Joel English: Six suggestions for distance learning success – The Virginian-Pilot
Over the next two months, online courses will allow students to finish their school year. But a misconception about online learning is what I call The Myth of Convenience: Students often make the mistake of thinking, because online courses are convenient, then they must naturally be easy. Online courses aren’t easy; they’re actually more difficult than traditional courses.
At the brick-and-mortar campus, schools provide the schedule; teachers provide class structure; staff provides facilities; and a custodian cleans up at the end of the day. But online, students are not just the learner, they are also their own class scheduler, tech support technician to keep the computer and internet running, librarian to keep learning materials together, janitor to keep the learning space tidy, and the security guard to keep family members quiet during class time. Online courses might be convenient, but they sure aren’t easy.
Because being a successful online student requires more effort — not less — it is important that every online learner consider a few strategies as they approach online courses.
1. Believe in the Process. An online course isn’t a simple website that provides information; rather, it’s an environment where you, your teacher and your classmates explore subjects together, interact and work on projects. Respect your online courses the same way you respect the traditional classroom —interact with your teacher, complete your work on time and expect to learn and grow from this experience.