Characteristics of Successful Online Students
Identifying Characteristics of Successful Online Students
James Holcombe
Liberty University
201520 Spring 2015 INFT 101-B69 LUO
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Taken directly from God’s Word, I was reminded by my Professor this week of one of my favorite verses from the book of Isaiah. Interestingly enough, before I began my venture into higher education, I was scared: scared of failure, scared of the commitment it would require, and even scared of the possibility that I just might not be cut out for the task ahead. This verse, Isaiah 41:10, along with several other Scriptures, helped to assure me that with Christ’s strength I could accomplish anything successfully. Yes, I could do it. However, was the course of online learning the best choice for me?
In an article penned by Mark Taormino, President or Learning Development Partners, Inc., of Las Vegas, Nevada, he states that “matching student learning preferences with appropriate learning opportunities is of high importance. Some students might not enjoy a high level of reliance on technology mediated instruction and communication, which could lead to a decision to pursue a more traditional education delivery path.” Indeed, it is very likely that the path of online learning may not actually accomplish true learning for every type of student, and unfortunately not every individual who seeks out an education via distance learning is aware of this possibility before they begin their journey. As I read this article, I found myself often nodding in agreement with the writer’s opinions. I’m reminded that everyone learns differently, and all of us respond individually to the information we take in. Even more interestingly to me is that some of us change learning styles as we grow. When I was in high school I remember being able to retain material much more easily than I do now.
James Holcombe
Liberty University
201520 Spring 2015 INFT 101-B69 LUO
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Taken directly from God’s Word, I was reminded by my Professor this week of one of my favorite verses from the book of Isaiah. Interestingly enough, before I began my venture into higher education, I was scared: scared of failure, scared of the commitment it would require, and even scared of the possibility that I just might not be cut out for the task ahead. This verse, Isaiah 41:10, along with several other Scriptures, helped to assure me that with Christ’s strength I could accomplish anything successfully. Yes, I could do it. However, was the course of online learning the best choice for me?
In an article penned by Mark Taormino, President or Learning Development Partners, Inc., of Las Vegas, Nevada, he states that “matching student learning preferences with appropriate learning opportunities is of high importance. Some students might not enjoy a high level of reliance on technology mediated instruction and communication, which could lead to a decision to pursue a more traditional education delivery path.” Indeed, it is very likely that the path of online learning may not actually accomplish true learning for every type of student, and unfortunately not every individual who seeks out an education via distance learning is aware of this possibility before they begin their journey. As I read this article, I found myself often nodding in agreement with the writer’s opinions. I’m reminded that everyone learns differently, and all of us respond individually to the information we take in. Even more interestingly to me is that some of us change learning styles as we grow. When I was in high school I remember being able to retain material much more easily than I do now.
Cited: Boyd, D. (2004). The characteristics of successful online students. New Horizons in Distance Education, 18(2), 31-39. Schrum, L., & Hong, S. (2002, IuIy). Dimensions and strategies for online success; Voices from experienced educators. Journal for Asynchronous Learning Network, 6(1), 57-67. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (ESV), Containing the Old and New Testaments. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011. Print.