CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL ONLINE STUDENTS
Author: Christian D Daley

Online learning is becoming a very popular method of education for both traditional and non-traditional persons. There are numerous universities, colleges, and other higher learning institutions proposing online learning courses for their students. But, some students may not be fully prepared for online learning. With such a new environment comes new demands. Research has been compiled to help ensure the success of students who are learning online. The characteristics that make an online student a successful online student have been confirmed by expert online educators; characteristics such as having the proper online tools, utilizing what motivates you to pursue online courses, and managing a healthy lifestyle with a good support group in your corner. These seasoned online educators believe that these characteristics make up a successful online student.
Not too long ago distance learning atmospheres were solely based on correspondence through paper, audio, and video broadcasts. You have students who are coming from more “traditional” ways of learning, in which they are converting to a whole new way of learning. Some students are not converting, rather they are just being introduced to post-secondary learning, and presented with the convenience of learning online. The experts have all agreed that on the importance of students’ having well rounded technology knowledge, and having sufficient tools prior to taking online learning courses. The experienced educators all agree that lifestyle factors, much like time demands, play imperative roles in students’ successfully completing online learning classes. The article emphasizes on the goals and purposes that motivate a student to take an online course. Also the importance of study habits and skills, and of the personal traits were deemed not to be as significant. As for self-discipline, that is most important to the success of online learning (Schrume, 2002). It is imperative that students have some level of comfort with using online tools; online tools such as solving simple issues, accomplishing simple tasks, and checking emails. This all may seem simple to most, but there are students who struggle with the simplest of online tasks due to their lack of knowledge with technology. It can be very challenging for these students to learn while taking the course. This is because not only are they learning the technology, but they also have to keep up with the courses’ content simultaneously. Nevertheless, a properly designed course that uses the simplest technology needed to meet the courses learning, and “user-friendly” courseware could really go a long way. Professors could also ease the transition for some not so “tech savvy” students. This can be done by providing support CD’s and videos that guide the students through the online learning environment (Schrume, 2002). Students have many reasons to attend online courses. It is important for the student to recognize this motivation, and use it to help get them through the rigors of learning online. Using one’s motivation will keep them focused on the task at hand, and keep them moving forward successfully. One online educator said “I believe those students who CHOOSE to take my classes are motivated.” Another stated “Our retention rate in our full Bachelor of Teaching degree is 80%+ over the past four years. These students are selected by an interview process which looks at potential success factors. The point of careful selection seemed clear to many of the respondents.” Another educator said “My students are selected, so they are usually self-motivated. The dropout rate is low” (Schrume, 2002). An online student’s lifestyle also factors into their success. Students must be aware of the responsibilities that govern their lives. They also need to determine if they would have at least 10 hours to commit to studying in order to succeed in the online learning environment. They need to decide whether they have the schedule flexibility to devote hours towards their online learning, or if they have little room for rearrangement. It’s also important that the student has the support of their family, coworkers, and friends as they follow their studies. Most students who have dropped a course have noted that this is due to a lack of time to devote to their online course. Childcare responsibilities and work related time constraints have been linked to the non-completion of courses. Educators emphasize that students understand that the complex aspects of their lives needs to balance out with their online studies (Schrume, 2002).
While studying the article I have learned additional ways to improve my learning experience, methods such as stronger research methods and self-discipline. The research learned in this article is very beneficial to the future success of my online learning. Properly utilizing the keys points of this article can make anyone a successful online student. Especially when the student is deeply motivated to succeed in online learning. A person’s lifestyle will play a huge factor in their success in online courses along with having the proper motivation. But these two points are the most important in my opinion. I feel this way because a student’s home life could really hurt their learning if they work a lot or don’t have the schedule flexibility to squeeze in their course material. Then you have what motivates that student to pursue an online education. A student’s motivation is what keeps them going when the course gets “rough” or when their lifestyle is getting in the way of their education, but their motivation keeps persevering.
As an online student myself, utilizing the research in the article, anyone could become a greater student. I will continue to try and utilize my time more efficiently, and procrastinate less. Sometimes it is hard to break old bad habits. But, a student like myself who is working to be a better disciplined student, could see much success in their online learning experience. I have even fallen victim to the lack of time to devote to the online course at hand in which I eventually had to drop due to work related scheduling issues. I have always had the support of my family. When I dropped that course it was due to a new job, a job with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, and a misunderstanding of the courses requirements not listed in the course description. Each student, of different learning methods come away with valuable information when they read this article. The article looks to hit on many points, which are backed by experienced online educators. The article may relate to many students, whether it be one point or the many others made.

References

Schrume, L. &. (2002, March). From the Field: Characteristics of Successful Tertiary Online Students and Strategies of Experienced Online Educators.