In answering the question, “what is the role of students in online courses?” Clearly, online courses have taken course and redefined the approach in the education sector and therefore the students’ active involvement and commitment has a significant role in the success of the online courses they pursue considering that to most, this is different from the traditional approach they may have encountered before. It is not a place where food is served on a platter but where one must participate and render themselves in making sure the meal is prepared and later served for many to enjoy. A journey begins with envisioning how the end will look like, we cannot talk about roles of students in online courses without mentioning the quality of the success in the end.
The students must take keen interest in evaluating and understanding the style of learning offered in the online course. Different institutions offer different styles, and understanding this creates an opportunity for the learner to get more acquainted with this environment thus making learning an experience through which one will continue to discover and build themselves in ways desired of. (Vonderwell and Savery, 2004) pp.
emphasizes that “Online learners need to understand the dynamics in an online setting, how online learning works; interactions, relations, perceptions” The understanding of these key factors contributes in building an excellent attitude for one to embrace the quality of education that can be attained through the online courses.
The eagerness to exploit facts and the discipline to accomplish tasks with minimum supervision is a great role desired of any one pursuing an online course. As opposed to the traditional approach the online learning does not facilitate an environment of
student’s dependence on the tutors but rather one that prepares them for the independence, they need to be suitable candidates for the roles they are preparing themselves for in education pursuit. The(“Illinois Online Network: Educational Resources,” n.d.) clearly puts together the qualities of the online student which give more detail in relation to this. For the student to best succeed at their role of
participation, self-mastery is key in achieving the attainment of an online course.
References
Illinois Online Network: Educational Resources [WWW Document], n.d. URL https://a7- 37339453.cluster7.canvas-user-
content.com/courses/975278/files/37339453/course%20files/successful- student.htm?download=1&inline=1 (accessed 1.6.24).
Vonderwell, S., Savery, J., (2004). 'ONLINE LEARNING: STUDENT ROLE AND READINESS'. Turk. Online J. Educ. Technol, 3(3), pp 38-42.
