Online Learning For Dummies. Susan Manning

require 8 to 12 digits for a password, and many ask for a combination of letters, numbers, capitals, and, sometimes, symbols. For your own security, don’t choose the obvious; instead, think of something unique to you, similar to a vanity license plate. You’ll have a chuckle every time you log in. For example, a ghost hunter might select “ICg0sts2!” (I see ghosts, too!) The password “2kds1DG*” might be perfect for someone with two small children and one big dog.

      

When it comes to passwords, here are a few dangerous practices to avoid:

       Don’t write your passwords on a sticky note that you attach to your monitor or on a piece of paper that’s the first thing you see when you open the top drawer of your desk. This is a common, but dangerous, practice. Be sure to keep your information safe from the public’s view.

       Don’t have your computer remember your passwords for you. This is especially true if you share your computer or use a laptop that you take different places with you. If your computer is stolen, the person who stole it now has access to your secure information.

       Don’t use the same password for all protected sites. Though it seems harmless and efficient, having the same password for everything makes you vulnerable if your information is ever compromised. Choose a different password for each site, and change your passwords frequently.

One way to remember all your passwords and keep them secure is to store them in an encrypted password manager program such as 1Password (https://1password.com. These programs also help generate random passwords to help make your password more secure. The advantage to such programs is that you have to remember only a single password — the one that’s used to unlock the password manager program. Most password managers come with secure browser plugins that allow you to access passwords immediately upon visiting a site where a password is needed. After you enter your program password, it automatically fills in your login credentials and password for you. These programs can also be accessed online or via mobile devices so that they’re with you at all times.

      

Never give your password information to anyone, even technical support staff. They may have to reset your existing password in order to solve a particular problem, but they should have access to everything they need without asking you to share your password.

      Ensuring personal security

      

In the previous section, we discuss protecting your personal information and your passwords, and ensuring that you provide only certain information on secure websites. There’s another type of security you should be aware of when participating in an online course: your personal security. We don’t want to scare you; we simply want to remind you to stay safe when communicating online. Here are some important guidelines:

       Keep private information private. Don’t reveal too much about yourself. Almost every online course asks students to participate in an icebreaker activity. Many times, this includes revealing personal information about yourself, including your family, hobbies, and geographical location. Be sure to share this kind of information wisely. For example, feel free to say that you’re married with two kids and live in Illinois. However, don’t post your children’s names or their elementary school photos. Disclosing medical conditions is also inappropriate. Your classmates really don’t need to know you have irritable bowel syndrome.

       Guard your contact information: You may need to provide contact information to your instructor or peers when working on a group project. Again, provide only the information that’s necessary to complete the project. For example, you may want to give out your email address and possibly even a phone number, but not your street address. An instructor who needs to mail information to your home should have access to that information via the academic institution. If asked to provide that information, feel free to politely question why it is needed and who it will be shared with.

       Stay safe when meeting classmates in person: Occasionally we find students who live in the same geographical location enrolled in our classes. In this situation, students often ask whether they can meet face-to-face to complete group projects. As instructors, we think this idea is fine; however, be safe when meeting classmates for the first time. We recommend always meeting in a public place, such as a restaurant or café, during common business hours. As a precaution, you may also want to notify your instructor that you’re planning to meet, and provide the day and time. Afterward, you can provide your instructor with a summary of what you accomplished.

Part 2

      Preparing to Be a Learner

IN THIS PART …

      Figure out how to evaluate your institutional options

      Learn the ins and outs of the application process

      Control your educational costs with the help of financial aid

      Register for courses and prepare for your first class