Student
preparation is not exclusively the responsibility of the instructor. One of the
defining traits of online learning is the increased independence of learners.
Online students can contribute to successful learning/preparation through the
following:
- Awareness - evaluate expectations, assess time needed to
complete work, understand motivations/value of the learning, assess personal skills
-technical and study skills
- Orientation - online, a student goes through
several stages before engaging the content - the computer, internet, the
virtual classroom, software, instructor and students, and finally the content.
Different students will enter a course at different levels of
preparedness...but in online courses, and instructor should be able to
accommodate a student at any level
- Disciplined - follow course schedule
and complete assignments
- Organized - schedule study time and online time
to ensure all course obligations are met
- Self-directed - able to motivate
her/himself...ask for help when needed, etc.
- Internal or externally motivated (ie, some requirement or just because it's something that really interests them).
