Learning To Learn Online

By Osama A. Morad



Distance education is an instruction delivery method. It is characterized by the separation in space (different places) and possibly in time (different times) between an instructor and her students. Online learning is a form of distance education that utilizes the Web (Internet) and its technologies as both a distribution channel and as a computer-mediated communication medium. Some of the web technologies that have been adopted for online learning are web pages, dynamic HTML, e-mail, online surveys, newsgroups, instant messaging and audio/video streaming. Examples of online learning tools include products like WebCT, Blackboard, FirstClass and collaboration tools.

Operationally, online learning is defined as a partnership among learners, instructors, and web technologies. Dedicated instructors structure, schedule and facilitate class activities. Learners complete a variety of assignments, perform practices as assigned, participate in class discussions, collaborate with fellow learners and the instructor and summarize their learning.

Learning online places the bulk of the learning responsibility on the shoulders of the learner. Consequently, online learning requires more of its learners than what is usually required of them in traditional face-to-face learning environments. The problem is that many learners do not know what these requirements are, are not sure what they have to do to make their online experience a success, or do not know how they can take full advantage of this new and ever-changing delivery method.

These essential online learning skills can be grouped into four major categories:

- Computer & web skills

- Online social skills

- Learning skills

- Learning assets-managing skills

We will address each of these skill sets with emphasis on the two most important ones: the Learning Skills and Learning Assets-Managing Skills.



Computer & Web Skills

It goes without saying that online learners must be comfortable with computers, their operations, the Web and its environment, and any special hardware or software tool used in an online program. Computer and web technologies should be transparent (invisible and natural) to the online learning process in the same way chairs, tables and overhead projectors are transparent to face-to-face learning.



Online Social Skills

Online learning, like all other forms of group education, is a social event that requires its members to participate and collaborate. Participation and collaboration in an online program are central to the success of the learning experience, and they use different forms of human communication from those used in face-to-face communication. Learners must know how to compose textual messages, how to articulate their ideas well in writing, and how to incorporate other forms of communication like diagrams, tables and animation when participating in an online learning experience. Online learners should also be socially polite, courteous and respectful of fellow learners and the learning environment.



Learning Skills

Perhaps the most important set of skills are those for learning online. These learning skills are not new. They have been developed and successfully applied in many learning situations long before online learning emerged. These skills are techniques and strategies that have proven their effectiveness in helping learners acquire new knowledge and skills. Applying these techniques in online learning situations is now even more important since the learner assumes much of the learning responsibility.

Learning skills include these techniques (strategies):

Organization Techniques: These are probably the most important learning skills. One needs to have an organized framework for the body of knowledge and skills one is learning. The techniques of writing an outline, grouping similar things together (classification), making tables or making general pictorial diagrams are excellent examples of what learners can do to help them see "the big picture" and to guide their learning process.

Elaboration Techniques: While organization techniques help build a structural model of what is learned, elaboration techniques help fill in the details for this structure. Using analogy between new information (e.g., XML) and comparing it to old information (e.g., HTML) is an example of an elaboration technique. Describing how we would apply what we learn in our own working environment is a second example. Writing a summary of our learning experience is yet another example of elaboration. A well-designed online program identifies several learning opportunities that allow the students to elaborate on their learning.

Rehearsal Techniques: Rehearsal strategies help learners memorize and recall information and facts. The best example of a rehearsal strategy is the mnemonic device. It is easier to remember that ABCD stands for the Audience, Behavior, Condition and Degree components of a well-designed instructional objective than to try to remember these components separately. Other rehearsal techniques include mental practice of skills and short, quick Q&A sessions.



Learning Assets-Managing Skills

Managing the learner's learning assets is another very important skill set that is essential for the success of an online experience. The learner's learning assets include her time, her learning place and her personal learning materials. Managing these assets wisely or unwisely translates to the success or the failure of an online learning experience. Wisely managing the learning time involves deciding how much time to dedicate to the learning process (either online or offline), making sure that the time is allocated on a regular basis and adhering as much as possible to the planned schedule. The learning space for an online learner needs to be quiet, void of distraction and provide easy access to the resources used while learning. The learning materials themselves should be available, organized and easy to store and retrieve during the online learning experience.



Dr. Osama Morad is the president and CEO of rosetta stone LA, Inc. He may be reached atOMorad@rosettaStoneLA.com or at 410-992-0766.