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SLN: Providing Online Support for Learners - an introduction        

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  Introduction
  Resources
  Assessment
  Part A - an overview
    What is online learning?
    Activity 1.1
    What is online support?
    Learning in the 21st century - Thoughts and predictions
    Activity 1.2
  Part B - Methods of assessing online learning tools and techniques
    Tools and techniques to support online learning
    Categorising online support tools and techniques
    Choosing and assessing online support tools and techniques
    Activity 1.3
    Assignment 1
  Part C - The differences in approach and practice of supporting learners online
    Comparing online learning to other methods
    Comparison of online learning and conventional classroom-based learning
    Activity 1.4
    Comparison of online learning and distance learning
    Activity 1.5
    Characteristics of a good online learner
    Activity 1.6
    The impact of online learning on the role of the tutor/facilitator
    Activity 1.7
  Part D - The strengths and weaknesses of online learning
    What are the strengths of online learning?
    What are the weaknesses of online learning?
    Activity 1.8
  Part E - Strategies for integrating online support techniques into a learning programme
    Activity 1.9
  Part F - Strategies for evaluating the learner experience in an online environment
    Introducing evaluation
    Evaluating the learner experience
    Evaluation tools
    Activity 1.10
    Summary
   

Activity 1.1 - sample answer for instruction 1

 

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step-by-step route: study section 1

Part C - The differences in approach and practice of supporting learners online

Characteristics of a good online learner


It should by now be evident that there are significant differences between online learning, traditional distance learning, and classroom-based learning. Consequently, there is a difference in the role of both the tutor/facilitator and the learner when it comes to courses that rely predominantly on online tools and resources.

In a moment we will look more closely at the role of the online tutor/facilitator, but for now let's concentrate on the learner.

The characteristics of good online learners are that they ideally:

  • learn well independently
  • plan and monitor their own learning
  • are able to use online tools (for information gathering and communication) effectively
  • cooperate with other online learners when working on collaborative projects (and generally) seek advice from, and provide advice to, other learners
  • contact the tutor/facilitator when help or guidance is required
  • are considerate, especially when communicating via email
  • are able to express themselves clearly and effectively, in writing
  • take steps to maintain their own level of motivation, and help to maintain that of others
  • make sure that course objectives are met or exceeded (and notify the tutor/facilitator whenever intervention is necessary).

 

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Activity 1.6)


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