An overall factor of “adequate” range means that you meet only some of the “success criteria”. The issues may present barriers to you as an eLearner. This score is made up of the following four factors.
Review Your Answers | About These Scores | About These Factors
Technology Access
Good (74%)
A score in the “good” range indicates that you meet a majority of the “success criteria” in a given category. The issues addressed by this category may present limited barriers to you as an eLearner. Review Your Answers | Related Resources
Computer
Technology Feedback:
Consider purchasing a new computer within a year or two, or if it becomes an issue in your online courses.
Internet
Access Feedback:
You should investigate various high speed options at home.
Why
Technology
Is Important:
Having access to Technology is as important
to the eLearner as having access to pen and paper is
to the traditional student. For eLearners their
computer and Internet access are their primary instruments
of learning. Having to use a computer with inadequate
computing power or an unreliable or slow Internet connection
can impede the eLearner significantly. Consequently,
the capabilities of the Technology used by the eLearner
plays an important role in their overall success in
online learning.
Personal Factors
Very Good (85%)
A score in the “very good” range indicates that you meet most of the “success criteria” in the given category. The issues addressed by this category should present few, if any, barriers to you as an eLearner. Review Your Answers | Related Resources
Motivation
Observations:
Motivation is an important aspect of success as an online student, and your answers demonstrated a good level of motivation.
Schedule
Observations:
Your schedule predictability is a good match for online learning. Try to create a monthly studying schedule and include "back up" study time in case last minute things surface.
A typical 3-credit online course will require 12 hours per week to complete. You may find it difficult to complete all of the work for more than one 3-credit course.
Why
Personal Factors Are Important:
Most traditional
forms of learning are fairly structured (e.g. you meet
in the same place at the same time). This structure
also provides some level of external motivation; if
you do not show up at the right time in the right place
you are likely to get a lower grade. Online learning
has a must looser structure and relies more heavily
on the internal motivation of the eLearner. The
eLearner must schedule time for learning on their own
and then stick to that schedule, not for external factors
imposed by others but because their own personal goals
.
Technical Skills
Needs Attention (55%)
A score in the “Needs Attention” range indicates that you meet only a few of the “success criteria” in a given category. The issues addressed by this category will likely present barriers to you as an eLearner. Review Your Answers | Related Resources
Skills
To Strengthen:
Fast and accurate typing on a computer keyboard
Understand common aspects of software programs or applications
Visit a web site (if you are given the address/URL)
Send and receive attachments/files through e-mail
Skills
To Learn:
Insert a picture/object into a word processing document
Protect your PC from threats (viruses, spyware, hackers...)
Why
Technical Skills Are
Important:
Studies have shown that technical skills are a key factor
in the success of any eLearner. Although having
advanced computer skills is clearly not necessary, there
is a minimum level of technical ability that can make
the difference between success and failure. The
determining factor in what constitutes this “minimum”
level is simply having enough technical knowledge to
ensure that the Technology does not become a barrier
in the learning process. For example, if you have
to submit a paper as an e-mail attachment you want most
of your time to go towards writing the paper and not
figuring out how to attach the file to an outgoing e-mail.
Learning Style
Needs Attention (46%)
A score in the “Needs Attention” range indicates that you meet only a few of the “success criteria” in a given category. The issues addressed by this category will likely present barriers to you as an eLearner. Review Your Answers | Related Resources
Styles
to Consider:
Online classes typically have large amount of reading because even discussions use your reading skills.
Many online courses are designed around student-centered projects.
Online classes typically contain student-centered projects that require you to take an active role in your learning.
Recommendations:
Some eLearners can find learning online to be isolating while others can find it to be very interactive and personal. If you are feeling isolated consider sending a private e-mail to another student who has similar interests and ask them about their hobbies.
Remember to spend some time building relationships with your classmates and instructors.
Most online students are most successful when they play an active role in the teaching and learning process. Try to take the initiative each week to communicate with at least one other student or the instructor about the course contents.
Try to select an online program that involves student-to-student collaboration on assignments or projects. Be aware that online collaboration with others you have never met can be challenging and may require some practice before it becomes easy.
Try to select an online program that uses live chat sessions or other forms of synchronous communication tools.
Try to select an online program that includes the use of video (e.g. VHS, streaming video, etc.) or audio communication tools.
Most online courses or classes are "student-centered" and require that you take on a large degree of responsibility for your own learning. You should consider creating weekly study schedules. Ask friends and family to assist you in sticking to your plan.
Why
Learning Styles Are
Important:
Research has begun to reveal that everyone has different
preferences in how they learn. Some prefer to
learn through lectures while others find that project-based
learning better suits abilities and interests.
These preferences are often called “learning styles”.
Although more studies are needed, evidence suggests
that eLearners also have different preferences when
it comes to online learning. Knowing your “e-Learning
style” can be important in ensuring that you will
select a style of online learning (e.g. synchronous
or asynchronous) in which you will excel.
Other Resources
Make sure the review the learner resources page for more resources, and the matching degrees page for matching degrees. The following are other resources you may want to explore.
About This Tool - Learn about the factors, scoring, and matching schools. e-learning Glossary - defintions for any terms ou may encounter e-learning FAQ - more information on distance and online learning
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