Role of the student and the instructor in e-learning

Role of the student

Student preparation plays an important part in the online medium of e-learning, they are learning through action online. One of the defining traits of online learning is the increased independence of learners who are trying to set up Home Office for Online Learning. Only if they are motivated, disciplined and self directed can e-learning be successful. Online students can contribute to successful learning and preparation through the following:

Awareness

The student must be able to evaluate expectations, assess appropriate length of time needed to complete the work and understand value of the learning. He must also have the ability to assess personal, technical and study skills.

Orientation

As opposed to a traditional classroom, an e-learner goes through several stages of preparation before engaging the content. This includes the virtual classroom, software, instructor and then finally the content. Different students will enter a course at different levels of preparedness; in online courses, the instructor should be able to accommodate a student at any level.

Discipline and Motivation

The student should be disciplined and motivated to follow course schedule and complete assignments.

Organized

The student must be organized enough to schedule study time and online time to ensure all course obligations are met.

Self-directed

The learner must motivate himself and ask for help when needed.

Role of the Instructor

The instructor too plays a crucial role in this online medium of e-learning. The instructor should be involved in and be aware of student experiences and suggest ways to address it. He can offer simple assessments on computer skills needed, introductions at the start of a course, offer links to student resources, provide clear schedules, provide for discussions, chat times, instant messaging etc.

Some other roles that an instructor needs to carry out are:

In the absence of face-to-face learning, it is imperative for the instructor to establish rapport with students, make them feel comfortable with the online experience and encourage them to participate .

The channels of communication between the instructor and the student must be open and constant. It should be driven by regular emails, active involvement in discussion forums and chats.

The essence of e-learning is flexibility and convenience. Often online learners are adults who have varying time constraints; one has to adapt to such scenarios.

The instructor creates and maintains the online environment - levels of respect, concern for learning, etc. are all set by the instructor. An attitude that accepts failure as critical to learning is needed