Is Online Learning for Me?

Is Online Learning for Me?

Overview

Do you know how you learn best? Do you possess good study skills? Please review the information on this page to help you gain a better understanding of yourself as a learner. 

Do You Know Your Learning Strengths and Weakness?

People process information in many different ways so it is important for you to become aware of your learning strengths and weaknesses. There is no one way of learning that is right or wrong for the online learning environment. This page is designed to help you identify your way of learning and help you develop strategies for more effective learning online for you.

Online learning has been around for nearly 30 years and when it was considered a new form of learning, some researchers coined the term "learning styles" and divided learning strengths into three broad categories: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic (see the descriptions below). While you may identify with one of these "learning styles" more than the others, this may not be the only way you learn. Since the late 1990s, much more as been learned about how the human brain works and how people learn. Review the linked articles below to learn more about how people learn and the debate about learning styles. 

  • Auditory learners like to hear what is going on. These learners quickly pick up concepts from lectures. When auditory learners solve problems, they tend to talk them out.
  • Visual learners like to see or make pictures of concepts. They might draw a diagram of a concept or make a table of important points during the learning process.
  • Kinesthetic learners need to do things physically to understand concepts. They may build a model, physically simulate the problem or use their hands to do something with a problem.

Additional Readings

Complete the OASIS Survey

Students taking courses online must be self-disciplined and motivated to learn. If this is your first time taking a course online, it is recommended at you complete the OASIS (Online Assessment System for Internet Students) survey to find out if learning online is good match for you.  The OASIS survey consists of a series of surveys that will help you get to know your learning style(s), study habits, and familiarity with technology. OASIS will tell you which type of learner you are in each of the areas and then shows you a list of qualities that learner possesses. Think about yourself when you read this assessment. Do you agree or disagree? Do you see qualities about yourself that might show tendencies in some of the other areas? What does this mean about you? Take some time to reflect on your results and set some goals to improve your study habits so you can learn more effectively. 

Steps to Complete the Study Skills and Learning Styles Assessment

Complete the following activity on your own. Review your results and reflect on what you learned. 

  1. Go to http://www.ilcco.net/oasis_ilcco/ Links to an external site. 
  2. Click the Study Skills button
  3. Select Lake Land College as your institution.
  4. Fill in your name and email address
  5. Complete the survey. As you answer the questions you will receive immediate feedback based on your answers. 
  6. After you have finished the survey you will see the questions with your answers. At the top of page is key you can use to review your answers and feedback. A copy of survey with your answers will be sent to your email address. This will include a key you can use when you return to the OASIS site. On the OASIS site click Lookup and paste the key in the form to retrieve your results again. 
  7. Once you are done viewing the results of Study Skills Assessment click Learning Styles from the left menu.
  8. Select the Learning Styles button and complete the same process in steps 1-6.  

Additional Resources

Counseling Services
Luther Student Center
217-234-5232
counsel@lakelandcollege.edu 

Student Accommodations
Luther Student Center
217-234-5259
aniebrugge71503@lakelandcollege.edu