№ 3 (106) 2015
119
Successful blended learning students are:
• interested in active and participatory learning-both in the classroom and online;
• comfortable with using the computer, the Internet, and Blackboard;
• organized and good at time management;
• strong writers, critical thinkers, and communicators;
• willing to dedicate quality time to the online component of the class.
Blended learning students should expect to spend between 2-3 additional hours online throughout the
week. This time does not include regular coursework such as reading, writing, and studying.
Blended learning courses provide more flexibility in when you attend class than traditional on-site
courses, but they require just as much dedication and focus on the learning process. The reward for
the student comes from taking a more active, participatory role in the learning process. By engaging
and collaborating with other students and the instructor on a regular basis in the classroom and online
discussions, the blended learning student becomes an active contributor to the learning process [4,41].
For taking blended learning courses at College students need to attend the weekly class session in
person.
1. Arriving on time, being prepared, and staying for the entire class session is imperative for the
successful completion of the course.
2. Students need to log into their Blackboard course on a regular basis to contribute to discussions and
other online activities, not just at regularly scheduled class times.
3. Students need to own or have access to a computer on a regular basis.
4. Students must have access to the Internet with sufficient bandwidth to handle large files and videos.
5. Students’ computers must have standard software packages such as Microsoft Office, an appropriate
browser, access to the web, and appropriate levels of virus protection software.
|