Success in online classes, in particular, full participation in an Internet-based
classroom community, depends in part on technological skills. Even highly motivated,
intelligent students can falter at routine tasks if they have minimal computer skills and
access.
Additionally, online students may find it difficult to attend on-campus orientations to
computers, often overestimate their ability to quickly improve their computer skills, and
may not admit they have technology problems until too late to keep up with class.
To help our online students succeed and to improve retention as well as satisfaction
with the online community, Tidewater Community College is developing a performance-based
self-placement approach. This presentation describes our progress through May 1999.
Selected self-assessment
instruments
TCC Online Learning and Strategies
for Success
How To Succeed in Cyberspace Home