Leaping barriers to online learning

*This is Sponsored Content for Federation University Australia

Online learning is the new buzz term in the world of education and a great way to get that all-important qualification. But many people have reservations about whether this style of learning can work for them.

Some students may have concerns about motivating themselves, getting support, or using technology. Gaining a better understanding of online learning and the options available will give you a great chance of success with this highly convenient way of studying.

 Get in the zone – create a study atmosphere and free yourself from distractions. Have a study place with all you need on hand and where you can get yourself focused.

How do I motivate myself?

Motivation can be an issue for online learners. Generally people are either internally or externally motivated. External motivation means you require praise, encouragement or fear of failure to get the work done.

If you are internally motivated you will generally be fine working alone but for externally motivated students, online learning can be more of a challenge.

For these students, one idea would be to ask your lecturer or instructor for a one-on-one chat session, perhaps by Skype or a similar video calling service.

Self-discipline is also a big factor in being successful at online study. Students need to be able to motivate themselves, stay organised, and keep on task even without constant supervision from a professor or outside source. If you’re a procrastinator or easily distracted, you will need to develop techniques to stay on track. Online learning will challenge you to develop better time management skills.

To assist you, FedUni provides YourTutor, an after-hours online tutoring service available from 3pm to 11pm Sunday to Friday, which may help with motivation issues.

Will I feel isolated learning this way?

Students who are social learners or find they thrive more in group projects and discussion will need to put in place strategies to get the most out of online learning. Social learners set goals and model their responses and behaviour on that of other students.

If you are a social learner you can minimise isolation by keeping in contact with other students in the course via online chats and interactive assignments. Social media like Facebook and Twitter are great for creating online study or chat groups.

At FedUni you can take advantage of the ASK service. Staffed by experienced students, online students can access ‘ASK’ and request student assistance by email, phone, web enquiry, Twitter, or Facebook.

FedUni’s extensive online community includes a Facebook page to provide information, online groups to chat with other students and mentors, and the “Moodle” online learning system, where you can access important information and live chat.

Who do I ask about university life?

Most online courses require that students interact with one another through chat rooms and discussion boards, and some students may even find themselves assigned to work with classmates on projects and assignments. Use these opportunities to compare experiences and learn more about campus life from someone who may be more experienced. 

At FedUni all commencing online students are assigned an online mentor, who will help them transition into university life.  These are experienced students who have been there before, and are available to answer questions all semester.

Who do I go to with a course question?

You’ll be provided with relevant websites that contains a network of resources in place to support online students. Included will be the details of your instructors, who understand the learning curve experienced by students new to online learning and are happy to assist. Don’t hesitate to contact them with questions.

Most institutions will offer a multitude of other resources as well; while the specifics may vary, they may include mentors, tutors and technical support. Take note of this contact information, and use it as needed.

At FedUni, online students are able to book in to speak with one of the experienced Learning Skills Advisors by phone or video conference, to get one-on-one assistance with writing and study skills.       

What if I don’t have the skills to learn?

If you have not studied for some time, you could be wondering if your skills are up to scratch.  Don’t let this put you off online education, as institutions offering courses will have staff to help you develop study skills and solve research problems.  Lecturers and tutors will guide you through your course work. You will also have online access to the institution’s library and a network of other students to communicate with.

Federation University Australia offers a comprehensive Study Skills Website that has been developed to offer students timely assistance in a range of important academic skills including referencing, report writing, and assessment http://studyskills.federation.edu.au/

I’m feeling overwhelmed with my studies. What should I do?

Beginning your studies is exciting, but can also cause apprehension and a feeling of being overwhelmed. This may be especially true if this is the first online study you have done, it’s been a while since you studied or you are combining study with other responsibilities.

Apprehension at the start of anything new or potentially difficult is completely natural. If you ­persevere through these uncomfortable feelings, you’ll soon see the benefits of online learning, including greater flexibility and the reduced need to travel to a campus. 

To keep your nerves at bay, take advantage of the orientation material provided, as well as any other resources available to you. Within time you will have integrated this new responsibility into your schedule and your life.

Federation University Australia runs a free course consisting of 30 hours spread over tow weeks, aimed solely at preparing students with the skills they need to succeed, such as using the Moodle online learning system, essay writing, referencing, time management and more.

What if I’m not confident using computer technology?

Rather than finding your way around a campus, as an online learner you will need to find your way around a computer.

Most people can do basic computer tasks such as checking emails, posting on Facebook and typing a document. To be successful in an online course you may also be required to have additional skills, such as the ability to conduct more advanced searches on the internet, use various online services, and create, format, and save new documents.

In reality, these are the prerequisites for most jobs these days, so they’re worth learning. Luckily, there are plenty of tools available to support someone who is new to computers. Reach out to other students or your main contact at the institution to ask whether materials are available to help you become familiar with the necessary technology, and if possible, get them to walk you through the main points.

As a final tip, it’s always important to have the contact details for technical support handy.

Will my qualification be recognised?

With online education growing quickly, more people are getting a feel for what is involved in online coursework either through personal experience or through someone they know who is studying online. This includes human resource personnel and members of hiring committees. Old stigmas surrounding online education are well and truly a thing of the past.

Recent studies have shown online learning can match, or in some cases exceed, the level of quality and student satisfaction found on brick-and-mortar campuses.

Importantly, at Federation University Australia, the qualification you receive through online learning is identical to the one you would receive studying the same course on-campus. So,in the eyes of your potential employer, there is literally no difference in the qualification you have attained.

Conclusion

Organisations are starting to recognise the potential for students to receive a solid education online. Students who are entering the online classroom for the first time should be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead, but should also find motivation in the knowledge that they are entering a vibrant academic community without having to compromise work-from-home flexibility and convenience. 

Source | http://www.armidaleexpress.com.au/

Regards

Pralhad Jadhav

Khaitan & Co