Memo

DATE: January 16, 2011

TO: College Decision maker

FROM:

SUBJECT: How to Help an Online Student Succeed

Online learning can be very advantageous, although it can also be challenging. By using these suggestions you can help students improve their online learning experience as well as helping them stay productive to bring forth rewards. The types of relationships that develop in an online course are central to the success of the class. The course facilitator plays an essential role in encouraging group members to become thoughtful inquirers, autonomous thinkers, and constructive co-learners.

Facilitating online learning is like any other situation where you work with human beings. It is important to share your warmth, to be curious about who your students are and how they think, to provide encouragement and to be there.

Methods to help every online course participant succeed:

* Use technology to facilitate online learning

* Student collaboration is always helpful

* Use problem-solving and case studies

* Encourage social interaction in distance learning classes

* Consider that no students are exactly alike, their capacity and rate of learning are of different degrees

* Exert utmost effort to keep the teaching-learning situation a challenging but enjoyable one

* Establish informed expectations

* Give constructive feedback

* Ask yourself, "What does the group/individual need to move forward?"

* Use a variety of instructional methods (lecture notes, power point presentations, tours, etc.) that will help students understand the material without having a teacher on hand to explain

Distance learning is a great alternative to the traditional classroom. It provides students with the opportunity to continue with their hectic lifestyle while meeting the needs of completing their education.

The aim is to create a context in which course participants become independent inquirers. Healthy discussion groups do...