Taking a Proactive Approach to Online Learning
Posted by Benae Lambright on October 8th, 2008
While attending class online there are a few proactive approaches that can be taken to make your experience more effective. These approaches can range from meeting deadlines to having adequate computer skills and tools to developing relationships with your classmates.
With more opportunities available for people to attend school in the comfort of their home, some students may feel that their learning experience is lacking something. Usually it’s the one-on-one interaction that makes distance learning challenging. From Kindergarten to Twelfth grade, you were always exposed to a group of students, teachers and administrators. Now your only physical interaction is between you and your computer. But this does not mean you have to feel isolated. Creating a learning environment that is engaging will help you to benefit from this non-traditional learning experience.
Before making the decision to attend an online college or university, or even to just take a class online ensure that you have the proper equipment. Having a computer is not enough to enable you to be a successful student. Check with the admissions department to see what software will be required. You may also want to confirm that you have an up-to-date operating system on your computer and Internet speed that will not allow you to get frustrated because the many images, sounds and papers take forever to load on your computer.
Once you are enrolled in class, find out the best ways to communicate with your classmates and instructor. Most schools will utilize discussion boards to share ideas, thoughts and the material learned but another resource usually available is the Student Lounge. Not all schools call it the same thing but the majority of online courses will have an area that allows students to communicate or “chat” about topics that might not be class related but helps you to get to know your classmates better. You may find that you have a study partner that lives not to far from you. You can also develop friendships with people from all over the world.
There are many benefits to online learning. Some of the biggest include time and convenience, but it is up to you as a student to make it a positive learning opportunity. So begin by establishing an environment that is conducive to learning and then respect the deadlines given by your instructor. Keep the lines of communication open with your instructor and classmates, but most of all enjoy learning.
