The Role of Students in Online Courses.

Blessing Mutero Chikwanha

Student ID number: user16525650

Module Name: Induction Module

Module code: LJMU-IND-M-100-47113

25 June 2023

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Online learning has gained popularity over the past few years, and with the COVID-
19 epidemic, it has become even more widespread. Students now play a bigger part
in their online courses as a result. Students play a significant part in online learning
since they are accountable for their own learning and success. (Moore and Kearsley,
2012) claim that for online learning to be successful, students need to be more
motivated, self-directed, and engaged. In this paper, I'll talk about the key duties of
students taking an online course while also reflecting on my personal experience as
a self-paced online student. I'll also recommend how students might help establish
an interactive learning environment.

I discovered that my role as a student in a self-paced online programme was far

more independent than in a regular classroom setting. I have to manage my time
wisely and be accountable for my own education. This required me to create my own
objectives, and deadlines, and watch out for my progress. Self-paced online courses
demand learners to assume accountability for their own education and frequently
include a high level of self-discipline and self-motivation, in contrast to typical face-
to-face classroom environments (Bolliger and Halupa, 2018).

According to Boettcher and Conrad (2016), active involvement, time management,

and self-directed learning are among students' primary responsibilities when
completing an online module. Engaging with the course material, taking part in
conversations, and doing other activities all constitute active participation. As
students mix their education with other duties while learning online, time
management is essential. Taking charge of one's education and looking for
resources and support when necessary are key components of self-directed
learning.

To finish the course on time, students must be able to efficiently manage their time.
They must allot enough time for reading, viewing lectures, turning in assignments,
and taking part in discussions. (Swan, 2001) asserts that effective time management
is a prerequisite for success in online learning.

By asking questions, looking for clarification, and taking part in conversations,

students must be actively involved in the learning process. This can be

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accomplished by communicating with teachers and other students via email, online
discussion boards, and virtual meetings. Active participation is crucial for online
learning since it fosters critical thinking and knowledge development, (Wang and
Chen, 2008).

To achieve, students must be self-driven and motivated. They must make realistic
goals and continually strive towards them. Self-motivation, according to (Garrison
and Kanuka, 2004), is a crucial component of effective online learning.

Students must be accountable for their education. They must be proactive in asking
for assistance when necessary and owning their development. Responsibility is a
crucial component of online learning since it encourages self-directed learning and
accountability, according to (Palloff, Pratt and Palloff, 2013).

There are several steps which the students can take to co-create an active learning
environment. These include collaborating with peers, participating in discussions,
providing feedback, and seeking help when needed.

If a student has difficulties in the course, they should not be reluctant to ask tutors or
support personnel for assistance. This can make sure they stay on course and meet
their learning objectives. (Anderson, 2008) states that asking for assistance is an
essential aspect of self-directed learning since it fosters independence and problem-
solving abilities.

In online conversations, students can take part by posing queries, offering their
opinions, and answering those of their classmates. They may be better able to
comprehend the course material and have more possibilities for critical thought as a
result. Online dialogues, which offer chances for reflection and conversation, are a
crucial part of online learning, according to (Salmon, 2004).

Students can work together with their classmates to discuss course material, share
information, and offer criticism. Online discussion boards, team projects, and virtual
study groups are effective ways to accomplish this. Collaborative learning is a
successful technique for encouraging active engagement and knowledge
development in online courses, according to (Wang and Chen, 2008).

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In conclusion, participants in online courses are essential. They must be accountable
for their own education and have good time management skills. Active engagement,
time management, and self-directed learning are the three key duties of students
attending an online programme. Students can interact with the course material, work
together with their peers, look for resources and help, and take responsibility for their
learning in order to co-create an active learning environment. By doing this, they can
enhance personal learning outcomes and help the course as a whole succeed.

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References
Anderson, T. (ed.) (2008) The theory and practice of online
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