Hints for Online Learning

[abdelalielfakir]

Hi all;

The very important point that must be stressed can be "questionably'' reflected as follows:

To which extent does a student benefit from the online course as compared with the real face to face courses ?

Regards;
Abdelali ELFAKIR

[justbrasil]

To be an effective online learner, one needs to become familiar with the tools and resources available for the course, be disciplined and be an active participant by doing the assignments and participating on the discussions and online meetings.

[moohssen]

Hi everybody,
Online learning is, I think, a necessity only because it allows us to keep up with the rapid changes taking place around us all (otherwise we would fall behind and miss all the progress in ICT- a progress which learners already handle and use for purposes other than education through mobile phones, Ipods...). Whether online or through face-to-face interaction, learners adopt the same learning strategies.

[sharonbetts]

What a great list of points for all of us to follow. In think it is interesting that many mentioned how it takes more time for online than face to face. Love the patience and more thought needed.

[juansoto]

I use several hints to help me learn online (many of them have already been mentioned above). Among them, patience, discipline, curiosity (ask other participants), observation, responsibility, and dedication (time, effort).

[moiraokon]

As I read through the hints, I reflected upon my own behaviour when doing online courses checking if I followed them.
What I realized is that for a successful learning, for me, organisation, by logging in on a regular basis, is CRUCIAL to keep up, avoiding drawbacks because it is difficult catching up!

[nataliya]

I totally agree with everything said above.
Learning on-line is very engaging and interesting for me. The most important things are active participation in discussions, interaction, keeping to the deadlines. An online student must be familiar with basic computer skills, be open to new ideas and ready to share his/her experience.

[nawal]

I totally agree with Kerric in that the learning process is a three-way responsibility: learner, teacher and other students. So the three should work collaboratively for successful learning.
Nawal.

[karima]

I am actually working on the development of critical thinking in reading and writing, and reading that creating blogs for my class would help foster such skills is really interesting.....I am a beginner in tech and i would like to know how to create a blog...are there any tutorial websites???

[olenacrawford]

I thoroughly agree with all the comments. But they are quite general and very similar to what we discussed in the previous thread (Making a Successful Online Learner). I am new to the on-line part of TESL and would like to hear more connection in the comments to TESL. Does anybody have hints or can share their experience about ESL/EFL on-line teaching/learning?

[marisac]

Comments on Hints for Learning Online
Many Ts who are online learning enthusiasts are disappointed when Ss don't take to online learning like a duck to water.

Just like language skills, online learning involves a whole new range of literacies which need to be built systematically into a curriculum and learner training, both gradual and systematic, is absolutely essential.

Part of the article is related to good study skills and the learners managing their own learning. Again, the assumption that this will happen through osmosis is simply just too optimistic.

Hints?

Systematic learner training and building online literacies into our language learning curriculum.

[darlene]

I agree with all of the above. I have taken about 4 courses online, not including this one. The platforms used differ a bit, but have the same main structures like forums, assignments, etc. Often online learning is the only way to take a course that is not offered in your country. The limits of f2f courses have propelled me toward online learning and so far I have enjoyed it. But you do have to be disciplined and work it into your schedule and make it a priority so you can reach the deadlines for assignments. From a teachers perspective, I think that instructors need to be the ones to stimulate discussion online like Sharon has done here with her question. A teacher needs to be more involved in online learning than just giving and correcting assignments.

[robertarighetto]

I agree with most strategies mentioned before, but I`d like to add one: schedule. I mean, if the student isn`t commited with the schedule, the person might not be able to copy with the activities.

[elenargy]

I couldn't agree more with most of the colleagues. Being an online learner is a whole new dimension different from the f2f procedure. I guess good online learners are the ones who have already a degree of familiarity with the online environment. It needs a little time.

[nadinne]

I have read your comments on this topic so far, and I have to agree with you. I also consider that the time management is very important, because, besides the assignments / readings we have to do, there are also lots of comments from people (especially at the beginning of the course). We also nee time to practice what we learn and to explore and find out new things.

Then, knowing how to use the tools, it's also important, because they differ from one course to another, as Darlene mentioned. But, there is time to get used to them and in general people are willing to help those in need.

I also consider that's it's important to share our experience and ideas, as well as collaborate with the online fellows.