Completing course content online is not easy, and it is not for everyone. Students of all types can be successful, but it is very important to understand what you are committing yourself to before you decide to sign up for an online course. These ideas need to be clearly understood:
- Online courses take AT LEAST as much time as face-to-face courses, and usually MORE time.
- Students who have a pattern of working to complete assignments at the last minute will have trouble in online courses. It is always possible that network problems or electrical problems may prevent you from finishing an assignment. If you have waited until the last minute and a problem arises, your grade may be affected by your inability to turn the assignment in on time. Teachers are not required to make individual allowances for your technical issues.
Please read the description of successful online students that follows. Then click on the link to our Readiness for Education at a Distance Indicator, or READI. If it seems to you that the requirements for online learners don't match your skills or level of motivation, online learning is probably not your best option.
How do I know if online learning is for me?
- I am interested in this type of learning.
- I meet the profile of a successful online student.
- I have reliable access to the appropriate computer hardware and Internet access.
Students who choose to participate in online courses need to examine their personal skills and aptitudes for taking a class online. The following attributes will greatly contribute to a student's success:
Self-motivation - Students should be able to manage and direct their own learning environment and methods to fulfill course requirements and achieve individual academic success.
Independent learner - Successful online students are self-starters and motivated. They work well with the flexibility that the 24/7 any time--any place format provides. Students should be able to learn on their own and at an accelerated pace without direct supervision.
Computer literate - Although it is not essential to have advanced computer skills, students should possess a working knowledge of e-mail, the Internet, as well as basic keyboarding skills.
Time management - Students must be able to organize and plan their own best "time to learn." There is no one best time for everyone, but the key to success is to make the time to learn.
Effective communication skills - Students must use e-mail and discussion forums to communicate with their peers as well as the instructors. The ability to read and to write clearly in order to communicate ideas and assignments is essential. Also, sharing reflections - of their own work as well as their classmates' - is a crucial component of a successful experience. This method provides the learner with rapid feedback as well as a means to inform instructors of any concerns or problems that they may be experiencing.
Personal commitment - Because there are no bells that begin and end classes, students must have a strong desire to learn and acquire knowledge and skills via online courses. Making a commitment to learn in this manner is a very personal decision and requires a strong desire to perform in order to achieve academic success. Overall, the staff believes that every individual who has the motivation and self-direction to take the courses will achieve success in an "any time--any place" virtual environment.
Learn more about your readiness for online coursework by completing the READI-Readiness for Education At a Distance Indicator assessment. It will take you about 35 minutes from start to finish but you may log out and complete it later if necessary. After you login, you will receive an email from READI with a READI PIN number that will allow you to log back in later or view your results again.
READI is meant to be an interesting experience by which you may learn more about yourself, distance learning, and how to succeed! Your READI score will not prevent you from registering for online classes. It is a tool that will help you assess your strengths and opportunities for growth related to distance learning in 5 areas.
- Individual Attributes - procrastination, time management, willingness to ask for help, academic attributes
- Learning Styles - what is your predominant learning style?
- Technical Competency, Skills, and Knowledge
- Reading Rate and Recall
- Typing Speed and Accuracy
You will receive a full color report immediately following the completion of all areas of READI. You may email this report, print it, or download and save for future reference. It also provides some remedial tools connected to each area of READI to use.
If you are a student, click here to begin the READI assessment: http://vvbe.readi.info/. When prompted, supply this login information: Username: vvbe and Password: onmyway.
If you are an adult professional, click here to begin the READI assessment: http://vvbe.readi.info/. When prompted, supply this login information: Username: ProfDev and Password: VVBe.
