Online preparation
It is important to make sure that the students have the course goals and know how to access the materials online.
Stephani,
This task is critical for some students. Giving them 'baby steps' and encouragement with each success is a large part of getting that fear to subside until '...once they get going in the course...' It sound like your reassurances are on the right track. Very good.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
As a new instructor, I have found that the biggest obstacle to a student's success in an online course is fear. I have students express their fears that they do not have enough time, that they are not knowledgable enough on the computer, that the course load itself scares them. I can usually reassure them that once they get going in the course that they will do great. So it is a matter of getting through their fear to help them succeed.
Daniel,
Your addition to Gerry's comments includes the very important component of interactivity to the knowledge components previously mentioned. Understanding how to interact in an online environment has several different facets from the face-to-face traditional classroom. Good recommendation.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I would have to agree here Gerry and I would also add to that the fact that they also need to have an understanding of how to interact in an online environment
Hi Gerry, what do you feel is the biggest obstacles to a students success in an online course? Tina
