An asynchronous learning environment offers a dynamic student-centered approach to the process of teaching and learning. This is accomplished by fostering the ideal that the effective use of instructional technologies enables learners to participate in the educational process, while continuing to pursue their personal and professional goals.

Learner characteristics play an important factor in one’s ability to succeed in an online or blended learning environment. The use of instructional technologies throughout this process, are important resources that facilitate asynchronous communication, while providing maximum flexibility to students. However, of equal relevance is the learner’s propensity toward academic focus, and their willingness to do a self-assessment of the personal qualities needed in order to effectively participate in an asynchronous or mixed-mode learning environment.

It is important that learners recognize personal traits that are conducive to their personal growth. They must possess exceptional communications skills, with the ability to verbalize their thoughts effectively, while communicating both face-to-face, and in writing. A progressive learning environment – one that provides face-to-face, as well as asynchronous learning opportunities, enables individuals to utilize a variety of cognitive skills throughout the educational process. This approach embellishes ideals that focus on implementing strategies that assist us with constructing and disseminating new and existing knowledge.

An individual participating in an asynchronous learning environment would need to display a great deal of vision in their quest to construct or disseminate new or existing knowledge. Seeking problems that exist within one’s environment requires a great deal of vision and insight. In order to uncover and document the realities of change in a particular environment, one must possess a deep sense of commitment.

Reflection is an important learner trait because a blended learning environment requires individuals to apply information throughout the educational process, while reflecting upon what has been learned. Flexible educational opportunities offer learners options that expand upon the typical limitations of conventional classroom instruction. This requires learner’s to possess traits that relate to personal independence. Students must be self-motivated in order to comply with the rigorous demands of the coursework, and will need to possess outstanding organizational skills, and enormous personal conviction, to insure that they do not find themselves left behind, and unable to keep up with the numerous assignments. A student’s ability to assess these personal traits is crucial in assuring their ongoing success in a dynamic learning environment.