student+success+strategies+in+the+online+environment

=student success strategies in the online environment =

Self-Regulation
Successful online learners need to be self-regulated learners or in the process learning how to become self-regulated learners. Self-regulated learners know how to learn, how they learn, how to reflect on their learning, how to initiate learning and how to use time management skills efficiently (Vonderwell and Savery, p.39, 2004). Instructors can offer students an opportunity to take a learning styles questionnaire to help students become more aware of how they learn. Instructors can also integrate activities such as reflective online journaling, problem-based learning or team-based learning (as described by Daryl) or authentic activities/assessment. Try implementing the Minute Paper format or Reality Check survey to check for learning and progress. (Mary)

Online Collaboration
Instructors also need to foster an online environment that requires active participation; they can't merely tell students to take an active role in their own learning. Interactions and collaboration need to provide meaninful learning for students in an online environment. Learners need to understand how to play an effective role in group learning (Vonderwell and Savery, p.40, 2004). Having students participate in online discussions in different roles such as summarizer, moderator, or discussion leader will help ease the transition. (Mary)

For better group interactions and project outcomes, try forming the groups early in the semester so there's time to develop interpersonal connections with one another and for the collaborative activity (Yu and Branderberg, p.46, 2006).

Online Interactions & Communications
Students need to learn how to communicate effectively in an online environment where one does not have social cues and emotions such as body language or vocal tone/pitch to influence interactions and learning. Instructors can help model proper behavior and effective asynchronous/synchronous communications (Vonderwell and Savery, p.40, 2004). Students should be made aware of Netiquette, and when and how to contact to the instructor. (Mary)

To help minimize the number of students asking the same question, create a FAQ discussion thread or a weekly mini-syllabus thread with questions from students and to provide students with more details on assignments/projects (Yu and Brandenburg, p. 45, 2006). (Mary)

Holding a orientation with the class before the semester starts helps establish a more personal relationship and lessens online isolation. The orientation should cover the course delivery technology, course expectations, rules and responsibilities of technical support staff (Yu and Brandenburg, p. 45, 2006). (Mary)

Hardware and Software Issues
Students need to be aware of technology requirements before beginning the class, both hardware and software. Students may find that their computer equipment is insufficient to run the necessary programs, or that they do not have access to the necessary programs (Yu and Brandenburg, p. 47, 2006). A checklist provided to students before the semester starts would help clarify requirements. (Mary)

Suggested Readings
Chien Yu, and Teri Brandenburg. "I Would Have Had More Success If…: The Reflections and Tribulations of a First-Time Online Instructor." __Journal of Technology Studies__ 32.1 (Winter2006 2006): 43-52. [] Provides insights for online educations in their efforts to be effective in developing strategies that can promote learning. (Mary)

Strategies for Success http://www.accd.edu/sac/history/keller/ACCDitg/SSindex.htm (Heidi) A guide from the Alamo Community Colleges in Texas for student achievement in the classroom. Contains short articles on Active Learning; Learning Styles; Note Taking; Memory Techniques; Time Management; Procrastination; Study Tips; Critical Thinking; Test Preparations; and Presentations. (Mary)

Strategies for Online Learners http://www.accd.edu/sac/history/keller/ACCDit/SSOindex.htm (Heidi) A guide from the Alamo Community Colleges in Texas for student achievement in the online classroom. Contains short articles on Online Learning; Communication; Time Skills; Testing; Survival Tips; Etiquette; Challenges; and Resources. (Mary)

Vonderwell, Selma. "ONLINE LEARNING: STUDENT ROLE AND READINESS." __Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology__ 3.3 (July 2004): 38-42. [] Examines and discusses student roles, responsibilities for learning online and strategies to promote student readiness. (Mary)