving, adapting to technological changes, and communicating with an online instructor via email and messaging (with some time lags)? It is important to evaluate your learning habits. Online learning incorporates traditional learning with up to date technology, which inevitably will mean some glitches and require lots of patience.
Skill FOURGoal oriented focus: Proper planning and setting achievable goals is an important aspect of student success. Utilize your resources such as Career Cruising and your education plan to remain on track and moving forward.
Skill SEVENBe open minded: Online learning may be a completely new experience to you. It will introduce a new mindset in the way information is presented, which isn't always a smooth process. Keep an open mind to new ideas and techniques in finding answers to the problems presented to you. Use this opportunity to grow as a student and as an individual.
Skill TENRespect for the virtual learning process: Online learning is not for everyone and should not be taken lightly. You will be required to function with a greater amount of responsibility. You will need to pay attention to what is expected of you and come up with a plan of how to accomplish what is necessary.. You owe it to yourself and your instructor to give this opportunity your best effort.
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Skill TWOClear Communicator: Do you feel confident in your ability to seek out information that will help you be successful in your course study? Are you comfortable asking questions until you finally find your answer? Online learning requires independent and proactive thinking. You will need to reach out to ask questions to your online instructor and classmates and not be easily intimidated if you don't understand.
Skill FIVEPerseverance: As you progress through the online learning experience you may encounter some challenges. Do you have what it takes to bounce back if you hit an obstacle? It is necessary to utilize the support system available to you. In spite of any difficulties, continue to balance your responsibilities and deliver your best effort. Make no excuses.
Skill EIGHTConfidence without ego: Finding a balance between being confident yet grounded can be tricky. Self assurance will be important in your online journey, but it will be equally important to know your limits and be respectful. Ask for help in the event things become too challenging. Because you are not face to face interacting daily with your instructor your grades may be the only information that reflects how you are doing. You will need you to be proactive and reach out to them when you are in need of assistance.
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Skill THREEHandle Change Well: The education environment is continually changes both in the classroom as well as online. It will be necessary to stay positive and adapt to the changes coming your way to achieve an optimal outcome.
Skill SIXBeing a proactive learner: Online learning will require self-discipline. Developing a solid work ethic will be essential. Even though you will have an online instructor to communicate with, ultimately it will be your responsibility to manage your efforts properly and submit assignments in a timely manner.
Skill NINEBe aware of your online appearance:
As you navigate through your high school and college career it will be important to establish a level of confidence in creating an online presence. Familiarize yourself with the different platforms available to you and be aware of the impact of your words as you communicate. You will need to engage and interact through the use of these different mediums to build a presence and get to know other key players in the course. Make a positive impact. |