how to be a successful online learner (elearner)

How To Be A Successful Online Learner(eLearner)

Bob Knipe

Dean, Learning Technologies, GCC

[email protected]

(585) 345 6969

We’re glad you’re here today!


Our goals for the day

Introductions


What are the major differences

between online learning

and

conventional classroom learning?

Myths & Realities

Online courses are easier

Myths & Realities

Online courses are easier

The evaluations, assignments, reading,

discussion and overall academic rigor of online courses are the same.

Or more.

Myths & Realities

Online courses are more flexible

Myths & Realities


Online courses are “asynchronous” Work can be done anytime:

better for working adults jugging jobs, families, etc.

Myths & Realities


Online courses are “asyncnronous”

But you still have to do the work!

I need to be a technical wizard


No, you don’t.


No, you don’t.

But there are some basic needs.

I need to be a technical wizard.But there are some basic needs.

Internet access from home.

Broadband (dial-up will drive you nuts)

Time and a quiet location w/o distractions to do your work.

Myths & Realities

Organization & time management skills are more important in an online course.

Myths & Realities


91% of successful students tell us

online courses take

as much or more time

than conventional courses.

Myths & Realities


91% of successful students tell us

online courses take

as much or more time

than conventional courses.

If you don’t have time for college,why did you register for an online course?

So… it’s a matter of WHEN you do the work, not IF you do the work.

So… it’s a matter of WHEN you do the work, not IF you do the work.

Let’s talk about the work.

Myths & Realities

TIME AND TASKMANAGEMENT

What’s YOUR day look like?

Job(s)? Kids? Classes? Cooking? Eating? Sleeping? Home responsibilities? Extended-family responsibilities? Social time? Personal time? (I need to be alone…) Commuting? Church, volunteer activities? Military, community work? Exercise? What else eats up your day ??????

Myths & Realities

Normal expectation for college work: 2 hrs out of class for every 1 hr in class

Myths & Realities


1 Cr. = 1 Hr. in class (3 hours total/week)

3 Cr. = 3 Hrs. in class (9 hrs total/week)

Myths & Realities




So… a 3-cr. online course will require at least 9 hours / week to be successful

Myths & Realities




If a 3-cr. online course requires at least 9 hours / week … a full 15 credit load = 45 hours / week in order to be successful.

Myths & Realities




If a 3-cr. online course requires at least 9 hours / week … a full 15 credit load = 45 hours / week in order to be successful.

That’s a full-time job!

How can I DO all this?

Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize



Establish a schedule and stick to it.



Establish a schedule and stick to it.

Be honest with others in your life about what you need.

Myths & Realities

I’d miss interacting with my instructor and classmates in an online course.

Myths & Realities


Well designed online courses may include textbook readings, instructor messaging and emails, online resources, web links, weekly assignments, reaction papers, term projects, online discussions, group work, field trips, phone calls, online quizzes & exams, publisher-supplied materials, student presentations, reports on field research….

Myths & Realities


Well designed online courses may include textbook readings, instructor messaging and emails, online resources, web links, weekly assignments, reaction papers, term projects, online discussions, group work, field trips, phone calls, online quizzes & exams, publisher-supplied materials, student presentations, reports on field research….

You’ll be plenty busy interacting with others!

Myths & Realities

The top ten RISK FACTORS for NOT succeeding in an online course:

Myths & Realities


#10 Learning Style

#9 Previous success with college work

GPA, #credits earned, etc.

Myths & Realities


#8 First-time eLearning Student Not used to the rigors of college-level work May need extra support to succeed

Myths & Realities


#7 Technical Factors Lack of computer / internet skills Lack of broadband access at home Inadequate tech support

Myths & Realities


#6 Gender Sorry, guys!

#5 Age

Myths & Realities

Myths & Realities


#4 Transitional Course Needs

#3 Engagement with the course Inadequate instructional design

Myths & Realities


#2 Inappropriate advising Inaccurate or incomplete self-advising Unrealistic expectations of online learning Assumption of passive learning Overextended student Time management issues

Myths & Realities

#1 Time of registration!

Other advantages of eLearning

Teaching

Centered

Learning

Centered

Other tips…

Set a schedule and keep to it.Don’t procrastinateSolve techology and “I don’t get this” issues

NOW, not laterRead the syllabus. Pay close attention to

directions, assigments & timelinesUse a weekly plannerFind alternative ways to the contact your

instructor

To The Student

Learn your computer & software. Email your instructor or helpdesk if you’re having problems (http://hd.genesee.edu)

Keep in touch regularly (even if nothing’s

immediately due) - login several times / weekOnline convenience doesn’t mean less

work

Success on Exams

Payday!

An exam isn’t a threat – it’s your chance to show off!

Success on Exams

Remember the importance of active learning (hope isn’t a factor)

Pay attention to wording on instructor and publisher generated study guides

Develop mock exams (what’s s/he gonna ask?)

Form study groupsTutoring is FREE at GCC!

Use it early, not just before an exam

Help…

GCC Online Resourceshttp://hd.genesee.eduhttp://www.genesee.edu/DL

Email Your instructor! (always first)[email protected]@genesee.edu

how to be a successful online learner (elearner)

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