Get great grades from a distance
New to online academia and need someone to show you around? You're in the right place--and you're not alone! As more of everything goes online--fueled by tech trends as well as unexpected events like the COVID-19 crisis--it's no surprise that many of us are getting our educations there, too. Online Learning For Dummies is here to welcome you to the gigantic (and gigantically exciting!) virtual campus, and help you get settled in by providing an overview of the endless opportunities offered by distance learning, as well as offering practical advice to make sure you have the right equipment, mindset, and study techniques for success.
In a step-by-step style, this friendly guide takes you from the process of determining what sort of online program is right for you, through applying and enrolling, to building the skills you'll need to succeed. You'll learn how to navigate the common features of the online learning classroom, explore the digital etiquette that will help you get the most out of your instructors and fellow students, and discover how to effectively and professionally present your work. You'll also find out how to develop good online study habits to help you avoid distraction, and how to set aside undisturbed time in between juggling the demands of work, family, and social life.
* Evaluate the latest courses and opportunities
* Make sure you have the correct hardware and software
* Develop your online study skills via best practices
* Avoid digital fatigue
Regardless of age or experience, we can all do with a few pointers on how to get more from the vast array of educational opportunities offered online. This book has them all: Get reading, get online, and get the most from that education you've been dreaming about.
Autorentext
Susan Manning, M.Ed. is the Chief Success Strategist at Credly, where she works with clients to design and implement digital credential systems. Kevin Johnson is the Director of Distance & eLearning at Seattle Central College.
Klappentext
- Identify the best online program for you
- Get organized to succeed at learning at a distance
- Be the best learner you can be
Get your best education online
Whether you're a college student, adult learner, or professional in continuing education, someand sometimes allof your learning will happen in a virtual classroom. This book is your friendly guide to the fast-growing possibilities of this world, from choosing the right course and mastering the software to polishing up your online communication and study skills. Whatever you want from your study experienceschool success, professional development, or just pursuing your passionthis is your road map to online educational success!
Inside...
- Find the right course for you
- Prep successfully for classes
- Manage time online
- Apply for study funding
- Transfer credits
- Master the software
- Get the right hardware
- Develop online etiquette
Zusammenfassung
Get great grades from a distance
New to online academia and need someone to show you around? You're in the right placeand you're not alone! As more of everything goes onlinefueled by tech trends as well as unexpected events like the COVID-19 crisisit's no surprise that many of us are getting our educations there, too. Online Learning For Dummies is here to welcome you to the gigantic (and gigantically exciting!) virtual campus, and help you get settled in by providing an overview of the endless opportunities offered by distance learning, as well as offering practical advice to make sure you have the right equipment, mindset, and study techniques for success.
In a step-by-step style, this friendly guide takes you from the process of determining what sort of online program is right for you, through applying and enrolling, to building the skills you'll need to succeed. You'll learn how to navigate the common features of the online learning classroom, explore the digital etiquette that will help you get the most out of your instructors and fellow students, and discover how to effectively and professionally present your work. You'll also find out how to develop good online study habits to help you avoid distraction, and how to set aside undisturbed time in between juggling the demands of work, family, and social life.
- Evaluate the latest courses and opportunities
- Make sure you have the correct hardware and software
- Develop your online study skills via best practices
- Avoid digital fatigue
Regardless of age or experience, we can all do with a few pointers on how to get more from the vast array of educational opportunities offered online. This book has them all: Get reading, get online, and get the most from that education you've been dreaming about.
Inhalt
Foreword xv
Introduction 1
About This Book 2
Conventions Used in This Book 2
What You're Not to Read 3
Foolish Assumptions 3
How This Book is Organized 4
Part 1: Introducing a Different Kind of Learning 4
Part 2: Preparing to Be a Learner 4
Part 3: The Virtual Classroom: Being an A+ Student 5
Part 4: Special Considerations in Online Learning 5
Part 5: The Part of Tens 5
Icons Used in This Book 5
Beyond the Book 6
Where to Go from Here 6
Part 1: Introducing a Different Kind of Learning 7
Chapter 1: Planning for Your Online Learning Journey 9
Examining the Characteristics and Advantages of Online Education 10
The nature of online education 10
A few pros of online learning 12
Knowing the Technology and Computer Skills You Need to Succeed 12
Seeing How to Go About Becoming an Online Learner 13
Finding available courses 14
Evaluating programs 15
Applying to a program and securing the money you need 16
Getting accepted and preparing for class 17
Attitude is everything 17
Becoming a Star Learner 18
Making your way around your classroom 18
Meeting the instructor, fellow students, and other important folks 18
Communicating with clarity 19
Strengthening your study habits 19
Working well in a group 19
Being part of a bigger world 20
Minding your online manners and ethics 20
Completing and turning in assignments 21
Transitioning after you're done with school 22
Looking at a Few Special Situations in Online Education 22
Students in kindergarten through high school 22
Learners with disabilities 23
Chapter 2: The Traits and Benefits of Online Learning 25
What Makes Online Learning Different from Traditional Education? 26
Connecting to learning and people via the Internet 26
Working when it's convenient 28
No loafing! 30
Who Benefits from Online Learning? 30
Adults beyond traditional college age 31
Traditional college students 35
Seniors and retirees 36
High school and homeschooled students 37
Getting a Grip on Potential Pitfalls 39
Online learning isn't easier 39
Spontaneous, face-to-face discussions are not the norm 39
Determining Whether You're Ready to Join the World of Online Learning 40
Assessing your own discipline 40
Knowing how you learn 41
Being patient and tolerant 43
Chapter 3: The Equipment and Skills You Need to Succeed 45
Checking Your Technological Readiness 46
Meeting minimum hardware requirements 46
Meeting software requirements 52
Establishing a reliable In…