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Section B
Keys to Successful Online Learning
While regular schools still exist, the virtual classroom plays an important role in today's learning community. Job opportunities for students are expanding rapidly and more people of all ages are becoming aware of online learning that allows them to study at home. Online students, however, require unique qualities to be successful. The following list discusses some ideal qualities of successful online students.
1. Be open-minded about sharing life, work, and learning experiences as part of online learning.
Many different people find that the online method requires them to use their experiences and that online learning offers them a place to communicate with each other. This forum for communication removes the visual barriers that hinder some students from expressing themselves. In addition, students are given time to reflect on the information before replying. In this way, students can help to keep the online environment open and friendly.
2. Be able to communicate through writing.
In the virtual classroom nearly all communication is written, so it is critical that students feel comfortable expressing themselves in writing. Some students have limited writing abilities which need to be improved before or as part of the online experience. This usually requires extra commitment by these students. Whether working alone or in a group, students share ideas, perspectives and discussions on the subject being studied, and read about those of their classmates. In this way, students gain great insight from their peers, learning from each other as well as the instructor.
3. Be willing to "speak up" if problems arise.
Remember that instructors cannot see their students in an online course. This means students must be absolutely explicit with their comments and requests. If they experience technical difficulties, or problems in understanding something about the course, they MUST speak up; otherwise there is no way anyone can know something is wrong. If one person does not understand something, possibly several others have the same problem. If another student is able to help, she/he probably will. While explaining something to others, students reinforce their own knowledge about the subject.
4. Take the program seriously.
Online learning is not easier than study in regular classrooms. In fact, many students say it requires much more time and effort. Requirements for online courses are not less than those of any quality program. Successful students, however, see online learning as a convenient way to receive their education — not an easier way. Many online students sit at computers for hours at a time during evenings and on weekends in order to complete their assignments. When other people are finished and having fun is most likely the time when online students do their course work. Online students need to commit 4 to 15 hours a week for each course.
5. Accept critical thinking and decision making as part of online learning.
Online courses require students to make decisions based on facts as well as experience. It is absolutely necessary for students to assimilate information and make the right decisions based on critical thinking. In a positive online environment, students feel valued by the instructor, by their classmates and by their own work.
6. Be able to think ideas through before replying.
Providing meaningful and quality input into the virtual classroom is an essential part of online learning. Time is given to allow for careful development of answers. Testing and challenging of ideas is encouraged. Many times online students will not always be right; they just need to be prepared to accept a challenge.
7. Keep up with the progress of the course.
Online learning is normally sequential and requires commitment on the students' part. Keeping up with the face-to-face class and completing all work on time is vital. Once students get behind, it is almost impossible to catch up. Students need to want to be there and need to want the experience. The instructor may have to communicate with students personally to offer help and remind them of the need to keep up.
Just as many excellent instructors may not be effective online facilitators, not all students have the necessary qualities to perform well online. People who have the qualities discussed above usually make very successful online students. If you have these qualities, learning online may be one of the best discoveries you will ever make.
Words: 715
NEW WORDS
community
n. a group of people living together and/or united by the same interest, religion or nationality 社区，社会，团体，界
expand
v. 1. (cause to) increase in size, number, degree or volume （使）扩大，（使）扩张，（使）扩展
2. grow larger 膨胀
aware
a. having knowledge or understanding 意识到的，知道的
unique
a. 1. being the only one of its type 惟一的，独特的，独一无二的
2. unusual 极不寻常的，极好的
following
a. next 接着的，下述的
n. a group of supporters or admirers 一批追随者
ideal
a. 1. perfect; what you like best 完满的；理想的
2. out of one's mind, not real; not practical 想像的，空想的
visual
a. of or gained by sight 视觉的，看得见的
barrier
n. 1. sth. used to keep people or things apart or to prevent or control their movement 栅栏，关卡，检票口
2. (to) sth. non-physical that keeps people apart or prevents movement 障碍，隔阂
3. 屏障
addition
n. 1. the act of adding 加，加法
2. sth. or sb. added 增加的人（或物）
reflect
v. 1. think quietly and deeply 深思，考虑，反省
2. show 反映，体现
3. turn, throw or back sth. from a surface 反射，显示
environment
n. the physical and social conditions in which people live 环境，周围状况，自然环境
critical
a. 1. of or being a moment of great danger, difficulty or uncertainty 决定性的，关键性的，危急的
2. giving a careful judgment of the qualities of sth. 批评的，批判的
ability
n. the fact of having the skill or knowledge of doing sth. 能力，本领，才能，才智
perspective
n. a way of considering sth. 视角，观点，想法
peer
n. a person of the same age, class or position 同龄人，同等地位的人
instruct
vt. 1. give orders or directions to 指示，命令；通知
2. give knowledge or information to 教育，指导
instructor
n. a teacher 教师；指导者
arise
vi. 1. come into being; appear; happen 产生；出现；发生
2. (from) come from （由……）引起，（由……）产生，起源于
3. get up from sitting or sleeping 起身，起床
absolute
a. complete, perfect 十足的，地道的
absolutely
ad. completely, perfectly 十足地，地道
understanding
n. 1. ability to know and learn 理解力
2. sympathetic and therefore not blaming 谅解
reinforce
vt. add strength or support to make sth. stronger or firmer 增强，加强，加固
requirement
n. sth. that is needed or necessary 要求，必要条件；需要，需要的东西
likely
a. that can reasonably be expected, probably 可能的，有希望的
ad. probably 可能地
commit
vt. 1. decide to use for a particular purpose 使用；用于
2. do sth. wrong or illegal 犯（错误、罪行等），干（蠢事、坏事等）
3. (oneself) promise to a certain cause 使承担义务，使承诺
input
n. [U] information or some other kinds of resources that are put in/into 输入，投入
essential
a. completely necessary 必不可少的，绝对必要的，非常重要的
n. (usu. pl.) sth. necessary 要素，要点
challenge
vt. 1. question the rightness of 对……质疑，对……怀疑
2. invite sb. to compete against one in a match, etc. 向……挑战
normally
ad. in the usual way or to the usual degree 通常，正常地
sequence
n. 1. 连续，一连串
2. 次序，顺序
sequential
a. of, forming or following in sequence 连续的
vital
a. 1. very important 极其重要的
2. full of life and force 有生命的，充满生机的
effective
a. 1. producing the desired result 有效的，生效的，起作用的
2. having a pleasing effect 效果好的，给人印象深刻的
PHRASES AND EXPRESSIONS
play a role in
have a position or role in 起……作用
be/become aware of
hav knowledge or understanding of 对……清楚
in addition
what is more; besides 另外，加之
reflect on
think carefully about 深思，考虑，反省
allow for
take into consideration 考虑到，顾及，为……留出余地
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