We have looked at the ways in which online learning differs from traditional face-to-face learning. We will now discuss how these factors affect your role as a learner.  

As previously mentioned, it is certainly understandable that most learners will find some aspects of adapting to online learning more challenging than others. Don't expect to change your learning preferences (they have been inherent for many years!) but rather be mindful of your preferences and realize that some adaptations may require more effort than others. We are all unique, so there is no magic formula that fits all.

Keep in mind that once you establish your plan to make the transition, carrying out these adaptations will probably be easier than you think! The table below lists some areas of role adjustment to prepare for online learning.

Areas of Role Adjustment for Online Learning
Time-management	Online courses are not usually scheduled at specific times or locations, which means that learners must manage their time effectively. While it is true that others often can't tell when you are or aren't online, you must set aside time to do course work as it is very easy to fall behind.
Communication	Asynchronous, reflective, text-based communication is prevalent in online learning. Live, physical presence, random spontaneous dialogue and non-verbal cues are replaced by textual expression. Learners must rely on written word and as a result, must be able to express themselves correctly and concisely in the online environment.
Social presence	One of the main adjustments to online learning is becoming comfortable in a virtual community rather than the face-to-face environment. The lack of physical, visual presence of both the teacher and fellow coursemates is definitely a major adjustment. This may cause some anxiety at first, but fosters independence in learners.
Acceptance & patience with technology	Online students need to be willing to work with technology and exercise patience with new technologies, especially when the technology does not work as planned! Some web technologies are still relatively new and can still behave a bit 'quirky' at times. There are more and more web applications becoming available, so learners must keep in mind that technology is sometimes part of the learning process as well.
Peer-to-Peer learning	Online learners must be open to sharing information, experience, and expertise with peers and also be prepared to draw upon peers for support as well. Barriers between learners such as pride and competition are not the mentality of online learning. It is about sharing what you know and reaping the benefits of what your peers know. This is characteristic of a learner-centered learning environment, which is now strongly encouraged in the field of education. The instructor often plays more of a facilitator role and learners work with one another to build upon the concepts presented in the course. This makes a lot of sense. Why rely only on the expertise of one person (the instructor) when you can learn from a variety of individuals in the course which bring a myriad of experience and expertise to the course?
Learning communities	Peer-to-peer learning, as described above, ideally results in the formation of a learning community. Through course communication and sharing of information and resources, learners should begin to establish connections and those connections continue to branch off in a variety of directions, thereby creating more learning communities. Imagine the resources you can access as your learning community expands!
Diversity	As you expand upon your learning community, learners will encounter a wide variety of individuals with different points of view, different ways of life, and even different languages. This is the beauty of a learning community. Online learners must be willing to accept and respect fellow learners, as everyone brings something unique to the learning environment.
Responsibility and independent learning	As you may have concluded as you read through the items in this table, online learning requires that you take more responsibility for your learning and become a more independent learner. It is not the responsibility of the course instructor to make sure that you learn; it is your responsibility as the learner. Online learners must become more independent and proactive toward their learning initiatives. If you are not satisfied with your learning experience, ask yourself why, and do something about it.

One might even say that online learning adds more dimensions to the role of the learner. Online learners essentially assume the roles of:

learner,
coach (for peers)
director (of their own learning)

Think back now to your response to the discussion question on role transition at the beginning of this module. Look through the table above and consider whether you could build on your answer by addressing any of the areas of role transition described in the table - were any of them important to your own experience of role transition?

go to Role Adjustment activity
A pairs activity

The practice activities open in a new tab or browser window. When you complete the exercise, proceed to close the tab/window. If you wish to restart or redo the activity, click on the Re-start button below the activity or you my re-enter from this page.

Learning Adjustments

Which of the areas of adjustment do you think will be the most challenging for you as a learner? What makes this appear as a challenge? Post your thoughts to the discussion forum. Also, take a look at the postings by your fellow group members and see if you are able to make some helpful suggestions to address their main concerns.
Link to Discussion Forum for Module 4.

you are on..
pg.4/8, Module 4