Becoming
a successful online student:
do you have what it takes?
For many students, yourself possibly included, the idea of taking an
online course is appealing because of its flexibility. There are no specific
"class times" or places to be--you can "attend class" in your pajamas
with a bowl of popcorn and a bottle of soda if you prefer! This surely one of
distance learning's greatest benefits. However, distance learning doesn't just
require a desire to learn on your own time--it requires exceptional dedication,
above-average writing skills, and most of all, self-discipline. Because you will not
be "seeing" your instructor a few times a week to act as a reminder to read the
text and get working on your assignments, you need to keep track of these things yourself.
In our CHD 100 class, logging in to our
EdNet conference IS your attendance. If you're not doing this on a regular basis, I
am apt to believe that you are not actively pursuing the course and possibly withdraw you.
Mid-terms and finals can sneak up on you--don't put things off until it's nearly
impossible to catch up. Remember, an online course is still a course--there are no
different requirements for a class taught over the internet than there are for a class
taught on campus!
So, if you think that this is a course for you--why not check out an
"online self-assessment" site and see if you're right! The link below
takes you to our online student self-assessment site, which includes a wealth of
information not only about what it takes to be a successful online learner, but
computer technology in general.
http://ednet.rvc.cc.il.us/assess