Online Learning For Dummies. Susan Manning

Chapter 1 for an introduction and move through the book sequentially. If you’re already taking an online course, head to Part 3 for pointers on succeeding in your class.

      We truly hope that not only is reading this book enjoyable to you but that it also helps you make some important decisions, provides you with the right questions to ask on your academic journey, and better prepares you for your online adventures.

      We wish you luck in your online journey and prosperity in your future careers and academic adventures.

Part 1

      Introducing a Different Kind of Learning

IN THIS PART …

      Explore the online learning landscape

      Evaluate the benefits of online learning

      Gauge your own online learning aptitude

      Examine the technical requirements for effective online learning

Chapter 1

      Planning for Your Online Learning Journey

      IN THIS CHAPTER

      

Seeing what online learning is all about

      

Walking through the process of becoming an online learner

      

Finding out what it takes to succeed in online classes

      

Looking at special populations that may benefit from online courses

      Hello, and welcome to the world of online learning. We are excited that you picked up this book to help you jump into online learning and what it takes to succeed in the online classroom. In this book, we explore the ins and outs of online learning. We share personal stories, from both instructor and student perspectives, as a way to help you understand what is expected of learners and overcome the sometimes false expectations of new online learners. We want to be clear that this relates to learning via a college course as well as learning via workplace training; in either scenario, the shift to learning online requires new skills.

      You may have some specific questions about online learning, such as these examples:

       What is online learning, and how does it differ from the traditional face-to-face classroom?

       Which institutions offer online programs or courses, and how do I find them?

       What type of computer and technological skills do I need in order to be a successful online learner?

       What kind of work will I be expected to do, how will I complete that work, and how will I be graded?

       What resources are available if I need help?

      Our hope is that we have created a resource that answers these questions and more in order to help you succeed as an online learner. In this chapter, you begin your journey into the virtual world of online learning.

Examining the Characteristics and Advantages of Online Education

      In a nutshell, online learning is using the Internet to support learning. It is about connecting the learner to educational materials by way of the Internet. Online learning combines a student (you), a curriculum (determined by the school or instructor or trainer), and an Internet connection. In this section, we introduce a few traits and benefits of online learning; we cover both topics in more detail in Chapter 2.

      The nature of online education

      The content delivered as part of an online course and the way in which you prove that you’re learning that content may vary widely. This list describes a few common formats:

       Read material, engage in online discussions with classmates, and then submit papers or projects at the end of the term. This is probably the most common design. You complete the work when it’s convenient for you but within the guidelines established by the instructor. For instance, if the instructor says that you need to post discussions by Monday at midnight, you can work through the weekend and get your ideas posted to the discussion board before you begin your workweek. These courses are often facilitated by an instructor (they’re referred to as instructor-led) who not only shares their expertise in the field but also helps guide you through the entire online learning process.

       Read material and then take a test. This is our least favorite method, and many students find it horribly dull. However, for some subjects, you can zip through the basic background information quickly and move on. You typically have little interaction with your peers. As a matter of fact, in some self-paced courses, you have no interaction with peers and little interaction with the instructor.

       Read materials, log in to a real-time web conference, and then listen to the instructor or interact with peers. You may take a test or submit papers later to demonstrate your understanding. This synchronous (real-time) method of online learning has become quite popular, especially for workplace training and professional development. However, it requires you to adjust your schedule to accommodate the class, just as you would a traditional class. These courses are also instructor-led and sometimes include peer presentations as well.

      

In Chapter 2, we provide more examples of how the nature of online education is unique. However, we want to emphasize an attitudinal shift in online learning: The learner (you!) must assume responsibility for learning the material. There’s no cyberprof in the room to nag you or tell you when it’s time to log in. Of course, wonderfully encouraging and compassionate faculty want to see you succeed, and they communicate with you regularly to keep you engaged, but the nature of online learning requires the student to take charge and complete the work.

      So, what kind of learner thrives in this kind of educational landscape?

       A person who needs flexibility in terms of when courses are offered: If you have no free moments until 11 P.m. because of competing life demands but you really want to learn, an online course you can complete at 1 A.m. may work. (We hope you get to sleep in until later in the morning!)

       A person who comfortably sets their own agenda and manages their time well: If you’re good at crafting a plan and sticking to it, online learning may be for you. Though the instructor may provide a schedule and deadlines for assignments, you have to work them into your lifestyle.

       A person who has strong reading and writing skills: Because much of what you need to know comes by way of textbooks or web pages, you need to be a decent reader before taking an online course. In addition, the way you show that you know the material requires writing summaries and short essays. Clear, concise written communication skills earn you an A.

       A person who’s comfortable with technology: Later in this chapter, we say more about this topic, but the bottom line is that an online course requires familiarity with your computer. This isn’t the place to learn about the computer.

      A