Qualities, skills, and tools of successful online learners

Personal qualities

Successful online learners . . .

• are self-motivated and self-directed
• are resourceful and can puzzle out solutions to problems
• are comfortable with challenges
• are organized and disciplined learners
• have good time management skills
• complete their work with few reminders
• like discussing ideas with others
• can communicate effectively 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
• are able to draft, review, and revise documents online
• can write clear, concise messages in a timely manner

Lifestyle

Successful online learners . . .

• have friends and family who actively support their educational goals
• 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 answers to questions
• 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