Your primary role as a elearning student is to learn!  In the traditional classroom, this challenging task requires motivation, planning and the ability to comprehend and apply the information being taught.  In the elearning setting, this process is more complex.  Many elearning students have jobs and family responsibilities and they must coordinate these areas of their lives with their education.  Online courses are just as rigorous and can require as much time or more than a face-to-face course. Ensuring the time for study and class participation is critical to success and requires self-discipline.  In order for the elearner to be successful, these guidelines are recommended.

Interaction is important:

Although the online instructor and students may not meet in person, appropriate interactive technology such as Moodle and e-mail, will be utilized to encourage student-to-student and student-to-instructor communication.  It is important to interact on a regular basis with your instructor, who will provide clear direction and set realistic goals.  Sharing your insights with the instructor and other students will help to enhance your learning experience.

Attitude:

An elearner is more likely to be successful when they possess a serious attitude toward the course, take the initiative to communicate with the instructor, and realize the link between education and career advancement.

Factors to consider:

• Ability to work well as an independent learner
• Self-disciplined with structured study habits
• Knowledge and capability to access online technology, and a willingness to interact with the instructor using email
• Ability to adjust to a text based form of interaction with an instructor and other students
• Commitment to making time for study away from family, friends, work and other distracting factors