What makes a successful online learner?

Publish date	2008-08-18
Available Articles	Full articles without membership

An academic study has given a valuable insight into the traits that make for a successful distance learner.

Shawna Strickland, clinical assistant professor at the University of Missouri Columbia School of Health Professions, studied the demographics and personality types of distance learners.

Learning more about the characteristics of distance learners is crucial in helping educators to structure online courses in as beneficial a way as possible. Considering the relative lack of face-to-face institutional support, and the isolation involved in the nature of online courses, success in these courses requires a person that is determined and responsible.

One trait that aids in distance learning is related to personality type. The study, Understanding Successful Characteristics of Adult Learners, found that people with quiet, introverted personalities were more likely to feel comfortable with online learning courses. Shy individuals have a tendency to be uninvolved in the typical classroom setting. Online courses allow them to complete work on their own with a degree of anonymity.

Similarly, distance learning is also of use where cultural characteristics make students less likely to engage in robust debate in a classroom setting. Business schools in the UK and US frequently report that Asian students are less willing to speak up than their Western counterparts.

Strickland said: “Correlations between learning styles and success in distance education have shown to be inconclusive. However, one common theme reappears: the successful traits of a distance learner are similar to the successful traits of an adult learner in traditional educational settings.

“The success of distance learning is dependent on communication among the learner, his or her peers and the instructor. To encourage success in distance learning, it is necessary to evaluate each individual’s needs on a case-by-case basis.

“Distance learning allows the learner to overcome traditional barriers to learning such as location, disabilities, time constraints and familial obligations.

Not every learner will be successful in a distance learning environment. If you are thinking of taking part in online study, it’s vital that you consider whether you are suited to the methods of teaching employed on a programme.

Learning styles are broken down into two camps: active and passive. Passive learners absorb information by reading, listening and seeing. Active learners engage more with fellow students and teachers and thrive in a collaborative atmosphere.

Research by Southampton University has found that active learners tend to be more successful than passive. They retain information more effectively, have better attention levels and are better thinkers. While it is true that good students who are comfortable learning in a passive manner can do well, it is clear that more engaged students are more likely to thrive.

According to educationalist Geoff Petty, active learning is better recalled, enjoyed and understood as such methods require students to develop their own conceptualisations of what they are learning. Additionally, says Petty, active teaching methods help develop skills of analysis, problem solving, and evaluation, and help learners to use their learning in realistic and useful ways.

Clearly, it is better to be an active learner. For some people, however, passive learning is more comfortable, particularly in a face-to-face environment. They may find it hard to join in discussions for a variety of reasons, such as lack of confidence or not having English as their first language.

This is where e-Learning programmes come into their own, making collaboration easier on those who would normally find it difficult. More time to consider questions and statements and the chance to ask questions without feeling embarrassed are a huge plus for normally passive students. But there are steps you can take to emerge from the comfort zone of passive learning.

First, identify what learning style you favour. By doing this you will be able to recognise what skills you need to work on. Try to understand what your teachers require of you. If there are lively discussions (whether online or in person), then it’s fair to say that you are expected to contribute rather than absorbing what is being said but saying nothing.

Try to engage with other students – don’t be afraid to voice any concerns or fears you have. In lectures - whether they are conducted online or in person - participate more. To do this, it is essential that you prepare for lectures thoroughly beforehand, giving yourself a solid, basic knowledge of the subject.

Keywords: research, online learner, personality type.

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