In general, the online student should possess the following qualities:
The student should be able to communicate through writing.
In the online classroom, nearly all communication is written, so it is critical that students feel comfortable in expressing themselves in writing. Many students have limited writing abilities, which should be addressed before or as part of the online experience. This may require remedial efforts on the part of the student.
Self-motivated and self-disciplined.
With the freedom and flexibility of the online environment comes responsibility. The online process takes a real commitment and discipline to keep up with the flow of the process.
Be willing to speak up if problems arise.
Many of the non-verbal communication mechanisms that instructors use in determining whether students are having problems (confusion, frustration, boredom, absence, etc.) are not possible in the online paradigm. If a student is experiencing difficulty on any level (either with the technology or with the course content), he or she must communicate this immediately. Otherwise the instructor will never know what is wrong.
Be willing and able to commit to 15 to 20 hours per week per course.
Online is not easier than the traditional educational process. In fact, many students will say it requires much more time and commitment.
Be able to work with others in completing projects
Be able to use the technology properly
Be able to meet the minimum standards as set forth by the institution
Be able to complete assignments on time
The online learning process is normally accelerated and requires commitment on the student's part. Staying up with the class and completing all work on time is vital. Once a student gets behind, it is very difficult to catch up. Basically, the student needs to want to be there and needs to want the experience. The instructor may have to contact students personally to offer assistance and remind the student of the need to keep up.
If the following statements describe you or if you believe they will describe you during the course of your online experience, you should be successful in the online format.
I have excellent organizational skills.
I tend to get things done ahead of time rather than waiting to the last minute.
I do not need immediate feedback on assignments and I will not get frustrated when I have to wait.
I like learning about new technologies; they don't intimidate me.
I am a very comfortable and skilled reader.
I like engaging in written communication.
I can find at least 15 to 20 hours a week to devote to each online course I take.
I have unrestricted access to a computer and to the internet (both must be true).
I can perform the following computer tasks:
Turn my computer on, off, and reboot
Comfortably use a mouse
Create folders on the desktop and organize files
Find lost files on my hard drive
Create a new word processing document
Open, spell check, and save a word processing document
Save files to the desktop
I can perform or am aware of the following Internet skills:
Use a URL (Universal Resource Locator) or web address
Use the "refresh" or "reload" button on my browser
Create and use bookmarks or favorites
Search the web using a search engine
Download and install programs or plug-ins
Send and receive e-mail
Attach a file to an outgoing e-mail message
I currently have an e-mail address.
I have the minimum system requirements
If I do not have adequate software and hardware, I can obtain or locate it.
Online courses are based on the premise that students learn best in a community. The instructor plays an important role, but this is a different role than most instructors play in the physical classroom. You'll see a shift in the way classes work. However, some things don't change: the practices of courtesy and respect that apply in the usual classroom also apply online, and require even more attention. Here are some guidelines:
Participate. In the online environment, it's not enough to show up! We need to hear your voice to feel your presence, and we especially need your comments to add to the information, the shared learning, and the sense of community in each class.
Share tips, helps, and questions. For many, taking online courses is a new frontier. There are no dumb questions; and even if you think your solution is obvious, please share it! Someone in the class will appreciate it.
Think before you push the "send" button. Did you say just what you meant? How will the person on the other end read the words? While you can't anticipate all reactions, do read over what you've written before you send it.
Remember that people can't see the grin on your face when you make a sarcastic comment, or the concern on your face if you only say a couple of words. People can't read your mind and fill in the gaps if you abbreviate your comments.
Remember there's a person on the other side. Ask for feedback if you are not sure how your ideas and comments will be taken. If you disagree with what someone has said, practice all your communication skills as you express that disagreement. "Flaming," or flying off the handle and ranting at someone else is unacceptable; it's the equivalent of having a tantrum, something most of us wouldn't do in an onsite, face to face classroom.
Any derogatory or inappropriate comments regarding race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, are unacceptable and subject to the same disciplinary action that they would receive if the events occurred in the physical classroom. If you have concerns about something that has been said, please let your instructor know.
Plagiarism, cheating and other violations of ethical student behavior are serious actions in a learning community. You should expect to be treated accordingly. Specific policies regarding such actions are spelled out in the Student Handbook. Any inappropriate behavior in an online course will result in the student being removed from the course.
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