HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL ONLINE STUDENT

 

UPOU has built in the option of online tutorials for many of its degree courses. There are several reasons for this:

  • increasing competence of faculty in conducting online tutorials;
  • the need to reach students who are far from learning centers;
  • the need to reach small numbers of students distributed among several learning centers, and;
  • the need to reach students who require support from faculty with very specialized knowledge and skills.

The online tutorial option was conceived with YOU in mind. UPOU wants to make sure that learning opportunities remain available to its students despite constraints posed by geographical distance, travel difficulties, small class sizes in very specialized courses, and lack of qualified faculty members.

However, entering an online classroom requires you to make some adjustments. Here are some tips on how to become a successful online student.

  1. Acknowledge the differences between distance learning and "traditional" learning.
  2. List the advantages of being an online student
  3. Upgrade your computer skills
  4. Make sure your instructional package is complete
  5. Log-in regularly and participate
  6. Work hard!
  7. Ask for support when you need it

Acknowlege the differences between distance learning and "traditional" learning

Distance learning is individualized and learner centered. This means that how much you learn depends on how much effort you exert. You will not always have a tutor who will "force" you to study along very specific timetables. You will therefore have to be more organized and disciplined. Learning at your own pace has its advantages, however. You are able to spend more time on topics that are difficult, and you can breeze through topics that are more familiar to you. We understand that adult learners are goal-oriented, self-driven, they have different learning styles, motivations and perspectives. Distance education allows you to gain control of your learning. That means greater flexibility, but also greater responsibility.

List the advantages of being an online student

Here are some advantages of being an online student. Which of these apply to you?

  • I am able to access discussions anytime.
  • I can study in the evenings and on weekends.
  • I can study when the office is not so busy.
  • I can study when the children are asleep.
  • I am able to study anywhere.
  • I can study even when I am traveling on business.
  • I can study from an Internet cafè.
  • My boss allows me to use the office Internet facilities.
  • I don't have to travel to a UPOU learning center.
  • I don't have to leave my children alone in the house.
  • I can stay at home and take care of family responsibilities.
  • I can study at my own pace.
  • I can submit assignments and receive documents online.
  • I have access to virtual libraries on the World Wide Web.
  • I can practice my computer skills.
    If you are able to find good reasons for going online, then chances are, you will be more able to adjust to the new learning environment.

Upgrade your computer skills

You will need some computer skills to thrive in the online learning environment. Consider the checklist below:

  1. I am able to use word processing software to write letters and essays.
  2. I have an e-mail address and I am able to send and receive e-mails.
  3. I am able to browse the World Wide Web using a web browser (such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Netscape Navigator, etc.)

If you checked all three, then you have the requisite computer skills for entering the online classroom. If you have any problems with any of these three skills, then you can do the following:

  • Self-learn - Try out software: word processors, e-mail software, and web browsers. Don't be afraid to make mistakes because you'll always learn from them. These software have been designed to be user-friendly. They also have "Help" buttons that you can click on when you need guidance.
  • Seek help from friends, family members or colleagues - Ask them to give you some computer tutorials. They might also be willing to sit with you as you go through some of the preliminary activities in your online course.
  • Attend a formal course - Inquire about courses on basic computer skills. You may also want to enroll in courses offered by local computer education centers, colleges and universities.

The next step is for you to try out your online classroom. As soon as you have your username and password (more on this in #4), enter your course site and try out the different tools.

Make sure your instructional package is complete

At the beginning of the semester, you will receive all the materials you will need for the course. The Instructional Package contains a variety of materials: printed modules, textbooks, videos, audiotapes, CD-ROMs, etc. The Course Guide is a very important component of this package because it gives you a description of the course, its outline, schedules, requirements and the contact information of your tutor. An online version of the Course Guide is available at your course website.

As an online student, you will need a username and password to enter your online classroom. To get these, contact Techsupport. The staff will verify your enrollment and send you a reply.

Log-in regularly and participate

Although you can study at your own pace, your course is structured so that you and your classmates can come together and discuss specific topics according to a timetable. Your tutor will also set deadlines for assignments and other requirements.

We understand that students have different learning styles. In a face-to-face classroom, some students speak more than others. It is the same in the online environment. You can actually choose to be silent all throughout (as long as contributions are not graded!). However, we recommend that you participate in discussions because it is a great way to interact with your peers. It might also be the only way for you to ask for feedback from your tutor. Definitely, some topics in your course material will be very challenging. Online discussions allow you to discuss and clarify matters.

Work hard!

The University of the Philippines is a premiere academic institution only because it demands excellence from its students. Whether you are studying in a UP classroom or in an online environment, you are expected to live up to UP standards of academic excellence and integrity. The UP Open University is making it possible for you to engage in a more flexible kind of learning so that you can earn your degree despite constraints imposed by work and family responsibilities. Your role is to study hard, participate, interact, complete course requirements, pass the exams, and have fun along the way. That's not too hard if you have the right mixture of discipline, motivation and study skills.

Ask for support when you need it

If you are experiencing any academic difficulties, contact the Faculty-in-Charge (FIC) or your tutor. His/her contact information is listed in your Course Guide. You can also call the nearest UPOU Learning Center to ask for advice. In case you cannot reach the FIC, talk to your Programme Chair or Dean.

If you experiencing technical difficulties (i.e., problems related to your computer, Internet connection, passwords, viruses, online assignment submissions and access to your course site), get in touch with the technical support staff. Technical support staff members do not monitor the contents of the 300-plus discussion boards that are active in a semester, so please do not post your technical questions and suggestions in the course discussion boards. The best way to get a quick response is to contact techsupport directly.

Distance education does not mean that you have to study alone. There is a network of support staff ready to aid you whenever you need assistance.

We wish you all the best in your studies. Welcome to the UP Open University!

Last updated May 21, 2007