Just as teaching online is very different from teaching in a traditional setting – attending school online and being an online student is also very different. Students need several characteristics in order to succeed in the online classroom. While these characteristics are not all-inclusive or required, having these traits will definitely help students to have more of a chance for a successful online experience.
1. Self-Motivated
The most important trait for students interested in attending school online is the ability to be self-motivated. In an online environment, there is not an instructor standing beside you poking and prodding you to complete your assignments, turn work in on time, or to reply to a discussion thread. It is up to the student to read the syllabus, set personal goals and deadlines, and complete the material. I think this is the most important trait, because without this motivation, I think it would be very difficult to complete the required assignments and discussions needed for online courses.
2. Strong Reader
Nearly all of the information conveyed to a student within a course will be in text form. Reading material from a textbook or an online text, responding to students in a discussion board, written assignments, and reading guidance and announcements from the instructor. Sure, there are sometimes videos, audio, graphics, etc. but the majority of the learning takes place through reading. Students should be able to read and comprehend well in order to be successful in the online environment.
3. Ability to Write Well
Just as nearly all of the information within the class is conveyed through reading, much of the information that you will be turning in for grading will be in written form. It is imperative that you are able to write well, utilize the formatting required, and understand how to write a paper without plagiarizing. Students who struggle with basic writing skills will struggle with assignments and discussions in the online classroom.
4. Clear Communicator
Ability to communicate clearly – especially in a more formal online setting – is vital to success in the online classroom. Students are expected to use more formal language within discussion threads and to treat each other with respect at all times within the online classroom. It is important to not use texting language as well.
5. Determined
Online students must also showcase determination. Just like a traditional school, there are many hoops that a student must jump through in order to receive their degree. Students must be determined to continue their education throughout the process, despite other life challenges.
Without a majority of these traits, students attending school online will struggle a great deal. Is it possible for a student to achieve their degree online without all of these traits? Of course. But having these traits and abilities will make their online education experience much smoother.
Can you think of any additional traits that would also be important for online learners?
About the Author
Jamie Weitl is a WAHM teaching for several online universities and raising three precocious little ones. In her spare time she enjoys writing, baking, and running. For more info, see my Google Plus Profile.
