An online environment is very different than a traditional classroom. Major differences?

• Students do not attend scheduled classes, so each student is responsible for planning and ensuring participation in necessary learning activities.

• Many of the nonverbal mechanisms that instructors use in determining whether students are understanding the concepts or having problems (boredom, frustration, confusion) don´t exist online.

• In online classes, nearly all communication is written, so students must feel comfortable both in expressing themselves in writing and with reading the work of others.

Online learning is not for everyone! A student who would prefer being in a traditional class on a traditional campus will probably not be happy in an online class. In addition to your attitude, certain work habits, learning styles, and skills contribute to a successful online learning experience.

Work Habits
Students who are successful in the online environment are committed to their studies. Online classes do offer convenience and flexibility. But they can be more demanding of time and energy than regular classes.

Online students need to:

• Use technology properly
• Log in regularly to participate in their classes, usually at least three times per week
• Plan their time well to ensure enough time to study and complete assignments
• Exercise self discipline in order to complete assignments on time
• Take notes as they study
• Commit 6 - 9 hours per week per three-credit class
• Enjoy communicating in writing and reading the writing of others
• Be able to work with others to complete projects
• ´Speak up´ to their instructors when problems arise

Quality input into your class is often an essential element of the online classroom experience. You must be willing to share your ideas, carefully consider your responses to the sharing of others, and be prepared, occasionally, to have your ideas challenged.

Learning Styles
It takes a special individual to get the most out of online learning. Being an active learner - one who´s willing to shape your life and direct your studies - is an important attribute. Being a visual learner, who is able to learn easily from reading and writing, is another big plus. If you learn best by hearing the instructor, then you may want to reconsider whether classroom learning might not be a better option for you.

Skills
What skills must an online student have?

The ability to read and write well are critical. Students with weaknesses in these areas who are committed to an online education should be prepared to get remedial help. Technical skills are important. This tutorial provides help with computer skills in addition to information about Blackboard, the delivery system we use to present courses.

Resolving problems at a distance without the mechanisms that exist in a regular classroom can pose some challenges. Online students need to be assertive in order to make their needs known.

Time management skills are necessary as you will have to plot - and follow - a schedule for accomplishing your assignments.

Research skills are vital for many classes. Knowing how to effectively research the Internet comes in handy.

Many online classes require team activities, so the ability to work well cooperatively is an important skill. The online environment adds some additional challenges.

Which brings us to some other very important qualities of the successful distance learner - flexibility and adaptability. Learning online is an adventure that will expose you to some entirely new - and not always comfortable - experiences. The ability to be flexible and remain open minded is critical to having a positive experience as you move into uncharted territory.