In general, the online student should possess the following qualities:

o The student should be able to communicate through writing. In the online classroom, nearly all communication is written, so it is critical that students feel comfortable in expressing themselves in writing. Many students have limited writing abilities, which should be addressed before or as part of the online experience. This may require remedial efforts on the part of the student.

o Be Self-motivated and self-disciplined. With the freedom and flexibility of the online environment comes responsibility. The online process takes a real commitment and discipline to keep up with the flow of the process.  Ask yourself: Can I motivate myself to complete work in a timely manner?  Would I make myself sit down in front of the computer to do the work?

o Be willing to "speak up" if problems arise. Many of the non-verbal communication mechanisms
 that instructors use in
 determining whether
 students are having
 problems (confusion,
 frustration, boredom,
 absence, etc.) are not
 possible in the online
 paradigm. If a student is experiencing difficulty on any level (either with the

o technology or with the course content), he or she must communicate this immediately. Otherwise the instructor will never know what is wrong.  Regular interaction with both the instructor and peers is beneficial.

o Be willing and able to commit to 9-12 hours per week per course. Many believe online courses are easier than the traditional educational process. In fact, many students will say it requires much more time and commitment.  You should have quiet and personal space that is free from distractions such as television.  You need to have reliable access to Internet access.

o Be able to use the technology properly

o Be able to meet the minimum standards as set forth by the
institution

o Be able to complete assignments on time. The online learning
 process is normally
accelerated and requires
 commitment on the
 student’s part. Staying up
with the class and
completing all work on
 time is vital. Once a
student gets behind,
it is very difficult to catch up. Basically, the student needs to want to be there, and needs to want the experience. The instructor may have to contact students personally to offer assistance and remind the student of the need to keep up.

If you can answer "Yes" to the following question or you can eventually during the course of your online experience, you should be successful in the online format.

· I have excellent organizational skills.

· I tend to get things done ahead of time rather than waiting to the last minute.

· I do not need immediate feedback on assignments and I will not get frustrated when I have to wait. (Most instructors set a response time of 24-48 hours.)

· I like learning about new technologies; they don't intimidate me.

· I am a very comfortable and skilled reader.

· I like engaging in written communication.

· I can find at least 9-12 hours a week to devote to each online course I may take.

· I have unrestricted access to a computer and to the Internet (both must be true).

· I can perform the following computer tasks:

* Turn my computer on, off, and reboot

* Comfortably use a mouse

* Create folders on the desktop and organize files

* Find lost files on my hard drive

* Create a new word processing document

* Open, spell check and save a word processing document

* Save files to the desktop

· I can perform or am aware of the following
Internet skills:

* Use a URL (Universal Resource Locator) or web address

* Use the Refresh or Reload button on my browser

* Create and use bookmarks or favorites

* Search the web using a search engine

* Download and install programs or plugins

* Send and receive e-mail

· Attach a file to an outgoing e-mail message

· I currently have an e-mail address.

· I have the minimum system requirements

· If I do not have adequate software and hardware, I am willing to obtain or locate it.

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