Online education is an advancement in the field of distance learning. It has received great appreciation from a huge number of people learning by using online tools such as web platforms, apps, social networks, etc. As technology advances, online learning
comes up with numerous resources such as courses, platforms, etc. Due to the availability of endless resources, it’s difficult for students, educators and professionals to choose quality resources and right web platforms for effective online learning. Also, there is a lot of confusion over this online learning as it’s a new field for college students. I’d like to help you with this issue by providing you with a guide that covers dos and don’ts while learning online. Let’s learn about it.
Online learning may occur in several ways. Taking online courses, participating in discussions, virtual interactions with the author, blogger or tutor, learning through social networking, Skype education, etc., are the means of learning online.
Dos:
Do good research:
Before choosing an online tool to learn a concept, take a course or earn a degree, do some good research on the available online resources. You can also take the experts’ help on several social networks and blogs. Selecting the right platform or resource is an effective means of quality online education.
Be Prepared and Motivated:
Online education has many features to engage students but as it’s not face-to-face learning, learners develop interest to complete it. When you prepare to learn online, you need to create interest and dedication on what you’re about to learn. Most of the students don’t complete courses and lack of self-motivation is one of the reasons of this failure. Do motivate yourself and be dedicated to completing your course with enthusiasm as no one will be there to monitor or track your progress. Effective online education includes badges for motivation, tracks your progress to provide you with personalized feedback and also engages you with quality tutorials.
Interact:
Interactions are heart of online education where one acquires a lot of knowledge from others. Do interact with people and explore yourself to share and exchange knowledge with them. Many online course providers conduct discussion forums to make the course interesting and engaging.
Syllabus, Software and Communication means:
Read the syllabus so that you’ll be aware of the whole content that you’re being taught. This helps you organize your time to complete the course effectively. Understand the software in which the course commences. Make sure all your communication means such as mail and social network connections are working properly.
Do tasks and submit assignments in time:
Many tutors give assignments and tasks to learners online. Do submit them in time for personalized feedback. For any online education to be effective and efficient, it needs mutual collaboration.
Help peers:
It’s difficult for the tutor to clarify all the learners’ doubts. Many learners ask doubts about the concepts in which you may have good expertise. Do help your peers so that you indirectly help tutor to concentrate on the course. This also enables you to improve your knowledge through interactions.
Act appropriately:
Be polite and friendly while interacting with people online. You may not meet the people face-to-face but that doesn’t mean a bad behavior will be accepted.
Follow real world rules:
Although the communication is virtual but that doesn’t always mean you are free to use your own slang. Do communicate in formal language and follow some specific rules to proper email communication.
Engage others:
You must participate and give your presence in virtual communication. Engage others, work collaboratively and learn with the group.
The above mentioned are a few things college students do while learning online. Similarly, there are some limitations you need to focus on for an effective online learning. Let’s learn about them.
Don’t be a passive learner. You can’t learn effectively until and unless you involve and participate in learning.
Don’t get demotivated because no one is tracking or monitoring your learning. Keep in mind, in an online course; you must be self-directed and self-motivated to succeed.
Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t get the concept.
Don’t be worried to ask help if you have any problem with the technology of the course.
Don’t be an undisciplined student. Even if it is an online classroom, the respective organization can easily identify you and take legal action.
Don’t skip reading syllabus, listening to instructions and submitting the assignments. Just like a traditional classroom, you must be responsible for your learning.
Don’t plagiarize. Studies show that a significant number of students are getting caught copying the information from internet for their class or school work. This may seem harmless but if the attitude continues to be like this, the consequences will be highly dangerous.
I hope this information helped you know some guidelines while learning online. I’d like to have your suggestions as well. Please feel free to share your views and start practicing the interaction as well as net etiquette techniques right from here. The comment box awaits you.
