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Characteristics of a Successful Online Learner

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Characteristics of a Successful Online Learner

Furthering our education is proving to be more and more on demand, ever since the crash of the economy and a rising number of job losses in the United States. We find that going back to school to higher educate ourselves will result in a better resume and experience to finding a career that works for us and our families. Some online learners will probably feel that online learning just isn’t right for them, due to not enough communication with our instructors, or online courses becoming more challenging than being in an actual classroom. Maybe some students think there is no time in their busy schedules for school, making them feel like it is nearly impossible to pursue any kind of education.
Today, students have the opportunity to attend school through online classes. Taking online courses through a university proves to be more efficient and very convenient for most online learners with busy lives. More students are choosing to take this route because of the flexibility for the time and place of attending classes, and also to be able to use communication through other classmates as a way of helping each other out with courses. As a busy mother and wife, I was able to enroll in college and take the classes that I wanted and without a time conflict from my personal schedule. Students are discovering that online classes are flexible, saves on transportation, and is convenient for a busy lifestyle which, to them, can’t compare to the traditional classroom. Online learning should provide a place to actively be able to engage its’ students in learning and being able to independently provide encouragement for the student’s achievements. “Most students are independent learners, prefer working alone, and were confident about their abilities to achieve their academic goals” (Johnson, 2003). Online learning is not for everyone. If I was not disciplined or organized enough to where I was capable to getting my assignments every day and turning work in on time, then maybe online learning just isn’t for me. This affects the flexibility and success of an online class and students can develop good study habits to eliminate these problems. It takes real consideration when deciding whether or not you want to take online classes compared to attending a school campus. However, with time management and self-determination, students can be successful with online classes. Everyone wants to make the right choices when it comes to their education and we are not alone. That is why I believe that communication with other classmates can also be helpful and encouraging. “Isolation can be reduced by building a sense of community among the online learners” (Fisher, Thompson&Silverberg, 2005). Students who are open minded and willing to share information regarding their life’s experiences will allow them to work with each other. Proverbs 1:5 states, “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” Online classes can be a positive experience, if you decide you are up for the challenge.
I have learned not to assume anything. Online learning isn’t easier than being in a classroom. It’s just more convenient for a busy mom’s schedule. I enjoy using the school’s resources for help and being able to contact my instructor for assistance when needed. Also, my online community is there to answer questions and getting to know each other is exciting, because I love knowing that not everyone is from the same place and they definitely do not have the same type of schedules like me. We are all different, but the one thing we have in common is this class and that is what brings us all together. God is my motivation; He is my strength. I enjoy learning online and discovering new things, knowing that I am gaining more and more knowledge for Him. The online educational environment is increasingly being used by students and should be designed based on the needs of online learners. According to Felder (1996),”learning styles are characteristic strengths and preferences in the way [learners] take in and process information.” We are the next generation of student online learners so we should put everything we learn online into our daily agendas in everyday life. Helpful and Encouraging Scriptures: * Ecclesiastes 7:12 “For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.”

* Proverbs 18:15 “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”

* ProverCharacteristics of a Successful Online Learnerbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

References

* Felder, R.M. (1996, December). Matters of style. Retrieved June 9, 2004, from http://www.ncsu.edu/felder-public/Papers/LS-Prism.htm

* Fisher, M., Thompson, G.S., Silverberg, D.A. (2005). Effective group dynamics in e-learning: Case study. J. Educational Technology Systems, 33(3), 205-222.

* Johnson, J.L. (2003). Distance education: The complete guide to design, delivery, and improvement. New York: Teachers College Press.

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