Chapters authored
Understanding the Needs of Online Learners for Successful Outcome
Online learning represents a departure from the normal face-to-face teaching, and hence, it presents unique challenges for institutions, instructors, and online learners. Successful outcome for learners engaged in the e-learning process is not guaranteed, so an understanding of the factors that drive success is critical. This chapter outlines the important factors required by online learners to help in providing the foundation for successful outcome from the e-learning environment. Factors regarded as crucial for successful outcome include instructor characteristics, learner characteristics, institutional support, course structure and design, and finally, the need to build a class community. Any failure by the dominant parties driving the e-learning process, that is, the institutions and the instructors, to fully understand their responsibilities will negatively affect the successful outcome from the e-learning engagement.
Part of the book: Massive Open Online Courses - Current Practice and Future Trends