Examine Your Role as an Online Learner


You likely know how your personality comes through when you are a student in a traditional face-to-face classroom. Maybe you shine when asked to do a presentation for the class or perhaps you prefer to sit quietly and take great notes. Either way, who you are in a face-to-face classroom is quite different than who you are in an online classroom. For example, we have found that those students who usually keep to themselves in a traditional setting speak up quite a bit in a virtual course. So be prepared to surprise yourself online!

It may be helpful to think through the following questions and start figuring out how you will act as an online learner:

  • What kinds of activities do you like in face-to-face classrooms? Do they translate online?

  • What kind of a note taker are you? Do you anticipate that it will be easier or harder for you to take notes in an online environment?

  • Are you usually an organized student in traditional settings? How will you need to modify your usual organization style online? Will it be easier for you to stay organized?

  • Do you participate a lot in traditional class settings? Why would and how might that change in an online environment?

  • Are you usually a reserved student and keep a low profile in face-to-face classes? Why would and how might that change in an online environment?
  • How do you work in cooperative learning teams? How will a team dynamic change online?

  • What opportunities does an online learning environment provide you as a student that a traditional class environment does not?
TIP



TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT YOURSELF
Some students find it useful to rank themselves on a 1-10 scale regarding their habits in a traditional classroom, and then rank their predicted behavior in an online course. This tool can be a great reflective resource upon the completion of an online class.

Click here if you'd like to begin this exercise now.
 
 
 
 


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