O1-a: Checking your readiness for online learning

O1-aCheck your readiness for online learning.

Before you begin your first online course, take some time to reflect on your needs and preferences to determine whether you are ready to be a successful online learner. Your instructor or school might even provide a self-assessment quiz or questionnaire to help you with this process.

As the chart at the bottom of this page shows, those who succeed in online courses are often self-motivated, disciplined, and organized; typically, they are also strong readers and engaged communicators. While successful online students often enjoy the challenges of independent learning, they also enjoy interacting regularly and sharing with their peers. In other words, they don’t take courses online as a way to avoid other people.

MY ONLINE LEARNING

“The availability of online courses is a huge benefit to me, since I don’t live on campus. I don’t have to worry about a long commute multiple times a week, especially on days when I also have to work.”

—Frans Ekendahl, student, Southern New Hampshire University

Take a look at the chart at the bottom of this page. How many of these qualities and skills apply to you? Which of these is your real strength? Think about the ways in which your current lifestyle is suited to an online course. What adjustments might you have to make? Finally, do you have the tools you need to succeed in an online course? Take the opportunity to reflect on your readiness for online learning.

If you don’t yet fit the profile of a successful online learner, think about whether you are willing to adapt your study habits and communication styles in ways that will help you succeed. Because online learning isn’t right for everyone, you might realize that a traditional, on-campus class would better suit your needs. In many cases, though, you can set goals, acquire a few skills, and make small behavioral adjustments that will greatly increase your chances of success.

If you’re committed to learning online, the strategies and suggestions in the sections that follow can help you make the most of your experience.

As you learn How do you hope to benefit from taking one or more online courses? Describe what motivates you to succeed and how you have prepared yourself for online learning.

Qualities, skills, and tools of successful online learners

Personal qualities

Successful online learners

  • are self-motivated and self-directed
  • are resourceful and puzzle out solutions to problems
  • are comfortable with challenges
  • are organized
  • have good time management skills
  • complete their work with few reminders
  • like discussing ideas with others
  • are comfortable interacting with individuals and groups online

Reading and writing skills

Successful online learners

  • have strong reading skills
  • are able to follow written directions without also hearing them
  • can write clear, concise messages in a timely manner
  • feel comfortable sharing feedback about writing

Lifestyle

Successful online learners

  • have enough time to commit to succeeding in an online course
  • understand that one course is equivalent to a part-time job and that a full course load is equivalent to a full-time job
  • make an effort to balance school, work, and family commitments

Computer skills

Successful online learners

  • type quickly
  • know how to navigate the Web to find reliable information
  • can easily upload and download documents
  • know how to send and receive e-mail—with and without attachments
  • know how to use help tools or help menus to find answers to questions about software

Hardware, software, and Internet connection

Successful online learners

  • have regular (preferably daily) access to a reliable personal computer
  • use an Internet browser and a word processing program that meet their instructor’s requirements
  • have regular (preferably daily) access to a reliable high-speed Internet connection that supports interactivity and smooth streaming of audio and video files
  • have a backup plan to address any technology challenges