Personal Issues
Before You Start.....
The three main issues to be considered for readiness are:
Briefly, what is Online Education?
'Online' education is all about using computer networks for learning. The main computer network in use for online learning is the Internet.
Learning materials are stored online (on computers attached to the Internet/intranet) in a special format called Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). These files are viewed with a Browser (see below for examples). HTML pages displayed in a browser may contain text, images, sounds and video.
Other online methods include the use of Electronic Mail (often called email), Bulletin Boards and Chat. Using online education is easy when you get used to it, but there are some issues you need to address first.
Learning styles
There are different learning styles. Some examples are learners who prefer to:
- interact with a group and learn well through discussion
- listen to 'experts'
- work at their own pace
- take a more structured approach
- read printed materials and take notes
- look at pictures and videos
- work on real tasks in a working environment
- participate in 'role plays'
What's the best way for you to learn? Do you absorb more information from a lecture than a book? Would you rather watch a demonstration or do it yourself? Educators agree that people learn in different ways, including auditory (hear it), kinesthetic (do it), and visual (see it). Several "tests" have been designed to evaluate a person's learning style, such as the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT), Felder's Index of Learning Styles, and Kolb's Learning Style Inventory.
What is your learning style? Later on in this lesson you are going to take a quick inventory of your learning style by connecting to http://www.howtolearn.com/personal.html.
- Does technology and online learning interest you?
- Where do you want to be in two years time?
- Can you see yourself using technology daily in your learning and work?
- Do you have a flexible approach to your time management?
- Can you see yourself checking your internet courses daily for contact from your instructor and classmates?
- You will need a connection to the Internet in order to work online. You will usually need to be connected to a network first and then have Internet access set up on your machine. If you are not sure whether you already have access to the Internet at work, ask your IT Support Area.
- If you plan to work from home you will also need an Internet connection at home. You will need a modem and access to the Internet provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
- Internet Browser - A browser is a program that allows you to display pages that are located on the Internet. Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer are examples of commonly used and available browsers.
- Email program will be an essential tool for on-line work. You will need your own email account. Examples of email programs are Eudora, Pegasus, MS Exchange or Outlook, Netscape Messenger. You can also get free email service from Hotmail, Yahoo, and lots of other places.
- Text editor program (Notepad is included with Windows).
- WinZip or equivalent file compression utility.
- Start the computer
- Mouse skills - be able to click, double-click, drag and drop
- Start and use Windows programs (including using menus and online Help)
- Use Windows Explorer to find and to save files, manage directories and to rename, copy and move files
- Use a word-processor (e.g. Microsoft Word) or text editor (e.g. Notepad) to enter text.
- Use a file compression program (e.g. WinZip)
You will need to know how to use the basic features of a browser - these include:
- the ability to enter URLs in the location bar
- how to move back and forwards between pages
- how to refresh or reload pages
- how to use links
- how to save bookmarks
- how to download files and save them
- enabling Java and JavaScript
- how to configure a proxy server if necessary
Where to Now?
Now you have found your readiness for online learning. If you feel confident with your skill level in the above areas, you are ready for online learning! Here are some tips to help you make this course a fun learning experience for you:
Set yourself a schedule and log in to the course website on a regular basis. -- check the course site every Monday morning to see what tasks you'll need to work on for the week. Each week's lesson will be activated at 12:00 a.m. on Monday.
Do a little bit each day and don't wait till the last minute to do the assignment. Waiting until the last minute almost guarantees that you won't be able to complete your assignments by deadline. WebCT will mysteriously be down right before you are ready to hit the submit button or 5 minutes before midnight on Sunday.
Become very familiar with the course web site and WebCT. Different tools in WebCT, such as chat, threaded discussions, and email are used to help you learn!
Get to know your classmates. Taking online class does not mean that you are on your own. You can team up with your classmates to discuss class assignments or any questions you might have.
Participate in chat sessions and threaded discussions to make learning fun together! Ask questions when you need answers. Particularly, if you have technical problems, contact your instructor as soon as possible! We will find the answer and solution together.
Here are more tips on Learning at a Distance:
I
am enrolled in a WebCT course, what do I need to do to get started?
This orientation program is designed to provide background
information and the basic skills necessary to successfully learn
online, use the WebCT course tool and to study and conduct research on
the Web.
Online Self-Evaluation Quiz for prospective students.
Is
Online Learning for Me?
Colorado Community College's online quiz
Is
Online Learning for Me?
UCLA Extension's online quiz
Are
Distance Learning Courses for Me?
College of DuPage's online quiz
Tips
for Success
Advice to help students succeed online
What Every Student Should Know About Online Learning
by John E. Reid, Jr.
How
to Succeed in Distance Learning Courses
From Terra Community College
What
Makes a Successful Online Student?
This checklist from the Illinois Online Network provides some insight
into what qualities help make a successful online student
Readiness
Index for Learning Online
Take this interactive exercise from the Indiana University
School of Nursing to evaluate your readiness for online learning.
Did you have fun with your mouse? Now let's get
To Week 1 Lesson.