A STUDEN’T GUIDE TO E-LEARNING SUCCESS | CHAPTER 6
Figure 6-1 E-Learning success (Watkins & Corry, 2004- 2007)
e-Learning e-Learning success, consider consider the following: • Technology access and protection – Verify that you have adequate access to a computer and Internet connection. Make sure that your your computer is new enough to handle any any software you may have have to use in the course. Also, confirm that that your Internet connection is fast enough for the learning materials materials presented presented.. For example, example, if your e-Learning e-Learning materials contain video, you should have a high-speed Internet Internet connection. connection. If you have have a dial-up dial-up Internet Internet connection, connection, it will be challenging challenging to get access to the necessary materials. materials. Related Related to access is technology protection. Do you have up-to-date antivirus and spyware protection protection?? If not, you need to get the appropriappropriate software before you start your e-Learning experience. The only way to make sure you you are ready for these types of of challenges challenges is to ask ask in advance. advance. Therefore, before before your e-Learning e-Learning course course begins, find out what types of software software and materials the instructor instructor expects you to use. use. This preparation preparation will help you get off to a good good start. start. • Technology skills – skills – Making sure you have the technology skills required to succeed in an e-Learning class is vital. Start off by determining determining whether you have have the basic skills required to operate operate a computer and navigate the Internet, since most e-Learning courses will use these tools to some extent. extent. If you do, do, then assess your ability ability to download and upload upload software software and files to the Internet. How about your your ability to send and receive e-mail messages? Can you send them with an attachment and read an attachment attachment sent to you? While some of these skills may seem simplistic, each one is important to master in order to be successful in an e-Learning environment. • Triangulation – Do you have the necessary skills to evaluate the reliability, reliability, quality, quality, and usefulness usefulness of online resources? resources? One One of the more more complex complex skills is the identificatio identification n and evaluation evaluation of quality and useful useful online materials. materials. Just remember remember the rule of “triangulation. “triangulation.” If you find something something on the Internet three times from different sources and it appears to say the same thing, then it is probably probably fairly accurate accurate.. This is not a hard and fast fast rule, but it can be helpful. helpful. When in doubt doubt you can always always contact the author author or owner of the Website Website to verify the accuracy accuracy of their information. • Communicating online – online – Effective communication is key when working in the same room with someone. However, communication becomes even more important in an online environment where non-verbal non-verbal communicatio communications ns are limited. Communicatio Communication n can include e-mail, chat, or bulletin board exchanges. exchanges. Can you express express yourself yourself clearly in these forms forms of communication? communication? Could Could you work collaboratively with others using these tools? Have you ever tried using a chat room with more than two people? Can you carry on an in-depth conversation with multiple people in an e-Learning environment? Related to to online communication is the topic of time management. Can you schedule enough time to provide timely and thorough responses? Do you really have time to successfully participate in and complete this online course? It is important to remember that online online learning is like like many things in life, you get out out of it what you you put into into it. If you cancannot communicate effectively online or manage your your time wisely, your learning experience and the learning experience experience of others with whom you interact interact will diminish. • Motivation – Learning outside a four-walled classroom is a new experience to many people. A
