Online education in the military is a growing trend
related to the needs of modern life and military effectiveness. “Computer literacy is now considered an
essential battlefield skill” (Stapp, 2001, p. 26). The modern use of technology is important for
successful completion of military objectives and use of advanced weaponry.
Online education also offers greater cognitive development for military
students that seek to balance their military learning with their educational
pursuits to create greater personal and professional advantages. A presentation
by Susan Bricker (2012) offers some insights into the needs of online military
learners and some of the challenges they face.
There are many similarities and differences between
military and non-military learners. The greatest success seems to come from
self-motivation and time management. Self-motivated learners engage in learning
for learning sake by setting goals and engaging in those goals. Independent
time management requires learners to start work early and continue to work on
their assignments to finish them before their work is due.
Self-Motivation:
Self-motivation is something some students have and some don’t. It requires the
ability to stay on task and continue to work on defined goals despite the many
challenges the student faces. Those who can stay motivated often show a
confidence that other students do not. They are willing to work and challenge
self-doubts despite the difficulties of the task.
Time
Management: Time management is as important in the
online world as it is in the working world. Time is a resource and students
must make judgments between how and when they will use their time. Learning to
make judgments to expend time on one’s goals and to start projects early is a
major factor in online learning success.
Military students come with some unique challenges
that are not necessarily faced by other online students. In addition to time
management and self-motivation they must also deal with potential combat
situations, alienation into other places of the world, and lack of support
among some of their military companions who may encourage them to engage in
other activities.
President Bill Clinton issued an the Executive Order
13111 on January 12th, 1999 that put in motion the President’s Task
Force on Federal Training Technology. It states, “…provide leadership regarding the effective use of technology in
training and education.” The program began the development of large-scale
distance learning options within the Armed Forces to raise human capabilities
(The White House, 1999).
Online education has some differences when compared
to traditional education and requires different skill sets to complete. The
good news is that students who make their way through online programs show that
they are self-motivated and have time-management skills that enhance their new
career knowledge. Military members can serve both their countries and
themselves by educating themselves and applying that education to combat,
military management, and within their future career choices. Learned higher
skills can transfer to higher technology requirements of the modern era for a
wide range of uses.
Bricker, S. (2013, Nov.). Responding globally to the
online learning needs of military students. Virtual presentation offered at
2012 Global Education Conference.
Stapp, Katherine M. (2001, June). Benefits and costs of
Distance Learning: A Perspective from the
Distance Learning Literature Since 1995 – Annotated Bibliography. White Sands
Missile Range, NM: Department of the Army. Retrieved from http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA396197&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf
The White House. (1999). Executive Order 13111. Using
Technology for Federal Government Employees. Retrieved from http://www.opm.gov/pressrel/1999/eo.htm
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