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Profile
of a Successful Online Student
Learning
Characteristics Of Successful Online Students:
A
Successful Online Student Will:
Technical
Skills:
Internet access and Use:
Internet Skills
Evaluating
Your Answers
Learning
characteristics of successful online students:
It is important to develop skills and study habits that lead you to success. The following list highlights the characteristics of successful online students; by reviewing it you can evaluate and decide if online courses are right for you.
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A
successful online student will:
1. Interact with confidence and professionalism with fellow classmates and instructor using Internet technologies (e-mail, electronic forums and such).
3. Monitor his/her progress without an instructor’s prompt assessment.
4. Expect the same level of academic challenge as a face-to-face course.
E-courses are not easier than face-to-face courses; requirements are similar, only the communication structure is different.
7. Have enough self-discipline to focus on tasks without direct supervision.
8. Develop time-management skills to schedule everyday tasks, without procrastination.
9. Not need support from his/her classmates to finish up projects or study for tests.
10. Ask questions online and directly interact with the instructor.
11. Be open and willing to learn new computer skills and programs.
12. Feel at ease receiving only written instructions.
13. Have time to study for the online course (an online course requires the same amount of study time as direct contact classes).
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Technical
Skills: General
knowledge on computers
A successful online student will:
1. Know how to use: Windows Operating System (or equivalent), word processing, presentation programs and other applications that may be required as part of the course.
2. Know about file creation and file management.
3. Be competent installing software.
4. Ask experts for technical support, if needed.
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Internet
access and Use:
Success in online courses requires:
1. An Internet provider to connect to the Web.
2. Reliable access to e-mail and to the World Wide Web.
3. Availability and access to different computers and to the Internet in case your computer fails or breaks down.
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Internet
Skills
A successful online student will:
1. Have a reliable e-mail address.
2. Know how to send and receive e-mails.
3. Be able to send and receive attachments.
4. Have access to expert technical support in case of connection failure or problems with Internet configuration.
5. Be able to make searches using search engines.
6. Be willing to learn more about Internet browsers.
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Evaluating
Your Answers, Discover Your Learning Style
Your answers reveal how prepared you are to handle online studies. For example, mostly “yes” answers suggest a good match between your learning style and the way the courses are taught. However, take note of aspects in which you answered “no.”
If you answered mostly “no”, you should reconsider the decision of starting online studies. Try to work on your weaknesses and develop the qualities and skills required for distance learning.
However, online courses are not for everyone. Learning styles may vary. Some people just don’t feel comfortable with the electronic environment. Keep in mind that in an e-course you will be required to read and interact in public forums or through e-mail; therefore you should have suitable reading habits.
If you answered “no” to the questions in the technical skills section at the beginning of the questionnaire, you should rethink your decision of embarking on an online course and study the requirements to gain knowledge and confidence.
If you decide to take the course anyway; with none or few technical skills, you will have to spend additional time keeping up with the assignments. You might want to consider enrolling in an introductory Internet course.
The purpose of this assessment process is to help you decide wisely whether or not to enroll in distance education. If you want more information regarding online courses, contact us.
Prof. Maritza Grajales mgrajale@pupr.edu
or Mr. Israel Ortiz isortiz@pupr.edu
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