Student self-analysis inventory is critical to online preparedness because it provides a snapshot of readiness level to proceed or not.
I believe it is important to ask online students to complete a self-analysis inventory because most new online students (just like everyone else) do not truly realize what it will REALLY take to be successful in school in the online environment.
As an online instructor who consistently teaches the first course in many students' program, I am always plagued with the notion of how to best assimilate my online students with the online environment. I spend much of my first week answering endless emails that aim to soothe and calm the many emotions ranging from "I'm a little confused" to "What have I done??" So I am constantly trying to find ways to help students get acclimated quickly through information.
The self analysis inventory is a great way to allow students to HONESTLY assess their readiness, identify barriers to success and address the quickly and efficiently so they can spend less time wasting time, generating frustration and considering quitting and more time reading, thinking, writing and communicating with me!
I think that all students should be able to complete a self-analysis. To me being an online instructor it helps me to better understand the student’s strength and weakness when it comes to an online environment. Also, doing this inventory can also teach the students about themselves when it comes to testing their knowledge on different subjects in related to the person/learning habits.
Michelle,
You are so right. I also think it is as important to know strengths as well as weaknesses.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I personally feel that everyone regardless of the task at hand could benefit from a self-analysis inventory. If a person knows their strengths and weaknesses they will know exactly what they need to work on. This will also allow a person to quickly identify any areas that may be more difficult for them.
As stated in the classroom: “Every student has different learning preferences and different personality traits.†If a student has a better understanding of how they learn they can then choose what mode of learning will work best for them. Many students thrive in an online classroom while some can get lost in the mix. As an instructor, it would be very beneficial to see which students may be “ready†for online and who may need a little extra help along the way.
Zakevia,
You are right, students need to know BOTH! Good post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hello to all,
Why is it important to ask online students to complete a self-analysis inventory? I believe that such a inventory is important because it allows one to identify strengths and weaknesses. By doing so, it provides a visual picture which will then foster the opportunity to develop goals or an action plan etc. in order to grow as a online student.
Zakevia
Paula,
Yes, it is more than just drive but it takes drive. Talking with them and talking about barriers they may encounter can help.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It is important because every student's success in the online environment is dependent upon their environment, their expectations and their "drive". By doing a self-analysis inventory they can foresee what obstacles they may have to overcome.
I have found that there are students who do not procrastinate and others who will. To try to motivate them I do post reminder announcements and other tips so they will not wait until the last minute to complete their assignments. Paula
Debra,
Yes, Time management and motivation is such a problem.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
All students vary in terms of the methods in which best facilitate learning. As such, not all students perform well in an online classroom. Some students are self motivated, organized, and have excellent time management skills. These students typically do well in an online environment. However, other students may have difficulty with self motivation; therefore, they may find an online course difficult to successfully complete.
Dr. Kevin,
That is a great idea. It is also important for instructors to guide them in developing that plan. Good post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It is important to ask students to complete a self-analysis inventory in order to determine if online education is a good match for them. The results will allow them to establish a baseline as to where they are in terms of strengths and weaknesses so that they are able to put together a developmental plan to improve in weaker areas.
Kevin
David,
You make a great point! It does prepare them (hopefully) for the realities and expectations of online Ed.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It helps them to determine their strengths and weaknesses in order to provide techniques to improve upon their weaknesses to make them more competent online learners. It also prepares them for the realities and expectations of the online environment.
Debra,
It is so frustrating when you work so hard to get provide students with support to help them with success.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Oh, yes, Kelly. The recordings of the chats are available to students 24/7. I think personally that some students just do not actually take the time to review them for some reason. I am working on that. :P
Laura,
I do the same thing! I will give them feedback if they turn their work in early. They are allowed to make adjustments based on my feedback. (Great minds think alike!) :)
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Reginald,
You are right. It can help identify road blocks in learning before a students hits them. Hopefully students will be prepared for those issues.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Cynthia,
I agree with you. It can make the difference in student success. It also can allow you to look for trends in students so you can prepare for those issues ahead of time.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
