Identifying critical needs for student success in online learning

As a first step in developing a resource system for students enrolled in graduate education courses at George Fox University, School of Education personnel surveyed students regarding their competence and perceived importance of a number of skills determined to be important for success in online learning. A review of the literature revealed a number of needed skills and characteristics. A web-based questionnaire was employed for data collection. Critical needs were determined by comparing the areas of low initial competence with those skills perceived by the students to be of high importance. Areas of critical need included skills in accessing Internet sites and browser usage, research activities and competence, and communication skills for online learning. Faculty members intend to use the findings to prioritize the selection of elements to be included in a student resource system.