Online learning offers a number of distinct advantages, including the lack of commuting, greater flexibility and lower cost. On the downside, however, there can be an isolating quality to online learning. But the good news is that this does not necessarily have to be the case.
Students can help make their online learning experience that much more personal by taking note of some tips. Sharing with student peers through social media channels is one such tip. OnlinePlus, for one, is attempting to build communities for its students via Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Another tip is to join a discussion group. Most online courses come with discussion groups; a topic is chosen by a teacher and students are able to discuss it. This is also a terrific way to stay in touch and take conversations beyond the classroom.
Simply “being real” is another good tip. If people on a student site open up and share their real names and photographs, they can learn about one another and, in effect, become people to interact with rather than just usernames on a screen.