What it means to learn online
Most people's experience of learning is in a classroom (at a school, college or evening class). The teacher is there to give guidance and direction on what to do. Activities include reading books, taking notes, answering questions and working with other people.
Online learning, or sometimes referred to as distance learning, is completely different. All the direction is provided by the course materials usually via a website/online learning platforms and you may have access to an online tutor. Activities such as reading, note taking and answering questions mostly take place at the computer. Working with other people is usually done through a virtual classroom and you can communicate with other students through electronic chat.
So we need a new set of skills for online learning. These include:
- Navigating online learning platforms;
- Running software and manipulating windows;
- Reading and taking notes from the computer screen;
- Managing computer files and formats;
- Navigating the online course;
- Managing your time online;
- Communicating with other learners through email, group chat etc.
Just as learning how to study in the classroom takes several years to develop, learning to learn online takes time too. You should expect to experiment with different approaches and think about what works best for you.
To help you develop the skills for online learning go to Additional Resources.