The Reponsible Learner

Learning is a complex and thoroughly fulfilling process, both for the learner and for the instructor. This process works best when all parties are working together toward a common goal: the mastery of knowledge in a given discipline. When learning takes place in an asynchronous, online environment, there are numerous factors that we all have to be especially aware of in order to have a positive and productive experience.

Motivated Learners:
In an asynchronous online environment, learners must have sufficient self-motivation to take responsibility for timely attention to the course. Asynchronous online learning has some significant differences from traditional face-to-face learning, but both take time, and that time if usually more effective when it it deliberate and dedicated. Motivation for this must come from within the individual learner. Peers and instructors can help motivate the learner, but it is ultimately the responsibility of the learner to devote sufficient time and effrot to be successful in the course.

Attentive Instructors:
A good asynchronous online course cannot simply be a bunch of pre-packaged material that is dumped into a pile for the learner to dig through. Instructors must be actively engaged in the course. Actively engaged means available for questions and clarifications, open to group or individual interaction, and timely in all matters related to the course. At the same time, an actively engaged instructor must also have some "off line" time to recharge, catch up on other work, maintain a private life, and sleep.







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