It is important for students to complete a self analysis to make sure they are aware of what they need to do in order to be successful in an online class. They need to be aware of their weaknesses, so these weaknesses can be addressed before they start falling behind in the class.
In the online environment, the old "out of sight, out of mind" situation can come into play. Students need to make a commitment to the class from the very beginning. A self-analysis inventory will make the students consider where they need to concentrate their efforts.
Carolyn,
True, I also find that my students that are new to the learning environment underestimate the time it takes to finish an assignment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Having a student complete an analysis of their abilities, technology, vocabulary, and time management skills will give the student an idea as to their readiness for on-line learning. I am finding students lack time management skills, leaving everything to the last minute.
Julie,
You make such a great point. The use of this technique doe provide you data that will help you provide individualized learning for your students. It does save time.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Why is it important to ask online students to complete a self-analysis inventory?
By identifying students' strengths and weaknesses, instructors can provide guidance to help students achieve learning outcomes. Students all have strengths and weaknesses and it's important to acknowledge them, utilize them, and, if necessary, improve upon them to become better students in the online environment (Wilkinson, n.d.).
From my experience, I have noticed that self-analysis saves time and frustration of both students and instructors.
Kimberley,
Don't you think that many of these skills can transfer to professional skills? I think students need to be aware how similar online communication can be to real world communication.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kimberley,
I agree with you. students do need to know their strengths and weaknesses. You can have predetermined content that can address those issues.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think having an online skill set is very important. Most of our interactions take place in an online environment and thus we need to be able to communicate and manage ourselves in the online world. Just as face to face communication and etiquette is taught so should online skill sets such as netiquette, online communication and writing.
I think it is important so that the student can know their capacity and readiness to take an online course. Many students are under the impression that online courses are easy and there is nothing to it. However, your attitude towards taking a course has to be one of interest. I think that anyone can sit in a traditional F2F classroom. However, it takes a keen learner to navigate the online environment. I think that by taking a student self- analysis students are able to assess if they are ready for an online course.
RICARDO,
Yes, you are right. It also allows us to created individualized learning the focuses on the areas they need to work.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
David,
That is so true. We can use this data to create a differentiated learning plan for students using technology.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Wilkinson:
It is important to ask online students to complete a self-analysis inventory in order to help students assess their ability to be successful online learners. A self-analysis inventory allows instructors not only to help students identify their strengths and weaknesses, but provide techniques to improve upon their weaknesses so that they become more competent online learners.
Dr. Ricardo Richards
Student self-analysis helps to identify academic strengths and weaknesses. The instruction can be focused on the student’s strengths. Additionally, a designed plan to improve the student’s weaknesses can be executed and measured.
Dr. Eileen ,
Great post, you are right students don't know what they don't know. It is our responsibility to provide opportunities for improvement.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It is especially important to do a student self analysis if the course being taken is the students first online course. Students have no idea what to expect so they often times are not well prepared for online learning. Students have to be shown what skills are needed to be successful in an online course and once weaknesses are identified help needs to be provided. Once students know their weaknesses they must make a conscious decision to work to strengthen themselves in those areas in order to be successful. Instructors can help them find ways to improve and encourage them as they show improvement.
Lois,
I had not thought of that but it is so true. It says to students that you want them to succeed and will help you in the process of doing just that.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Andrea,
Yes, you are right. Education cannot be taken away from you. It is so important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Andrea,
That is great! What a great course. We don't talk about online skill set as important professional goals. How important is that?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Andrea,
Time management is a skill that is sorely needed by students and sorely lacking in students. In any online environment, time management is such an important part of learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Christi,
The self-analysis does help you in developing some differentiated learning for your students. That is such an important element in online learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
