Preparing to be an Online Learner

Found a PowerPoint out there entitled “How to Become a Great Online Student” by Lynne Fukuda from the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Judging from the recommendation for “at least Windows 98” I’d say it’s been out there a while. It seems meant as an introduction for college students new to online classes, and I thought it would be interesting as a starting off point for research. Some of the basic ideas I found relevant were these:

• “Patience, maturity, and perseverance” are requirements for online learning
• Preference for “self-paced study” and “being responsible for your own work” are useful traits
• Students may need to learn new skills before they are ready for an online class
• A sense of disconnection can cause difficulties for learning...however...
• Because communication methods are different, interaction may seem more personal and there may be more opportunity for individual attention

The main downside of the presentation is that it is dated; some of the points made are fairly common knowledge now (e.g.: you need a fast connection speed). The only other criticism that I would mention is that some of what is included as being specific to online learning is, IMHO, equally applicable to the classroom (e.g.: it can be a problem if you don’t like the teaching style of the instructor). Otherwise, I’m making use of this resource as a jumping off point for some thoughts...

In addition to being ready for the level of course content, an online learner will benefit from having a good selection of the following tools, traits, and skills. (Keep in mind that I’m thinking in terms of college level coursework here; would love to see comments from those with K-12 experience.)

Tools!

• An up-to-date computer—a laptop, preferably, with lots of RAM and storage space; the appropriate software (including virus protection)
• The best Internet connection you can get
• A quiet space where you can work without interruption
• Headphones (webcam optional but fun)
• A second monitor is highly recommended (after a short time, you will wonder how you ever functioned without one)

Traits!

• As above… Patience, maturity, perseverance (no kidding)
• Ready to learn lots of new things
• Open to new ways of working and learning
• Self-motivating and conscientious
• Attention to detail

Skills!

• Well beyond “basic computer skills” (as listed in the resource); best to be comfortable with many kinds of software and able to do a bit of troubleshooting when needed
• Ability to manage multiple media (audio & video files, web page creation, etc.)
• Chat room practice; discussion board practice
• Ability to locate, assess, and track resources online
• Good writing skills
• The ability to be a good correspondent
• The ability to write briefly (not my strongest suit)
• The ability to think and respond quickly (also NMSS)
• The ability to type quickly and accurately
• Strong organizational skills
• Knowledge of Netiquette

OK, another bit of criticism, or just disappointment, on the presentation. Very little is mentioned about how learning preferences and personality traits impact the online learning experience. This is a subject I am curious about, and I will need to keep looking. Only one statement, which I have heard elsewhere as well: “The online environment allows for anonymity, and shy students participate more.” I’ll skip over my dislike of the use of “shy” and simply state that this seems a bit of a throwaway assertion. The environment of an online class doesn’t necessarily (and possibly shouldn’t) provide the anonymity that can be found in other online environments. One might argue that an online class requires careful planning to ensure that same anonymity is not part of the student experience. We’ll get back to that.

Seriously, for those who think taking an online class is one great way to lighten one’s load, I recommend that you reconsider. Online learning is more like being in class (or feeling like you should be) 24 hours a day. There will likely be both synchronous and asynchronous activities to keep track of. You will also likely engage in activities that require learning new software and maybe even hardware. You’ll probably have class time (via chat), reading assignments, writing assignments, and group assignments (yes, online groups), just like most classroom-based courses. The difference is that all these otherwise familiar activities take place in a new time-space continuum. Drawing a discussion out over days or weeks on a discussion board provides lots of time for reflection and extra research; it can also leave you feeling as if you have not contributed nearly as much as you would have liked. You may walk around wondering if you’re missed something whenever you leave your computer. Or maybe that’s just me.

In general, wanna-be online students, prepare yourselves. Get some practice using the hardware and software and performing the various activities before beginning a class. In addition, expect to put in more effort, not less. Be ready to contribute as much as you can manage, and most importantly, keep your sense of humor. (Insert fav emoticon here.)