Online learning is different in many respects from the traditional face-to-face learning we're all used to, primarily in the way we get our information and how we interact with instructors and classmates. Many people say they learn more online, and their retention is better too.
Consider that good students in the traditional setting may fair poorly in an online environment, while struggling students may excel with online courses. This can be explained in part due to differences in learning styles. Visual, self-directed learners do well at online learning, but others succeed because online instructional design is often sophisticated and planned to reach a wide variety of learners.
Lifestyles play a big role in the success of online learners too. These are the traits that successful online students possess, to varying degrees:
These questions may help you decide if online learning is for you:
Are
you self-directed and motivated?
Most
of online learning happens on your schedule. You'll need to be
self-directed and motivated to complete activities on schedule and
initiate the communication required to be successful. You'll be
responsible for creating the structure to finish each course.
Are
your technical skills adequate?
Along with having access to a computer and not being overwhelmed by
typing, online learners should be comfortable with internet browsing
and searching, email, sending and reading attachments that are posted
in the Blackboard course sites, word processing,
and sometimes downloading and installing software plug-ins (a normally
simple but sometimes intimidating task).
Do
you have strong reading skills?
Reading can play a large part in any class, and especially online. The
ability to read and comprehend subject matter without it being a chore
is critical to your success.
Does
written communication come easily for you?
In most cases writing is the primary method of communication in online
classes, so you should be at ease with writing to express your
thoughts, share ideas, and ask questions online.
Will
you ask questions when you need to?
If you typically don't hesitate to seek help when you need it you'll do
fine. Since you'll be in an online environment it's important to let
your instructor and classmates know when you need help. Remember that
they won't be able to see your looks of doubt, confusion, or other body
language to tell when things aren't going well.
Will
you miss the social interaction?
Interaction with instructors and classmates in online learning is often
an integral part of the learning experience. Absent is the in-person
contact - being able to see facial expressions, hear reactions, and
speak.
Do
you have the discipline to study regularly?
Like a traditional school you'll need to set aside adequate time for
study. You may discover that you need to be online frequently to
complete assignments or communicate with classmates and instructors.
You can plan to spend at least as much time working assignments and
studying as you would with a traditional course, and you'll be setting
your own pace in many instances.
If
you're satisfied with your answers to these
questions, you're likely to do well in an online learning course.
Adapted from
http://www.worldwidelearn.com/elearning-essentials/learning-online.htm