KEYS TO SUCCESS
Although the Washington School of World Studies looks forward to welcoming you to its diverse family of students from around the world, we are also committed to ensuring that an online learning experience is right for you.
Successful Online Student Characteristics
Is Online Learning Right for Me? - Readiness Survey
Committed to Learning Online: Keys for Your Success
Our most successful online students:
- Are able to communicate through writing:
- In the online classroom, nearly all communication is written, so it is critical that learners feel comfortable expressing themselves in writing.
- Are self-motivated and self-disciplined.
- With the freedom and flexibility of the online environment comes responsibility. Online learning requires a real commitment and self-discipline to keep up with the demands of coursework.
- Are willing to “speak up” if problems arise.
- Many of the non-verbal communications that instructors use in determining whether learners are having problems (confusion, frustration, boredom, absence, etc.) are not possible in the online classroom. If a learner is experiencing difficulty on any level, he or she must communicate this immediately.
- Are willing and able to commit to 5 to 10 hours per week per course.
- Online learning is a convenient and flexible way to receive an education, not an easier way. In fact, many learners say it requires much more time and commitment.
- Are able to meet the minimum requirements for the program.
- The requirements for learning online are no less than that of any other quality educational program.
- Have access to a computer and a modem.
- Are able to think ideas through before responding.
- Meaningful and quality input is an essential part of the learning process. Time is given in the process to allow for the careful consideration of responses.
- Feel that high-quality learning can take place without going to a traditional classroom.
- Online learning is not necessarily for everybody. An online learner should expect to:
- Participate in the virtual classroom 3-5 days a week
- Respond to classmates’ ideas and questions
- Be able to use the technology properly
- Be able to complete assignments on time
- Enjoy communicating in writing
The online learning process is normally accelerated and requires commitment on the learner’s part. Staying up with the class and completing all work on time is vital. Once a learner gets behind, it is very difficult to catch up. Essentially, the learner needs to want to be there, and needs to want the experience.
We recommend that you take our survey, Is
Online Learning Right for Me?, to help you determine if you are a strong candidate for this unique learning opportunity.
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So, you've decided that online learning is just what you've been looking for?
The Washington School of World Studies is committed to your success in online learning. Following are some tips to ensure you will thrive in your online classroom.
Organization & Time Management
- Make sure you have a private space where you can study.
- Your own space where you can shut the door and work in peace is necessary. This will help lend importance to what you are doing as well. If you try to share study space with the dining room or bedroom, food or sleep might take priority over studying.
- Log on to your course every single day.
- ...or a minimum of 3-5 days a week. Once you get into the online system, you will be eager to see who has commented on your postings and read the feedback of your instructor and peers. Don’t let too many days go by without logging on to your course discussion group—you will find it very difficult to catch up.
- Review study tips.
- Take time at the beginning of the course to read the study tips in the course resources. These are important tips that will help you achieve success in the class.
- Set up a course notebook.
- Set up your course notebook as you begin your class. Keep all class-related material in this notebook for quick access.
- Stay on schedule.
- Organize your time effectively. You should plan on devoting about 10 hours per week to an online course.
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Attitude
- Take the program and yourself seriously.
- Enlist the support of your colleagues, family, and friends before you start out on your online adventure. When most people are through with work and want to relax is most likely when you will be bearing down on your course work.
- Become a true advocate of distance learning.
- Discuss the merits of the process with whoever will listen. When you believe in the potential of online learning and discuss it with others, you will reinforce its merits for yourself.
- Take advantage of your anonymity.
- One of the biggest advantages of the online format is that you can pursue your studies without the judgments or distractions typical in a traditional classroom. You can also take all of the time you need to think your ideas through and compose a response before posting your comments to your class.
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Communication
- Check discussions frequently.
- You should plan to log in to your course website several times a week.
- Follow along with all discussions.
- Read any earlier postings first to find out if you are on track, and to find out what others have said. Support your thoughts in a clear and concise manner. In online course discussions, teachers will be looking for positive interaction and quality of thoughts.
- Adjust your writing style for online communication and discussions.
- Always use relatively short paragraphs. This will make your writing much easier to read.
- Be respectful and polite.
- Use care while interacting during online discussions. Without the usual visual clues, you will not be able to gauge the full reaction of your words. Being respectful is not only common sense—it is absolutely necessary for a productive and supportive online environment.
- Email the instructor.
- Communication with the instructors and other students is important in successfully learning in an online atmosphere.
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Study Skills
- Apply what you learn.
- Try to make connections between what you are learning and what you will do in your job. Contributing advice or ideas about the real world as it applies to the subject matter you are studying helps you to internalize and remember what you are learning.
- Keep yourself motivated.
- Many online learning students find it easy to become distracted and discouraged in their work. Don’t let this happen to you—plan ways for yourself to stay motivated before you’re tempted to stray from your books.
- Don’t procrastinate.
- Procrastination is the #1 enemy of online students. Post a list of the benefits of learning online to remind yourself to stick with it.
- Make use of online resources.
- There is a lot of online material available to help students. Be aware of general resources such as virtual dictionaries, research help, and online books, as well as resources that relate to your subject matter.
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