Online curriculum and course work is not any easier or any harder than the curriculum or course work found in a brick and mortar classroom. Online courses are not a condensed version of the same class in the brick and mortar setting, and online courses still require active participation. The difference between the two environments is that students self-direct and facilitate their own learning in the online environment. Online learning is not for everyone. Students who traditionally are non-attenders in a brick and mortar classroom will continue to be non-attenders in an online environment. Students must have some intrinsic desire to want to work for and complete courses.
The result is that online students must be self-starters, self-motivated and self-disciplined. They must be able to work independently and understand that while there is flexibility in when to work each day, there needs to be a time set aside daily to work on and actively participate (turn in assignments daily) in each of their courses. Online learning is not for everyone. Students who cannot set schedules for themselves and have the self-discipline to work on their own with little supervision will find themselves unable to complete courses in the online environment. Students who are easily distracted and unable to sit still will not be able to meet the demands of the online environment. Many students who do well on the computer playing video games are unsuccessful because they do not have the self-discipline to be online completing their course work.
Self-advocacy is also another important component for the online learner. Learners are required to complete welcome, monthly, and discussion based assessment calls with their instructors. Additionally, students cannot be afraid to ask for help either via email or texting, and they must be willing to take it upon themselves to account for their attendance, progress, and grades with the online staff at SVVHS. Online learning is not for everyone. Students who do NOT advocate for themselves or take the initiative to ask for help will be unsuccessful in the online environment.
Communicating via email, text messaging, and the phone are critical components for students in an online environment. Instructors are no longer standing up in front of the students and available for face-to-face interactions. The online learner communicates with the online instructor through a variety of media. Online learning is not for everyone. Students who are not willing to open and respond to email, respond to text message, or answer the phone will be unsuccessful in the online environment.