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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
i
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 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.
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.
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 education. This required me to create my
objectives, and deadlines, and watch out for my progress. Self-paced online courses
demand learners to assume accountability for their 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).
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. 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
accomplished by communicating with teachers and other students via email, online
1
discussion boards, and virtual meetings. Active participation is crucial for online
learning since it fosters critical thinking and knowledge development, (Wang and
Chen, 2008).
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). To achieve high in their
education, 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.
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, (Salmon, 2004). Students can work together with their
classmates to discuss course material, share information, and offer constructive
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).
In conclusion, participants in online courses are essential. They must be accountable

for their education, have good time management skills, active engagement, and be
self-directed. Students can interact with the course material, work together with their
peers, look for resources and help, and take responsibility for their learning to co-
2
create an active learning environment. By doing this, they can enhance personal
learning outcomes and help the course as a whole succeed.
3
References
Anderson, T. (ed.) (2008) The theory and practice of online
learning. 2nd ed. Edmonton: AU Press.
Bolliger, D.U. and Halupa, C. (2018) ‘Online student perceptions of
engagement, transactional distance, and outcomes’, Distance
Education, 39(3), pp. 299–316. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1080/01587919.2018.1476845.
Garrison, D. and Kanuka, H. (2004) ‘Blended Learning:
Uncovering Its Transformative Potential in Higher Education’, The
Internet and Higher Education, 7, pp. 95–105. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2004.02.001.
Moore, M.G. and Kearsley, G. (2012) Distance education: a systems
view of online learning. 3rd ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage
Learning.
Palloff, R.M., Pratt, K. and Palloff, R.M. (2013) Lessons from the
virtual classroom: the realities of online teaching. Second edition.
San Francisco: Jossey-Bass (The Jossey-Bass higher and adult
education series).
Salmon, G. (2004) E-Moderating. 0 edn. Routledge. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203465424.
Wang, Y. and Chen, D.-T. (2008) ‘ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS IN
DESIGNING ONLINE DISCUSSIONS TO PROMOTE COGNITIVE
PRESENCE – A PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE’, Online Learning, 12.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v12i3.23.

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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

Active involvement, time management, and self-directed learning are among

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

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

In conclusion, participants in online courses are essential. They must be accountable

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