While regular schools still exist, the virtual classroom plays an important role in today's
learning community. Job opportunities for students are expanding rapidly and more people of all
ages are becoming aware of online learning that allows them to study at home. Online students,
however, require unique qualities to be successful. The following list discusses some ideal
qualities of successful online students.
1. Be open-minded about sharing life, work, and learning experiences as part of online learning.
Many different people find that the online method requires them to use their experiences and that
online learning offers them a place to communicate with each other. This forum for communication
removes the visual barriers that hinder some students from expressing themselves. In addition,
students are given time to reflect on the information before replying. In this way, students can
help to keep the online environment open and friendly.
2. Be able to communicate through writing.
In the virtual classroom nearly all communication is written, so it is critical that students feel
comfortable expressing themselves in writing. Some students have limited writing abilities which
need to be improved before or as part of the online experience. This usually requires extra
commitment by these students. Whether working alone or in a group, students share ideas,
perspectives and discussions on the subject being studied, and read about those of their
classmates. In this way, students gain great insight from their peers, learning from each other
as well as the instructor.
3. Be willing to "speak up" if problems arise.
Remember that instructors cannot see their students in an online course. This means students must
be absolutely explicit with their comments and requests. If they experience technical difficulties,
or problems in understanding something about the course, they MUST speak up; otherwise there is no
way anyone can know something is wrong. If one person does not understand something, possibly
several others have the same problem. If another student is able to help, she/he probably will.
While explaining something to others, students reinforce their own knowledge about the subject.
4. Take the program seriously.
Online learning is not easier than study in regular classrooms. In fact, many students say it
requires much more time and effort. Requirements for online courses are not less than those of any
quality program. Successful students, however, see online learning as a convenient way to receive
their education — not an easier way. Many online students sit at computers for hours at a time
during evenings and on weekends in order to complete their assignments. When other people are
finished and having fun is most likely the time when online students do their course work. Online
students need to commit 4 to 15 hours a week for each course.
5. Accept critical thinking and decision making as part of online learning.
Online courses require students to make decisions based on facts as well as experience. It is
absolutely necessary for students to assimilate information and make the right decisions based on
critical thinking. In a positive online environment, students feel valued by the instructor, by
their classmates and by their own work.
6. Be able to think ideas through before replying.
Providing meaningful and quality input into the virtual classroom is an essential part of online
learning. Time is given to allow for careful development of answers. Testing and challenging of
ideas is encouraged. Many times online students will not always be right; they just need to be
prepared to accept a challenge.
7. Keep up with the progress of the course.
Online learning is normally sequential and requires commitment on the students' part. Keeping up
with the face-to-face class and completing all work on time is vital. Once students get behind,
it is almost impossible to catch up. Students need to want to be there and need to want the
experience. The instructor may have to communicate with students personally to offer help and
remind them of the need to keep up.
Just as many excellent instructors may not be effective online facilitators, not all students have
the necessary qualities to perform well online. People who have the qualities discussed above
usually make very successful online students. If you have these qualities, learning online may be
one of the best discoveries you will ever make.