Are You a Good Candidate for Distance Learning?
Ten Characteristics of Successful Distance Learners
- Reflective, verbal, intuitive sequential learners [see definitions in 1 below]
- Independent Learners
- Mature
- Organized [as the gif above indicates, time flies!]
- Can ask for help when needed
- Can share ideas with others and accept criticism
- Persevering
- Inquisitive, Intellectually Curious, willing "to explore new worlds. . . "
- Willing to work on improving computing skills
- Willing to work on improving writings skills
Explanation of the Characteristics
Explore Whether You Are a Good Candidate For Distance Learning
Read the discussions and explanation below and decide whether you are a good distance learning candidate. Answer the following questions honestly and decide for yourself. Distance learning can be very rewarding, but only if you are suited to this type of instruction. It is not the right learning choice for everyone nor will it ever be a complete substitute for classroom instruction. If you match up well, you will find this a challenging but rewarding course. If the match between you and the course is not good, you should consider dropping. Don't set yourself up for likely failure and frustration. If you need further explanation of these issues, Email Dr. Slatta your questions. You may also wish to explore a bit more about how your brain works. See the summary of your eight neurodevelopmental systems, developed by Dr. Mel Levine. Distance learning courses tend to have higher dropout and failure rates than classroom instruction. Be certain to consider your choice seriously. Avoiding the classroom is NOT a good reason to sign up for an online course. However, distance learning also has many advantages.
- What type of learner are you? This online course is better suited to students with a more verbal than visual learning style. Most of the material that you study is text; all your assignments are written. Reflective rather than active learners will probably do better. Active learners who prefer labs and “hands-on” tasks may be bored with online activities, although I will try to keep everyone involved. Intuitive as opposed to sensory learners will probably fare better online. You don't get much sensory input from web pages--they're mostly printed words. Finally the sequential rather than the global learner will probably do better. We build up our knowledge of Latin America one historical era and theme at a time. Global learners who need “the big picture” to grasp individual topics may be frustrated by our incredemental approach. Online instruction is not for everyone.
Uncertain what your learning preferences might be? In just a couple minutes you can take the online VARK Inventory. By answering just 13 questions, you get a sense of whether you prefer to give and receive information by seeing (Visual), hearing (Aural), Reading or Writing or through manipulating objects (Kinesthetic). This web site also provides you with helpful study tips keyed to your learning style. In general, HI 216 online course is better suited to Reading/Writing learners. Those with a Visual, Aural, or Kinesthetic preference may feel "sensory deprivation."
- Whatever your learning style, most importantly, you must be an Independent Learner. Are you comfortable with a minimum of direct supervision? All assignments are given at the beginning of the semester. You must work on them without anyone "looking over your shoulder." Does this mean you get no help? Absolutely not. I will offer opportunities to interact through email and online discussions. And, just as in traditional classes, I will set "office hours" when you may telephone (919-513-2229) or see me in person in Harrelson Room 127. Procrastinators will get overwhelmed and fail.
- What is your maturity level? Independent distance education is most difficult for first-year students, who are already busy learning major changes from high school to college. Juniors and seniors and adult returning students, with more experience under their belts, will probably do better. However, maturity and the ability to adapt is not strictly linked to your year in class. A mature, focused first-year student will do better than an immature senior.
- Are you organized? The distance learner must be organized. You must perform multiple tasks to complete an assignment. You must read online and printed sources and analyze their content. In many cases you must do additional Internet research. You must construct a good essay, edit and revise using your grammar and spell-checking tools, and send it to me as a file attachment. You must read and apply the suggestions and corrections that I make to each assignment in subsequent assignments. All this takes time. Are you mature enough to manage responsibility with little oversight?
- Can you ask for help when you need it? Unlike the classroom, distance learning does not allow me to see a "raised hand." You must be willing to seek out help when it is needed, ask questions, and understand that asynchronous learning means some delay between when you ask and when you get an answer. Just remember, there are NO dumb questions. Be brave and ask. That's how we ALL learn.
- Can you share your ideas and analysis with others through online discussions? We will do ten online discussions in which you will be asked to agree or disagree with statements about historical events. You will also be asked to agree or disagree (respectfully) with one another. Can you develop, support, and share a position on an issue and not feel hurt or threatened even if someone else disagrees?
- Can you persevere? Working for a full semester mostly by yourself is a long haul. You have much more writing in this class than in a regular one, because we must replace all classroom discussion and interaction with writing. Can you hang in there and keep going? Think of this as a marathon. If you're a sprinter, beware. Effective time management is crucial.
- Are you inquisitive, intellectually curious, willing to "explore new worlds, seek out new life forms"? Well, the course isn't exactly Star Trek, but you will explore new cultures and people that most of you have never encountered. If you find new things interesting just because you don't know about them, you're a good candidate for this course. If you only like to study a narrow range of topics, you should consider dropping, unless a central interest is the history, culture, people, and problems of Latin America. Student motivation is a key component of success in any course.
- Are you willing to work on improving your computer skills? Because we do everything via computer and the Internet, you need to develop an appropriate level of computing literacy. I will help you. You must be skillful with a word processing program, including the use of grammar checking to establish percentage of passive sentences, reading level, average sentence length, and other elements that affect clarity. You must be able to attach files to emails. You must learn to post comments using WebCT software. You must be able to search the Internet and find good, solid historical references.
- Are you willing to work on improving your writings skills? Clear, accurate written communication of historical events is as important as the actual intellectual analysis of those events. Your writing as well as your content will be graded. However, 15 out of 16 students in my first online course reported that their writing improved during the semester. Whatever your major and interests, writing better will help you.
If you answered NO to more than half of the above questions, you are NOT a good candidate for distance education. You should consider another course.
What do previous students recommend? Ponder these comments from the students [in italics] who took the first online course. I think students on a busy schedule benefit most from this course. The only drawback to online courses is the amount of self-discipline required. Internet courses aren't for everyone but motivated students can benefit tremendously from Internet courses. All things considered, I am very pleased to have taken this course. I enjoyed having the freedom to be independent while taking this Course. It gave me an opportunity to prepare myself for the "real world." I became more organized and used my time more efficiently. I did not worry about trying to get to class on time or being absent.
What types of student should avoid this online course? Freshmen (and sophomores), anyone who needs the professor there to motivate and remind them constantly. I believe freshman should not be allowed to take online courses. I believe coming to college is an act of responsibility. I feel that many freshman would slack off and are not responsible enough to take a course like this. Online courses should have a GPA cutoff. If someone doesn't have a 2.8 or higher should not be allowed to take the course. People with strong learning disabilities that need individual attention might steer away from a course like this.
I am a very good student but I tend to procrastinate and that has obviously reflected in my grade. I do not regret taking the course because it has benefited me in many ways and challenged me to be more on task with my schedule and school work.
This type of course could be helpful for students who enjoy an independent study format. It is also helpful for students that have limited day schedules for on campus classes, whether because of work, family obligations or health problems. The format is laid out in such detail that students just need to be able to follow the specific directions. I have had limited computer experience but when encountering problems, found it easy to contact Dr. Slatta.
Bottom Line: Do an honest evaluation of yourself. If you seem well matched for this course, please continue. If the match between you and the course is not good, you should consider dropping.
This inventory incorporates ideas developed at the School of Industry and Technology, East Carolina University.
Is Distance Education for Me? A Summary of Distance Education Issues
Thinking about Distance Education? Wondering if it's right for you? Take this quick inventory
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