Top three characteristics of an online learner

Top three characteristics of an online learner are:

Self-Motivation:  This is one of the most important traits of an online learner. The learners have to be independent and self-derived in order attain the goals. Students must understand what is expected out of them and they should meet instructor’s expectations as well as the objectives set for the program.

In case the students lack self-discipline and time-management skills, the instructors and people around, have a great role to play. Instructor can engage them in conversation and ask them about the difficulties they face while studying. They can write journals and the reflections would help them learn and motivate to move on. As an instructor I would try to show my students that I’m a human being behind their computer screen. I also recognize their emotions, needs and humanity. I would like to share my ideas with them and then, invite them to share their views with me.

Good reader and communicator: An online learner has to show good skills in reading and communication because this is required to convey thoughts, ideas and share concerns. Also, in order to understand and apply learned material to write assignment and writing to other classmates and instructor, students have to be good in reading and communication.

In order to enhance these skills, students need support from instructor, family members, peers  and online resources(dictionary, spell check). They may take a small course in editing and reading also. Local libraries sometimes also have small programs in reading and communication skills. They may get a support group in library or nearby community center.

Organization of time and daily routine: Usually online learners have so much going on in their lives other than taking the online course. The organization of time and space is absolutely necessary in order to meet deadlines for the assignments, discussions and reading. They need to organize study space, and then they need to find time to actually study.

Students those don’t have good organizational skills might learn it over the time. I learnt it by the time my first week in this course was over.  They need support of family members, friends and other loved ones. Students also need to communicate to themselves and people around,  that this ’particular hour’  is my study hour and they don’t want any disturbance. Finding help from classmates, getting an idea how they organize their time, can be helpful.

One aspect of online delivery, which can surpass that of a face-to-face classroom, is of flexibility of time, convenience of studying from home while at the same time having cultural diverse group interactions.

An aspect of learning in a social context is the development of “ learning communities”( Vygotsky, 1978) centered around student-to-student interactions and the exchange of ideas(discussion boards, email, chat). Another one can be for learners those are seeking help in libraries or other support group in their locality(community center)