With the steady growth of online education and the more recent emergence of MOOCs (Stanford GSB is even thinking about launching some), I thought this might be an interesting piece to share with my readers.
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Online students won’t fail with these 3 traits
By: Ellis Yates
Students have more options and growing opportunities for learning. Online institutions are expanding and gaining credibility while MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are revolutionizing the academic landscape. Long-distance learning is outgrowing its label as taboo and is a credible source for higher education and valuable learning experiences.
By early 2013, 74 major universities from around the world implemented MOOCs, which are openly accessible online teaching programs taught by renowned professors designed to academically engage thousands of students worldwide. Coursera, one of the most influential and original MOOCs, is leading the Internet-based educational movement, with 2.9 million registered users from more than 220 countries, according to Scientific American. Alongside accredited online colleges and universities, MOOCs are altering how we perceive higher education and long-distance learning.
Opportunity and accessibility are great, though nontraditional learning environments may not work for all students. Students who will typically excel while enrolled in an MOOC or online college courses will likely possess the following characteristics. Do you have what it takes to reach your academic potential through online education?
Career & Job-Oriented
In 2012, Penn partnered with Coursera to reach out to students globally. Penn researchers found that their MOOC students are “highly educated and career-oriented.” More than 75 percent of the 11,933 U.S. respondents are older than age 30, and more than 50 percent are employed full-time. MOOC students are typically well-educated and have “high levels of educational attainment,” such as post-secondary degrees, the study reveals. Students who are academically curious and seek challenges are likely to stay engaged with MOOCs and online classes. They’re proactive about gaining additional knowledge and skills related to their job or field.
Open Minded & Proactive
An open, expressive and communicative attitude will maximize the student’s online experience. Think of MOOCs as virtual classrooms and social networking sites. Rather than relying on a video lecturing, MOOCs foster social interaction through online conversations for students to learn as well as teach, motivate and inspire one another. Introverts may turn into digital social extroverts who end up thriving in the online learning environment. By actively participating in forum discussions and expressively sharing work experiences, for instance, students can elevate their learning and reach further into their potential. Without meaningful input or careful consideration, students may as well be sitting idly in the back corner shadows of an actual classroom.
Committed & Disciplined
Student who enroll in online classes with the mentality that online education is easier than classroom learning are already doomed to fail. Expect to commit eight to nine hours per week for one course, suggests Glendale Community College. For students who have full-time jobs, managing and dedicating time to studying as well as interacting with other students is essential. To stay motivated and determined, online students should focus on their micro and macro goals, whether it’s to advance their skill sets to move into a new career or learn more about their industry to excel at their job. Ensure that realistic schedules, personal obligations and objectives are established before committing to online learning.
—–Ellis Yates is a college professor and urban gardening enthusiast.
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