Becoming an Online Learner: A Handout for Students and Parents
Before enrolling, students are encouraged to take this quiz: Is Online Learning for Me? The results may be discussed with the guidance counselor and online learning coordinator.
Students engaged in online learning will be motivated to complete all assignments; communicate their progress regularly with teacher; quickly respond to teacher communications (24-48 hours); check email daily; communicate any changes in student info. (address, number, email); notify instructor of technical difficulties.
The biggest barrier to student success in the online environment is a lack of time management and work completion. Students are encouraged to develop a plan for how they will address the workload and time management of an online course.
Parent involvement can be a large contributing factor to student success in online courses. Help your student manage her/his time and participate in scheduled online events and assignments. Ask questions about course progress, assignments, and content. Review list of skills needed to be a successful online learner. Please contact the Online Learning Coordinator if you have any questions or concerns.
Some questions to ask yourself before taking an online class:
Some students may find that online learning is a good fit for them because it gives them a change to focus on course content, speak up in class and develop their voice. Generally, students who do well in a face-to-face setting will do well in an online setting. Please review the following list to see if online learning might be a good fit for you.
Technical requirements for each course may vary, please check the course syllabus to make certain you are capable of participating.
Before enrolling, students are encouraged to take this quiz: Is Online Learning for Me? The results may be discussed with the guidance counselor and online learning coordinator.
Students engaged in online learning will be motivated to complete all assignments; communicate their progress regularly with teacher; quickly respond to teacher communications (24-48 hours); check email daily; communicate any changes in student info. (address, number, email); notify instructor of technical difficulties.
The biggest barrier to student success in the online environment is a lack of time management and work completion. Students are encouraged to develop a plan for how they will address the workload and time management of an online course.
Parent involvement can be a large contributing factor to student success in online courses. Help your student manage her/his time and participate in scheduled online events and assignments. Ask questions about course progress, assignments, and content. Review list of skills needed to be a successful online learner. Please contact the Online Learning Coordinator if you have any questions or concerns.
Some questions to ask yourself before taking an online class:
* Do I know as much about this course as I would know about the one offered in my school, for example, the teacher’s background, prerequisites, syllabus, workload, credit, and transferability options?
* Do I have ready access to computers, Internet connections, and other resources necessary for taking a course online? Will the school provide me adequate access and support?
* Do I have the maturity, time, workload management skills, and other skills needed to take on an online course? Do I first need to be trained technologically? Is this part of the course? Will I be able to devote the extra effort needed to ensure my success? For example, will I have computer time at home or after school for work on online activities, even if this conflicts with sports or extracurricular activities?
* Do I know how to access the counseling, guidance, and technical support services I may need as a participant in an online course?
* Do I know how to contact the teacher with my concerns and questions?
* Do I have ready access to computers, Internet connections, and other resources necessary for taking a course online? Will the school provide me adequate access and support?
* Do I have the maturity, time, workload management skills, and other skills needed to take on an online course? Do I first need to be trained technologically? Is this part of the course? Will I be able to devote the extra effort needed to ensure my success? For example, will I have computer time at home or after school for work on online activities, even if this conflicts with sports or extracurricular activities?
* Do I know how to access the counseling, guidance, and technical support services I may need as a participant in an online course?
* Do I know how to contact the teacher with my concerns and questions?
Some students may find that online learning is a good fit for them because it gives them a change to focus on course content, speak up in class and develop their voice. Generally, students who do well in a face-to-face setting will do well in an online setting. Please review the following list to see if online learning might be a good fit for you.
* I can multitask—Online courses can have multiple activities happening at once, from chat rooms to message boards, and group work to individual research and writing. The internet can be a distracting place. Being able to use multiple applications at once for a singular purpose can be a very useful skill in today’s world.
* I am comfortable using technology—It’s important to be willing to try new things and explore new online environments. Don’t be afraid to click around and figure new applications out for yourself.
* I am able to ask for help—In an online course students must take care that their written communications are clear and well thought out. If you don’t understand something make sure you are willing to discuss it with your instructor.
* I practice good time-management skills—Falling behind in an online course can be a barrier to your success. Others in the class are depending on your feedback and participation so staying caught up and on topic is very important.
* I am motivated—Do not sign up for an online course because you think it may be easier than a face-to-face course. This is rarely the case. Online courses are developed to be the just as rigorous as other classes. You may even find that they can be more work than courses you are used to.
* I am willing to share with and listen to others—Much of the value in an online class comes from collaboration with your fellow students and instructor. The more students are able to communicate their thoughts to the class, the more all of the students will take away from it.
* I am self-disciplined—It is your responsibility to log in to class, participate, and submit your assignments. Putting off assignments to the last minute can hurt your ability to fully participate in an online community. Logging in regularly is important for your success. If you want to be responsible for your own learning, taking an online course might be a good fit for you.
* I am comfortable using technology—It’s important to be willing to try new things and explore new online environments. Don’t be afraid to click around and figure new applications out for yourself.
* I am able to ask for help—In an online course students must take care that their written communications are clear and well thought out. If you don’t understand something make sure you are willing to discuss it with your instructor.
* I practice good time-management skills—Falling behind in an online course can be a barrier to your success. Others in the class are depending on your feedback and participation so staying caught up and on topic is very important.
* I am motivated—Do not sign up for an online course because you think it may be easier than a face-to-face course. This is rarely the case. Online courses are developed to be the just as rigorous as other classes. You may even find that they can be more work than courses you are used to.
* I am willing to share with and listen to others—Much of the value in an online class comes from collaboration with your fellow students and instructor. The more students are able to communicate their thoughts to the class, the more all of the students will take away from it.
* I am self-disciplined—It is your responsibility to log in to class, participate, and submit your assignments. Putting off assignments to the last minute can hurt your ability to fully participate in an online community. Logging in regularly is important for your success. If you want to be responsible for your own learning, taking an online course might be a good fit for you.
Technical requirements for each course may vary, please check the course syllabus to make certain you are capable of participating.
Last modified: Monday, May 10, 2010, 07:25 AM
