The Attributes of Successful Distance Learners
There are several things one must ask
their self before becoming a distance learner.
The self-assessment will help the potential student decide whether
distance learning is for them or if the traditional classroom setting is more
their style of learning. Here we will
look at some of those attributes that make up the distance learner.
1) Motivation
As a distance Learner you must be
self-motivated and self-disciplined and have the ability to renew your
motivation for learning when it lags.
Maintaining and sustaining the motivational
level of e-learners is a big challenge for this type of education. (Jain
2002) This is usually done by the
learner-learner student-content / communications can motivate learners to
encourage learning outcomes.
Borje Holmberg believed students learn by
engaging in guided “didactic conversations” with their instructors. (Simonson
p. 48) Guided didactic conversation
helps the instructor/student relationship, therefore increasing the students
learning outcome.
2) Set Goals
“Learners who want to know something have
learning goals. Students who want good grades have performance goals.” (Ley
2005) Goal setting helps the learner to add to their performances. Setting goals are great motivating
techniques.
3)
Willing to communicate with the instructor
so that if problems arise and have the ability to deal and cope with personal
blocks to learning. “Online learners
must be able to determine where and how to seek help, and make decisions
concerning the most appropriate sources for such help.” (Dembo 2004) By not communicating with the instructor when
you fall behind or do understand something could make you frustrated and put
you further behind. This can also
contribute to losing your motivation in yourself and lose sight of your goals.
4) Time Management
Having time to study and do your homework
is the biggest influence for your online progress. Life often comes between you and your online
classes, knowing how to balance and adjust time is important. You as the distance learner must be able to
commit to 4 to 15 hours per week per course.
Be able to complete assignments on time.
“Self-regulated learners know how to manage their time because they are
aware of deadlines and how long it will take to complete each assignment.” (Dembo
2004) Decide the time of day you think
you will be able to concentrate on your studies. Once you set aside a designated time stay
committed to that time. (Gatlin)
The attraction to distance learning is
that you can study around your schedule, so set your study time around your
down time. Distance Learning has a lot
to offer to the students who can donate the time on their education. (Gatlin)
5) Technology Knowledge
You will need to know how to use a
computer for numerous reasons. Since
distance learning primarily means exactly that.
The majority of your learning and correspondence is online, therefor
having the ability to use technology correctly will also add to your
success.
Class
assignments will be available on the course website. You will need to know how
to view them and the knowledge and skill to utilize it. You will also need to
know how to access the schools resources that is available to you.
References
Jain
K Student Affairs Online: Motivating E-Learners - A Case Study of
E-Learners Seeking an Advanced Degree from UNITAR Fall 2002 • Vol. 3, No. 4
Retrieved March 26, 2012
Ley,
Kathryn Motivating the distance Learner to be a Self-Directed Learner. Retrieved March 2012
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., &
Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance
education (5th Ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education. Retrieved March 2012
Gatlin,
Stephen How to Succeed as an Online
Student Retrieved March 2012
Dembo,
M, Lynch, R August
2004 The International Review of Research in Open and Distance
Learning The Relationship Between
Self-Regulation and Online Learning in a Blended Learning Context Retrieved March 2012
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