Resources for Students
Overview
Learning online is different than learning in a classroom. Students who are very successful in traditional learning environments may not be as successful online. Learning online requires an understanding of the uniqueness of the medium, and the critical factors for success.
Perhaps the greatest determinants of student success online is the quality of the course design and the competence of the instructor. However, students play an important role in evaluating their own strengths and weaknesses...before they begin and online course.
Before taking an online course, students need to be aware of their personal study habits, their technical skills, their computer equipment/software, and their motivation and discipline. After performing this self-assessment, students should complete a "personal online study plan" that details how they will capitalize on strengths and compensate for weaknesses.
| Effective student preparation is critical for student success in online learning. Student perceptions of "what it means to be an online learner" need to be corrected and aligned with the reality of the online experience. |
Resources
Are
You Ready for Online Learning?
Self quiz, allowing students to assess readiness as a student, as
a computer user, and technologically.
Finding
Information on the Internet
Guidelines for searching, citing, and an excellent glossary.
Becoming
a Successful Online Student
"The virtual classroom is a significant part of today's educational
community. Colleges and universities are offering more classes online
as part of their on-campus and distance education programs; corporations
are using online classes to train technical professionals; and elementary
and secondary schools are incorporating virtual fieldtrips into their
classrooms. If you are planning to take an online course, there are a
few things you should know before you start."
Netiquette
A great resource for students on the "do's and don'ts" of cyber-interaction.
How
Online Learning Works
Gives students a good overview of what online learning is, how it works,
questions and concerns, and a demo course.
Computer
Skills Assessment for Adult Learners
Good resource.
Self-Assessment
Survey
"This survey is designed to help you decide if you are a good candidate
for either a distance learning class (over the Internet) or for a class
that uses Internet enhanced elements. Online courses are not ideally suited
to every student's learning style. However, some courses may only be offered
online, in which case, this survey should help give you a good idea of
the skills you will need to acquire or to improve for a successful online
experience."
Email
Etiquette
Like it says...guidelines for using email.
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