(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 1 How to be a Successful “Online Learner”

(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 2 Online Learning Online learning provides –Easy access to course information –Flexibility in learning Learning can take place any time from any location provided you have a computer and Internet access –Timely and up-to-date information –Timely feedback from your instructor

(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 3 Challenges Students must be aware of how to effectively work in an online teaching/ learning format –This is different from face-to- face instruction and techniques used in that format Students use different techniques to be successful

(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 4 Challenges Online learning takes work –This teaching/learning format does not take less time and energy You must access course information and participate weekly –Do not procrastinate!!

(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 5 Tips Students must take MORE responsibility for their own learning –Instructors serve predominately as facilitators in many online courses

(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 6 Tips Participate –Interact with your instructor –Access the course information each week If you delay…. you increase your likelihood for NOT completing the course and running out of time

(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 7 Tips Review your course outline –Become familiar with What is expected in the course When to turn assignments in Where to turn assignment in How to submit assignments

(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 8 Tips When you have problems seek assistance immediately –Contact your instructor By and/or phone –Contact tech support online By and/or phone

(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 9 Tips Schedule time each week to work online Establish a regular schedule to work on assignments E.g., every Saturday afternoon, early in the morning, after work

(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 10 Maintain contact with your instructor throughout the course –Inform him/her of your progress and/or any problems you may be experiencing –Realize that you are not alone and that you have assistance when needed Tips

(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 11 Tips Establish a place to study and complete your work –Try to avoid any type of interruptions if possible (e.g., phone) Remember online learning takes commitment –It is NOT an easier learning format

(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 12 Tips Make sure that you have a computer with the appropriate hardware & software to access the course and complete the class –You need the following: MS Office 486/66 (minimum) PC with 16 MB of RAM 28.8 modem or better Internet service provider (i.e., Bell South) Internet Explorer

(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 13 Tips Make sure you have the minimum computer skills necessary to be successful in an online course –You must know how to Use basic computer software Upload & download files

(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 14 Tips Realize you are communicating predominantly through writing –Think before you write The online environment is flat Oftentimes information can be misunderstood or poorly communicated –Try to be positive in responding to others

(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 15 Additional Resources If you are interested in learning more about online learning conduct an Internet search using your favorite search engine such as –type in the following terms: “successful online student” Using those terms your instructor found the below URL –What makes a successful online student? StudentProfile.asphttp:// StudentProfile.asp

(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 16 Additional Resources –Another set of search terms that can be used is…“online student tutorial” This located a wider variety of additional tutorials on the subject you may be interested in reviewing

(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 17 Credits Clip art is from –Microsoft Office Online –Microsoft Office

(c) Dr. Barbara K. McKenzie 18 If you have comments or questions please contact your instructor