Preconditions for Student Success Online

[Britt Watwood]

As my colleague Tony Suess pointed out last week, designing better and better CMS's does not necessarily equate to improved student learning. I would be interested in your thoughts on what are the preconditions necessary for student success in online learning. In my classes, I attempt to build a sense of community and develop competencies with the pieces of the CMS I am using through practice. But I am beginning to back up and wonder if there are preconditions that I should check first.

Your thoughts (and references)???

Britt

[Michael D Warner]

Britt,
I think the "feed me" generations that have past through the K-12 system are starting to experience the "show them how to fish" approach which will create a stronger will to engage in the process that typifies elearning. As you say, that doesn't come without some hand holding to ensure the competencies needed, at least to get a good foot hold in the endevor. But limited experience indicates a much stronger need for engagement to be successful in the online learning world than experienced in f2f.

Mike

[John Thompson]

One precondition does not concern students but the course instructor. The online course needs to have well explained, specific structure and requirements so that the students know what is expected of them. E.g., points toward the course grade are earned by participating in the online discussions at a specified level and timing.