It is
important to begin by stating that learning in an online environment is very
different from face-to-face instruction. From a student perspective,
participating in virtual learning, particularly virtual learning collaboratively,
may be a new and even upsetting experience which can result in what has been
termed ‘cyberstress’. The asynchronous (not instant) nature of many online communication tools
(for example, email), and the apparent distance between the learner, other
learners and the tutor contributes to fears of contributions and assignments
left unnoticed and disappearing into the ether. Few of us have developed
sufficient experiences of dealing with delayed communications and the ability
to express ourselves as effectively as face-to-face to others through written
communication. The purpose of this briefing document is to provide you with
some useful pointers on how to make the most of virtual learning opportunities
and project supervision.
Manage‘cyberstress’ by taking all opportunities to feel connected to other
students and your tutors. Do not wait for others to contact you, be proactive
and contact them. Manage the stress of delayed communications by sending ‘receipt’ messages. (A receipt message
is a small feedback message saying that, although you cannot immediately
respond to the communication, you have received it giving a rough idea when you
will be able to respond.) If you are working in a virtual group or are
communicating with your tutor about an assignment or project, it helps to establish
‘ground rules’ for frequency of checking emails. If you are going to be unable
to check your emails for a while (for example on holiday) make sure that you
either communicate this by sending a personal communication or set up your
auto-response message letting others know your return.
Develop
self-reliance. The freedom to
learn asynchronously requires extra motivation and time management skills, particularly
if you are scheduling around work and home life. The ‘traditional’ lecture
format conditions learners to be passive whereas virtual learning requires you
to manage your learning experience, establishing specific plans, including
setting clear goals, and securing needed resources. There will always be
distractions, whether you are at home or at work, for example colleagues with
questions, phone calls and of course emails. You can control some of these
distractions by switching your phone to voicemail, clear your workspace of
distractions, putting up a do not disturb sign, etc. Take time to consider your
goals. Set learning objectives that will challenge you but that you can
realistically accomplish. Talk these through with your tutor.
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