Considerations for DistanceLearning Math Students Source: Winning at Math, Your Guide to Learning Ma

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Considerations for Distance-LearningMath
StudentsSource Winning at Math, Your Guide to
Learning Mathematics Through Successful Study
Skills, 4th edition. Paul Nolting, Ph.D.
Learning Specialist
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Its Not For Everyone!!

• Students taking distance-learning math classes
  have a special challenge in order to be
  successful.
• If you struggle with math, a distance-learning
  course should be your LAST option!
• In order to be successful, you will need
  additional math study skills, better resources
  and excellent time management skills.
• You must be able to become an INDEPENDENT
  LEARNER!!!

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Myth Distance Learning Classes Are Easier.

• Distance learning courses are NOT easier it is
  just more convenient.
• You will put MORE time into an online course, so
  be realistic about your learning style and study
  habits/skills when you make the decision to take
  this type of course.

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Characteristics of Successful Learners

• In order to be successful, you must have
• Easy access to the required computer equipment,
  software, and e-mail. This includes high-speed
  internet access in order to avoid being bumped
  off line.
• Necessary level of skills to use the above.
• High motivation to complete the course.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to take responsibility to study without
  being reminded.
• Good reading skills.
• A supporting family.

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Characteristics of Successful Learners

• In order to be successful, you must
• Be a good independent learner, able to learn by
  yourself with little interaction from the
  instructor.
• Be a good visual learner, able to learn by seeing
  the information.
• Be a good abstract learner, able to learn by
  understanding concepts without asking many
  questions.
• Have access to additional resources to enhance
  your learning.

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So, Are You Ready?

• Answer each of the following questions with
  YES, NO, or I DONT KNOW to help give you a
  good idea about your readiness to take a
  distance-learning course.
• BE HONEST!

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Question 1

• I have the computer, software, e-mail,
  and internet services necessary to be an online
  learner.

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Question 2

• I can motivate myself to learn.

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Question 3

• I can dedicate several hours a day
• for 5 days a week to do my
• distance learning.

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Question 4

• I know that most of the time distance-learning
  classes are
• more difficult
• than regular classroom courses.

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Question 5

• I can learn from books
• instead of talking to people.

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Question 6

• I like learning by myself.

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Question 7

• I have outside resources
• to aid in my learning.

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Question 8

• I will be able to arrange my schedule in order to
  accommodate
• the testing schedule.

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Question 9

• I have excellent reading skills.

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Question 10

• I have a separate study area
• with ample workspace.

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Evaluate Your Responses

• Count the number of times you responded YES.
• Eight or more Probably Ready
• Five to seven May Be Ready
• Five or less You May Have Extreme Difficulty

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Tips for Success

• Read the Syllabus It is your boss! Remember
  that the syllabus is your contract with the
  institution, and you must abide by it and follow
  it to the letter.
• Treat this like a regular course. Set a specific
  time of day to learn the lessons, study, and do
  homework. It is recommended that you schedule
  eight to ten hours a week to study math just like
  a regular class.

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Tips for Success

• Communicate with your instructor. Students must
  take more initiative to talk with instructors in
  distance-learning courses.
• Send a test e-mail to make sure your e-mail
  systems are compatible. The instructor expects
  your e-mails and will answer them.
• Call your instructor if you have detailed
  questions that cant be easily answered online.

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Tips for Success

• Build up your personal resources before you need
  them. Know what learning resources you have
  available and be prepared to use them.
• Places to look for resources
• Shelton State Community College
• County libraries
• Commercial tutor centers
• Private tutoring

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Web Resources

• Online mini-lessons, algebra models and
  worksheets are at certain websites. Some are
  free while others require registration with a
  fee. Some sites to visit
• http//math.usask.ca/readin/menu.html
• http//www.veazeys.com/math/lessons.html
• http//www.np.edu.sg/bms
• http//www.sosmath.com
• http//www.coolmath.com

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Web Resources (continued)

• http//skillstutor.com
• http//www.algebrahelp.com
• http//www.quickmath.com
• http//www.gomath.com
• http//www.hotmath.com
• http//mathforum.org/dr.math/
• http//www.purplemath.com

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Some Final Words

• Seek help when you need it.
• Dont get behind.
• Study hard.
• Practice, practice, practice!
• GOOD LUCK!