Brief presentation on how to be a successful online learning

1. Online Learning
HOW TO SUCCEED AS A STUDENT IN AN ONLINE COURSE

2. Introduction
 The goal of this presentation is to help you understand…
 What makes an effective online learning experience.
or, restated…
 What makes a student an effective learner in an online course.
 The next few slides will explain some key differences between a classroom course and
an online course.

3. Differences: Classroom and Online Courses
Classroom Online
Rigid schedule Flexible schedule
Teacher-centered learning Student-centered learning
Lecture-driven Textbook-driven
Verbal communication Written communication
Less technology More technology
These five differences help describe what will make you a successful online student…

4. Successful Online Student Traits
 Flexible
 Self-motivated (you can make yourself do what must be done)
 Self-directed (you do not need someone telling every task, step by step)
 Willing to do lots of reading
 Willing to communicate through writing
 Comfortable with technology

5. How students learn in an online course
ACTIVITY DETAILS TIME (hours)
Read/Study Books, articles, videos 3-4
Assessments Quizzes/Exams 1
Forum Discussion 1
Papers/Presentations Research/writing 1-2
TOTAL 6-8

6. How is online coursework graded?
 Most assignments or tasks are graded.
 When a course contains graded and non-graded assignments, the graded
assignments are listed in the syllabus or marked in some other way.
 The grading scale is the same for classroom and online courses.

7. What is the schedule for an online course?
 Typically, an online course has a unit or module for each week of the course.
Some, though, may divide larger units over multiple weeks.
 Unless otherwise stated in the syllabus or assignment, all work must be
completed by Sunday night at 11:55 p.m.
 Some work can be done in advance, but the application will close assignments on
their due date and not allow late submissions. (Hint: Keep a calendar of due
dates!)

8. How will I do research for assignments?
 Course LibGuide
 Online Library databases
 Chadwick Library
 Public or school libraries near you
 Specific resources indicated by the instructor in course materials

9. What hints or tips help online learners?
 Understand that online courses are not easier than classroom courses; they are
more flexible and convenient. (Some believe OC courses are harder!)
 Time-compressed online courses (i.e. 8-weeks) are intensive because they cover
the same amount of material as a full semester course.
 Prepare all written responses in MS Word or word processor where it can be
saved and copied/pasted into assignment.
 Start major assignments (i.e. term papers) early.
 Make a schedule for working on your online course and keep it. Treat it like a
meeting with yourself that you cannot miss.
 Ask for help early. Don’t wait and fall behind. Your instructor and classmates are
willing to help you.

10. Conclusion
Your instructor, advisor, family, and friends care about your academic success. But no
one cares more about it that you.
You are the key to your own learning, especially in an online course. You will get out
of any learning experience exactly what you invest in it.
Online courses are excellent opportunities for flexible, self-directed learning if you are
self-disciplined.
Following the guidance in the presentation will go along way to making you the
successful online learner you can be!