Tips for Online Learning

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Tips for Online Learning
By Dr. Dolores Kiesler
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Thinking about taking an
online class? Considering whether online
education is for you? Wondering what you need
to know or do? If you answered yes to
any of the above, then read on!!!!
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Are you able to communicate well in
writing? Online classes require not only
written communication for individual assignments
to the instructor but also the ability to
communicate clearly and concisely during class
discussions.
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Are you able to handle delayed feedback? In
an online class, e-mail replies may take a few
hours or even a few days.
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• You will need
• to be self-motivated
• to have good time management skills
• to be self-disciplined
• to have daily access to the Internet

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Are you aware of the two major myths regarding
online classes? Myth 1 Since you will not
have the same attendance
requirements as an on-ground
class, online classes will take less time.
NOT!!!!! Myth 2 Online classes are easier
than regular on-ground
classes. NOT!!!!!
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• Are you tolerant
• of electronic challenges?
• Online classes come with their own set of
  technical frustrations.
• Are you able to deal with
• computer crashes
• Internet connection breakdowns
• with the minimum amount of stress?

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• Do you consider yourself
  
• technologically savvy?
• Can you
• manage emails,
• cut and paste to Word documents,
• send file attachments,
• conduct web searches,
• and learn to use course management software?

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Do you have the basic computer
hardware requirements? Typical needs will
include a computer with Internet and email
access a Web browser such as Netscape 5.0 or
Explorer 5.0 or higher JavaScript and Cookies
enabled High speed modem 56K minimum Active
e-mail address Windows 98, 2000, XP or MAC OS
8.6 or higher 64 MB of Ram 1 G of free disk
space
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Do you have the basic software you will
need? The most often required software
includes Microsoft Word, Excel, and
PowerPoint Adobe Acrobat Reader 4 or higher
Quicktime, Flash, or other plug-ins for playing
media files may also be required for some
courses.
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Do you have a good anti-virus
program on your computer?
Dont think this wont happen to you!!!!
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So, you might ask yourself, WHAT ARE the
benefits of online classes?
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• A few benefits include
• Convenience (work just about whenever you want)
• Fewer time constraints (take as long as you need
  to absorb class lectures)
• No travel time to and from school
• Allows greater comfort (work wherever and
  wearing whatever you want)

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• More Benefits
• May eliminate course time conflicts
• Provides an excellent learning environment for
  visual learners
• Removes many biases and prejudices present in
  face-to-face communication
• Gives the chance to review
  discussion responses
  before posting them

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• And a little advice from
• some online students
• It is not easier than a regular class.
• It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get
  through it.
• Do not take it an online class if you think
  that it is an easy A.
• You need several uninterrupted hours each day
  and you need to be motivated to get what you want
  out of the class.
• An online class is time consuming but in the
  end it equals out to the time spent in a
  classroom.
•                                 

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• And the final piece of advice from an online
  student . . .
• If you're not up to the responsibility
• and the self-discipline,
• take the class on-campus.