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Is e-Learning Right For You?

Is e-Learning Right For You?

The answer to this question depends a great deal on what type of learner you are. Many students need the face-to-face interaction of the classroom, while others prefer to work in small study groups. Some prefer to work alone, and yet others need to hear the information over and over again to retain it. Which type of learner are you? Only you can answer this question. We can say for certain that e-Learning is not right for everyone.

Successful online learning does require a few specific characteristics. Typically, successful online learners possess the following characteristics:

Self-Directed and Motivated
One of the convenient aspects of online learning is that it generally happens on the student's schedule. Therefore, self-direction will help the student complete assignments on time, and motivation will ensure that the student pursues any necessary communication with instructors and/or classmates.

Comfortable with Computers
Online learners clearly need to have regular access to a computer and the internet. However, online learners should also possess confidence in their strong abilities to use the internet for browsing, researching, emailing, and to use computer software for typing and word processing. Each of these abilities and skills will prove critical to the potential success of any and every online learner.

Strong Reading and Writing Skills
Reading is obviously a key component of any college course. This is especially true for online courses. The ability to willing and actively engage in reading assignments and the comprehension of the text is essential to learner success. Typically, writing is the predominant method of communication in online classes. Therefore, online learners should also be confident in your ability to express yourself through written communication.

Inquisitive
Because the majority of communication is written - discussion boards, email, etc. - it is very important to let your instructor and classmates know when you need help, clarification, or explanation of assignments. Successful online students have no hesitation seeking and asking for help when necessary.

Disciplined
As with any on-campus course, online students need to dedicate the required time for study and completion of assignments. Because every online course and instructor is different, the student must adhere to the set times for online interaction, but also to determine the adequate time for completing assignments. Online students should expect to spend at least as much time on studying and assignments as they would in an on-campus course, and possibly more. Time-management is critical to online educational success.

Independent
Online courses require a great deal of interaction with instructors and classmates - whether through discussion boards or email. This communication represents a significant aspect of the overall online learning experience. But online students must also possess the ability to work independent of groups or class discussion. Though these aspects of a traditional course do exist in the online environment, their exact nature will differ greatly from an on-campus course.

In online education, students with strong self-disciplined often perform at a higher-level because they do not experience the learning constraints that are sometimes present in a regular classroom situation. For instance, a student distracted by outbursts, quiet conversation, or regular interruptions might thrive in the online learning environment. Other students need face-to-face communication and interaction, and might consequently face greater challenges in an online course.

Characteristics and Traits of e-Learners
Below we have compiled a few simple questions that relate to a student's ability to successfully complete online college coursework. Answering the following questions can help to determine if e-Learning is right for you:

• Do you have good time-management skills?
• Are you a self-directed and motivated individual and learner?
• Are you comfortable with computers - the internet and computer software?
• Will you take your online classes as seriously as those you take on-campus?
• Do you think online classes will be as difficult as those on-campus?
• Will you be able to focus on your class work without interruptions?
• Can you contribute 10+ hours per week to each of your online classes?
• Do you possess strong reading, writing, and critical-thinking skills?
• Are you comfortable asking for help when you need it?

If you answered yes to the questions above, you probably possess the characteristics and traits necessary to successfully complete online classes.

However, you should remember that the questions above are merely basic characteristics of successful online students. Not all successful students will provide the same answers, and all students possess the ability to succeed in online classes, especially if they exhibit the organization and determination to do so.

If you interested in reading more about online learners, please read our article Online Learning Styles