While some of us are experts in education technologies, many people have learned how to use them. The most crucial factor in e-learning is self-motivation and willingness to achieve the learning goals. When we talk about students engaging in E-Learning, various factors play a vital role in learning online. Some of the elements are Student Engagement, peer interaction, collaboration, feedback, motivation, and flexibility.
Although today’s youth are digitally native and are well aware of the digital classroom and things, their behavior in online classrooms is contrary to our belief of them being a digital native.
Online classrooms require equal effort to make the most out of them. It’s just that, with new technologies, we can achieve a lot more than the traditional approach and in better engaging ways. In e-learning, it requires a learner to be motivated and the willingness to learn. Let’s discuss some of the characteristics of an e-learner that would make them successful in e-learning.
1. Persistence
Persistence is the key trait that is needed for a student engaging in e-learning. As most of the classes or resources are online, there is a possibility of many technical glitches which might surface. Students who succeed in online learning deal with these challenges very often, but it is only through persistence that they get the most out of the online classes. The only thing to do is logging in every day and making progress.
2. Digital Reading and Writing Skills
Reading and writing are as much essential in online learning as that in traditional learning. All the documents will be digital, so the students should be comfortable with their usage. The students should develop a habit of reading and typing digital documents efficiently. Because the assignments will not always be multiple-choice questions, they will be required to type the answers.
3. Communication skills
Communication skills are an essential component almost everywhere. And now, it is essential even in online learning. To excel in digital learning, a student should possess practical communication skills. Students should know how and when to reach out to their teachers. Nonverbal cues and blank faces don’t help the educator to provide students with the best lessons.
For this, every school providing online learning has its communication tools. A student should make the best use of these tools to build interaction with the teacher. A student mustn’t shy away when asking about their queries.
4. Technical skills
When it comes to technical skills, a student does not have to create software but must know the essential tech-skills. Generally, an overview is given to the students about the tools to use in the orientation program. Still, nevertheless, the students can learn from the tutorials available.
5. Time-Management skills
Time-Management skills are essential not only in online learning but also in day-to-day activities. Well, when it comes to learning, there are two perspectives. One is fixed class timings and secondly, when you get to access your classes anytime as per your convenience. There are combinations of classes happening in fixed and flexible timing as well.
It will be helpful for students if they manage their time according to the class schedules. Suppose the course demands to be available in the fixed time. In that case, the students should make sure to be available and dedicate themselves properly to the lessons. If the course is flexible and doesn’t demand to be in the fixed time, the students should never procrastinate and increase their learning pace.
It takes time to develop time-management skills, but once it is set it will benefit throughout one’s life.
6. A Good Study Environment
A good study environment is essential to increase productivity in learning. A good study environment can do wonders for students. Following are the tips that can help to create the perfect backdrop for healthy and prosperous academic learning in an online setting:
1. Pick a spot in your house where you feel comfortable. It would be best if you pick a quiet place to work free of distractions and noise.
2. Your time of studying shouldn’t be given to games on your device. You should uninstall them immediately.
3. Do not use cell phones when you are studying; remember, when you are at school, you cannot use cell phones. Use them only for study purposes.
4. You will be using the internet for your online education. Do not get trapped in the habit of unnecessary internet surfing.
5. Bright and comfortable lights help to decrease strain on your eyes. It is essential to set up good lighting in the study area.
6. The final point is to get organized. Clutter and an unclean environment can demotivate even if you don’t believe it.
