Profile of a Successful Student part 3

…owns or has easy access to a computer with internet access and email

You don’t have to be a computer expert to be successful in online learning--but you must have access to a personal computer with reliable internet access, as well as a basic level of competency in using them. Owning a computer with internet access from your home is ideal but many students use the computer labs on campus or at their offices to complete their work.

…has basic computer skills and is willing and open to learning new ones

We said you don’t have to be a computer expert to be successful in online learning. However, there are some basic technical skills you should have mastered prior to enrolling in an online course.

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Profile of a Successful Student part 1

http://www.plymouth.edu/office/online-learning/ profile-of-a-successful-student/

A successful student…

…takes responsibility for his/her own learning

Online learning can be powered, stimulating, engaging experience for the student who can work and think independently. However, since most-- if not all-- of the learning takes places on your own time, you will not have the kind of direct supervision you would in a classroom. Online learning therefore requires a significant commitment from you. All education comes down to what you’re willing to invest in the experience--this is particularly true in the online environment. Commitment, self-discipline  and self-motivation are all key qualities to ensuring success in an online course!

…is comfortable and confident with written communication

Reading and writing are the basis of most online courses, so it’s critical that you feel comfortable with this form of communication. While some courses contain modules that include videos or other activities, all of them require significant amounts of reading. And nearly all of your instructor will be in writing. If these are weak areas for you, you will want to address those issues prior to enrolling or while enrolled in an online course. The PSU Writing Center is available to assist you.

…is willing to be a member of a learning community.

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Successful Students 5-6

5. Don’t sit in the back of the room. Successful students minimize classroom distractions that interfere with learning.

          Students want the best seat available for their entertainment dollars, but willingly seek the worst for their educational dollars. Students who sit in the back cannot possibly be their professor’s teammate. Why do they expose themselves to the temptations of inactive classroom experiences and distractions of all the people between them and their instructor? Of course, we know they chose the back of the classroom because they seek invisibility or anonymity, both of which are antithetical to efficient and effective learning. If you are trying not to be part of the class, why, then, are you wasting your time? Push your hot buttons; is there something else you should be doing with your time?

6….. Take good notes. Successful students take notes are understandable and improve, and review them often.

          Why put something into your notes you don’t understand? Ask the questions now that are necessary to make your notes meaningful at some later time. A short review of your notes while the material is still fresh on your mind helps you to learn more. The more you learn then, the less you’ll have to learn later and the less time it will take because you won’t  have to include some deciphering time, also. The whole purpose of taking notes is to use them, and use them often. The more you use them, the more you improve.

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