Examine Your Role as an Online Learner

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 If someone asked you to describe your personality or behavior in a classroom, you would probably have many ideas. Maybe you shine when you are asked to create a presentation for the class. Maybe you prefer to sit quietly as you take great notes to prepare for a quiz or a test.
TIP
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Mapping a Plan

Why have you decided to take an online course rather than a traditional course? Have you thought about how you will feel in this new online learning environment?

Activity 3 provides you with an opportunity to create a map for your new learning experience. Save your map because you may want to refer to it at a later time!

You might describe yourself in a face-to-face classroom differently than how you would describe yourself in an online one. For example, many students who usually keep to themselves in regular classrooms speak up quite a bit in an online learning environment. Others who are usually very talkative in a face-to-face classroom can be incredibly quiet in online discussions. You may be surprised at the change in yourself once you enter an online course and begin interacting with your teacher and classmates.

For Activity 4, you will decide how your behavior may differ as an online learner. Think about your responses to the questions below before you begin this activity.

  • What kinds of activities do you like in face-to-face classrooms? Do you think an online course will include these same kinds of activities?
  • Are you a skilled note-taker? Do you think it may be harder to take notes and study when you are working in an online course? Will it be easier to stay organized in an online course?
  • Do you participate often in a regular class setting? Why do you feel comfortable participating so often? Do you think this might change in an online course?
  • Are you usually a more reserved or quiet student? Do you keep a low profile in face-to-face classes? Might this be different when you are not physically in the same room as your classmates?
  • How do you work in cooperative learning teams? Will your participation differ online?
  • What opportunities might an online course provide that you couldn't get in a traditional class?
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Activity 4

What kind of learner are you?

  1. Click on the link What kind of learner are you? to open the Excel spreadsheet.
  2. When prompted, select Save and browse to your designated location.
  3. Open the Excel spreadsheet to begin working on this activity.
  4. When you have completed the activity, save your spreadsheet again.
  5. Print it.
  6. Place it in your Online Learning Essentials folder.

Link to Activity 4:
What kind of learner are you?