ONLINE LEARNING

Needs for Students Success in Online Learning



Needs for Students Success in Online Learning

Introduction

The concept of distance learning has gained wide popularity over the past few decades. The current advancements in information and communication technologies and their integration with online learning concepts, open new doors of success for students who cannot afford to attend educational institutes due to time or financial constraints.

Online learning relies on the use of internet for delivering the course material to students and providing a platform for the instructor and course participant's interaction. All activities during the online course are performed using the internet and video conferencing facilities; there is no face to face interaction throughout the course or the degree program. Since, the online learning environment is completely different from the on-campus environment; certain challenges exist and overcoming these challenges is the hot research area.

To meet the needs of online students is far more complex as compared to the conventional physical classes. In the physical presence, the instructor easily comes to know about the students' needs, for example the instructor gets a clear idea about the student's learning style and capabilities. On the other hand, the online students may come from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds, learning styles. These challenges need to be addresses, for a successful design of online courses, and maximizing the learning experience of students (Mupinga D.M., et.al, 2006, pp. 185).

The student's success in an online environment relies both, on the students as well as on the institute and faculty. Student has to understand and meet the needs of online courses, while the main challenges exist in relationship between the user and technology, relations hip between students and instructor, and finally, the interaction between the online course participants.

The paper discusses the needs of students engaged in online learning and the major challenges that needed to overcome for making the online education programs successful. The paper supports an argument that without the appropriate need assessment of the online students, the concept of online learning cannot succeed.

Needs for Students' Success in Online Learning

Online education is not only beneficial for online degree programs, but also for conducting advanced trainings and certifications. Even the professionals working at executive levels can improve their work related skills, benefiting from these courses. However, the needs of online students are completely different from the students learning in conventional on-campus environment. This section discusses the needs of success for students in online learning environment.

Teaching the use of Technology

In the conventional learning environment, the faculty or institute does not bother to teach the learning skills to the students, for example how to take notes, or answer the questions in the test. However, the needs for the institute and faculty are different in the online learning environment (Beyrer, G.M.D., 2010, pp.89). Most online schools offer basic computer application courses at the beginning of the degree or certification programs. Such course, when conducted in the first module, helps the students throughout the degree or certification program and ensures ...