The virtual classroom is a significant part of today’s educational experience. Helping students develop the skills for online learning is an increasingly important element of preparing students for their future. Students must be proficient at using online information for learning. And this is particularly relevant as employers move employee job training and recertification to online learning environments in more and more professions.

Students must be self-motivated and prepared to work independently to be an online learner. In general, our online students should possess, or work to develop, the following traits.

• Be able to follow written instructions. There will not be a teacher available to verbally walk students through learning activities.
• Be able to communicate effectively through writing. In the virtual classroom nearly all communication is written, so it is critical that students be proficient at expressing themselves in writing.
• Be self-motivated and self-disciplined. With the freedom and flexibility of the online environment comes responsibility. The online process takes genuine commitment and discipline to keep up with the pace of the learning schedule.
• Be willing to "speak up" if problems arise. Many of the face to face non-verbal communication mechanisms that instructors use in determining whether students are having problems (confusion, frustration, boredom, absence, etc.) are not possible in the online classroom. If a student is experiencing difficulty at any level (either with the technology or with the course content), he or she must communicate this immediately. Otherwise, the instructor will never know that the student needs support.
• Be willing and able to commit the necessary time for the course. Online learning is not easier than the traditional classroom. In fact, many students will say it requires more time and commitment.
• Be able to meet the minimum requirements for the program. The requirements for online learning are no less than that of any other quality educational program. The successful student will view online learning as an alternate way to receive their education, not an easier way.
• Accept critical thinking and decision-making as part of the learning process. Students are required to make decisions based on facts as well as experience. Assimilating information and executing the right decisions requires critical thought.
• Be able to think through ideas before responding. Meaningful and quality input into assignments is an essential part of the learning process.
• Be able to stay on schedule. Staying up with the class and completing all cousre work on time is vital. If a student gets behind, it may be impossible to catch up.
• Have access to a computer and the Internet.

Here is a List of Traits Applicable To eAcademy Students. How Many of These Can You Check?

• General Profile of Successful Online Students: They...
  • are self-motivated with strong organizational and study skills
  • have age appropriate writing and reading skills and are successful with grade-level curriculum
  • are independent problem solvers
  • are not easily frustrated by rigorous independent learning
  • are committed to a minimum of one hour per day per course online, plus homework time; double that for the summer session
  • can maintain a schedule and meet deadlines without constant adult supervision
•  Learning Style Considerations: Students should independently be able to...
  • stay on task without direct supervision
  • prioritize their own workload
  • accurately assess their own progress and adjust to meet deadlines
  • independently read and understand written instructions; seek clarification when needed
  • learn effectively from reading text and assignments
  • problem-solve on their own
  • utilize online research strategies and evaluate resources for relevance and credibility
  • allocate as much time in their schedule for each online course as they would if this were a traditional classroom course
• Technical Considerations: Students should independently be able to…
  • enjoy learning new computer and technology skills
  • create, save, and manage files on the computer, in the cloud, or on removable storage such as flash drives
  • install software on their computer
  • use Office 365 and PDF software, and browsers
  • access their web-based school email account; send and receive email with attachments

Common Myths to Consider When Evaluating Virtual Learning as an Educational Option

• Online courses will be easier than the traditional classroom.
• Students won’t have to communicate with each other or the teacher.
• There are no deadlines in courses and students work at their own pace.
• Students who don’t succeed in a normal classroom environment usually succeed in a virtual environment. (Exceptions may include students who have social obstacles which hinder classroom success.)
• Students seeking credit recovery may succeed in eAcademy courses. (eAcademy is not a credit recovery program.)
• Virtual learning is similar to using the Internet as a research and information tool.

Not all students possess the necessary qualities to perform well online. Students should carefully evaluate their own learning traits and their ability to master new traits as needed before committing to enrollment in fully-online courses.