1) What are the characteristics of a successful learner and a successful instructor in an online classroom? Are there any similar characteristics for each?

The characteristics of the successful online learner include (but are not limited to the following):

• Active
• Creative
• Engaged in the learning process
• Voluntarily seeking further education
• Motivated
• Have higher expectations
• Self-disciplined
• Tends to enjoy learning for learning’s sake
• Demonstrate good thinking skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work with minimal amount of structure

These are ideas that are directly from the book. I would add that successful online learners are also:

• Committed to learning and specifically committed to the class
• Tend to be able to handle multiple tasks at once
• Flexible and willing to tolerate and accept new things, ideas and concepts
  

The characteristics of a successful online instructor include (but are not limited to the following):

• Creates a course that is varied in its approaches to help motivate students
• Recognizes when a student is not succeeding and is able to intervene
• Serves as a guide in the instructional process and is willing to serve in that role as opposed to the “sage on the stage” role of traditional classroom settings
• Allows “breathing room” between collaborative projects and assignments
• Provides feedback when appropriate

Again, these items are taken from the book. Again, I would add that successful online instructors also:

• Are committed to teaching and specifically to the online course
• Are able to handle multiple tasks at once
• Are flexible and willing to tolerate and accept new things. Ideas and concepts
• Are willing to “let learn.” That is, are willing to let the students take responsibility of much of the learning
  

2) How can instructors help students improve their performance in online courses?

I think the most important thing an instructor can do to help improve student performance in online courses is to set clear expectations right from the beginning and be consistent with these expectations. There is nothing more frustrating (from a student’s perspective) than to be told one thing at the beginning of the course and then be told that the rules have been changed mid-course. Or, worse yet, be given unclear and not well-thought expectations that never really seem to be “gelled” from the instructor.

In addition, I think the advice of the authors is good. Instructors should create an environment that encourages collaborative learning which generates deeper levels of understanding and critical evaluation of the material they are studying.

Personally, I also believe it is important for online instructors to be present. Opening the week’s activity by posting a simple announcement on the course page is not enough of a presence. Instructors do need to interject from time to time in the discussions, as well as post timely feedback to students in regards to their work. It is also frustrating form the students perspective to not have any idea how they doing or if they are on track until they receive the final grade notice.

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