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What IS REQUIRED TO BE SCCESSFUL ONLINE?

Online Learners

What is required to be successful online?

Your study habits and skills will play a critical role in your success. You will need to be able to turn off the television, turn off the cell phone, ignore distractions, and concentrate on your work.

Your interaction with your instructor and your classmates will also play an important role in your online course. Practicing good "Netiquette" is essential when communicating from a distance because body language clues cannot convey your message.

  • Students need to possess strong reading and comprehension skills.
  • Students need to feel confident in their ability to express thoughts adn ideas in writing.
  • Students need to be proficient at monitoring their own progress, keeping up with assignments, and meeting deadlines.

Today we all live extremely busy lives that often include obligations beyond school. However, to succeed in an online course, learners must be able to devote a significant amount of time to studying and completing assignments. Before beginning an online course, it would be useful to examine the demands on your schedule and requirements for success in online learning.

  • Students need to have a quiet and personal space for studying that is free from distractions such as television.
  • Students taking online classes from home need to have reliable Internet access.
  • Students need to have friends and family members that are supportive of the decision to take an online course.
  • Some courses estimated time commitment for students is a minimum of 3 hours each day.

Students who may be considering an online course should take time to examine their personal skills and aptitudes for taking a class online. The following attributes will greatly contribute to a student's success:

Self-motivation

Students can direct their own learning environment and methods to fulfill course requirements and achieve individual academic success.

Independent learner

The online environment enables students to learn at their own pace, relieving the stress of feeling rushed or pressured and providing enjoyment in the learning process.

Computer literate

Although it is not necessary to have advanced computer skills, students should possess a working knowledge of electronic e-mail, the Internet, as well as basic keyboarding skills.

Time management

Students must be able to organize and plan their own best "time to learn." There is no one best time for everyone, but the key to learning is to make the time to learn.

Effective written communication skills

Students must use electronic e-mail and discussion forums to communicate with their peers as well as the instructors. The ability to write clearly to communicate ideas and assignments is essential. This method provides the learner with rapid feedback as well as a means to inform instructors of any concerns or problems that they may be experiencing.

Personal commitment

Because there are no bells that begin and end classes, students must have a strong desire to learn and achieve knowledge and skills via online courses. Making a commitment to learn in this manner is a very personal decision and requires a strong commitment to perform in order to achieve academic success.

Parents

As a parent or guardian of an online learner you should be supportive and informed. At any time your child can log into his/her Blackboard or Moodle course and let you see assignments and grades. Students should be checking Announcements and Messages from instructors daily.

Instructors always post contact information in their course and are there to help with any of your questions. If you need my assistance in anyway please let me know.--Ms. Valeria Davis

Courses

Please contact the Guidance Department at James Kenan High School for course listings, course descriptions and registration information.