| Online Learning Readiness |
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Students who choose to participate in online courses need to examine their personal skills and aptitudes for taking a class online. It is not recommended for a student to take an online class in a subject area of weakness. The following attributes will greatly contribute to a student's success:
1. Self-motivation - Students can direct their own learning environment and methods to fulfill course requirements and achieve individual academic success. Students are responsible for their own learning.
2. 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.
3. Computer literate - Although it is not necessary to have advanced computer skills, students should possess a working knowledge of electronic e-mail as well as basic keyboarding skills.
4. 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.
5. Effective written communication skills - Students must use e-mail 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.
6. Personal commitment - Since 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.
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