The question can online students

To be self directed, or is self direction innate? Most educators would agree there is an element of both at play. Intrinsic motivation is needed for learners of any age in any situation, though for the most part self direction competencies can be learned, that is specific behaviours can be practiced and implemented. In this post I write for two sets of readers, first for online students. Ive included a five step strategy that includes a set of behaviours real students have identified as crucial to their success in completing online college courses for credit. For educators, Ive included a set of suggestions, actions that support students in becoming self directed learners, one of which involves giving the responsibility to the learner, a critical component in the instructor learner relationship.