Online Education for DummiesSteve SchawalderEDUC 632Fall 2011

Part I: Introducing a Different Kind of Classroom

Chapter 1: Heading Online for Your Education Characteristics of Online Education

Several Formats Read, discuss, and submit papers/projects Read and take a test Read, Web conference, listen to

instructor/interact with peers

Pros of online education You can work around your schedule You do not have to commute Some courses are accelerated and you

can complete your program faster People can enroll in an online program

from anywhere in the world Students with certain disabilities may

find it easier to take online classes

Required Technology and Computer Skills Technology

A computer with a high-speed Internet connection

Speakers and microphone Word-processing and presentation software

Most Basic Skills Navigate the Internet Send/receive e-mails Format, save, and retrieve

documents

Where Can you Take Online Classes? Two-year schools (community colleges) Where you earned your undergraduate

degree The majority of colleges and

universities offer online programs NOTE: Always research and

evaluate your options.

Keys to Success Develop a regular schedule to work on

your assignments When working in a group, be sure to

“divide and conquer” and document progress

Be very careful how and what you write Anyone can misinterpret what is written Avoid humor and sarcasm Be respectful and honest

Chapter 2: The Traits and Benefits of Online Education There are many formats of online

classes Instructor-led and –facilitated courses Self-paced courses Asynchronous learning Synchronous learning

Instructor-led and –facilitated Courses Most common Frequent interaction with

instructor Privately Discussion forums

Facilitators provide resources for students to consider and then facilitates their understanding through a series of discussions or activities

Self-paced Courses Computer-based instruction No instructor Access the lessons, follow the

directions, and return the required products

Example: View an online presentation and take a

quiz at the end

Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning Asynchronous

You do not meet at an appointed time Work on your own terms

Synchronous You must connect with others at specific

times Real-time discussions/lectures through

Adobe Connect, Elluminate, GoToMeeting, or WebEx

Who Benefits? Professionals who want additional

responsibilities Professionals who want to

advance in their careers Busy parents People with transportation issues

Do not have cars or live far away People with disabilities

Who Benefits? Traditional students

To supplement coursework To take additional credits

Seniors and retirees Lots of technology training for seniors

Who Benefits? High school and homeschooled students

It advances technology skills Helps parents plan curricula Allows kids to work at own pace Facilitates health issue management Fills specialized needs that a high

school cannot Allows for greater flexibility Offers courses that the school may

not have

Characteristics of Successful Online Learners Self-starter Persistent Good time management skills Independent workers Patient

Chapter 3: The Technology and Technological Skills You Need to Succeed Minimum requirements

In general, if your computer is less than 2 years old, you should have no issues

If you are unsure, contact the instructor or the school

Required Skills Read and scroll Type quickly Digitally organized Navigate the Web Download and install software Use e-mail

Part II: Preparing to Be a Student

Chapter 4: Discovering What’s Available Online To continue learning means promotions,

higher earning potential, elevated status, and personal enrichment

Earning Traditional Credit There are online programs for

associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctoral degrees online

You can also earn certifications for certain aspects of your job online

Continuing your Education Personal interest

Many institutions offer online courses that reach out to your personal interests i.e. genealogy, digital

photography, etc. Professional development

In many fields, professionals must complete additional courses each year Many professional

associations offer courses

Where do you go? Four-year colleges

If you never finished your degree, first check with your original college/university

If you are starting from scratch, remember that you do not have to find programs nearby

Two-year colleges Community colleges and junior colleges have

had the most experience with online courses They offer many two-year degrees that are

completely/partially online

Where do you go? Institutions specifically for certificates,

professional development, and training Virtual schools for children and teens

Students who need to recover credit may be able to recover a class online

Many states support virtual schools and require their teachers to be as qualified as regular classroom teachers

Fully Online vs. Blended Courses Completely online

You can enroll in virtually any school in the world

Blended courses Combination of online learning and

traditional class time Class is freed up for other activities

while online you may read, complete quizzes, or watch lectures

An advantage is that it is next to impossible to “slip through the cracks” in a blended course

Instructor-led vs. Self-paced Courses

Instructor-led Distinct schedule

Whole class works on the same content at the same time

Frequent peer-to-peer and peer-to-instructor contact

Self-paced You determine your

own schedule As you complete one

unit, you move on to the next whenever you are ready

Instructors may only be available if you have questions

Asynchronous Courses vs. Synchronous Courses

Asynchronous Work on your own

schedule, but must meet deadlines

Synchronous Weekly required

meetings where everyone participates

Accelerated Programs and Courses Courses condensed into 8 or fewer weeks

Frequently teach material you can use right away

Tips Start by only taking one course so you are

not overwhelmed Establish a routine Set reasonable goals Work ahead if possible

Chapter 5: Doing your Homework: Evaluating Schools Focus on what you need

Do you have the time for blended courses? If you have a family, can you afford a

babysitter for blended courses? Consider the program you are interested in

What do you want out of your education? If you are not sure, consider an institution with a

variety of experiences Do you want to take any face-to-face classes?

Evaluating Schools Determine whether or not it is affordable

Costs vary from school to school, especially among public and private schools

Check for additional fees on top of tuition Check out class sizes

You need to find the right fit – not too big or too small If the class is too big, you may not receive immediate

feedback from the instructor If the class is too small, it may be difficult to keep a

conversation going and the course may seem dull Classes with 18-25 students are typically the best

Evaluating Schools Know how much time you can commit

Take the number of credits the class is worth and triple it A three-credit course typically will take you around

9 hours a week That does not include how well you use technology

Real-time meetings These can be time-consuming, especially if you are

tight on time You may need to readjust your schedule to make

the meetings

Evaluating Schools Figure out if your credits will transfer if

needed If you start your program online and plan to

finish in a school (or vice-versa), check to see if the credits transfer

Some programs have specific prerequisites Find an accredited school

Accredited schools have met quality standards and has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education

Talk to an Advisor to Learn: What courses are available Required prerequisites What the retention rate is What services are available About the faculty How long the terms last When classes begin If there are fees The costs of books and materials How long the program lasts

Talk to a Faculty Member to Learn: What training they must have to teach What a typical workload is What are the standards for response

time How to get help when needed

Talk to Other Students to Learn: What their experience was like What the best parts were What were the most frustrating parts How they would rate the quality

of their education What the faculty are like

Chapter 6: Applying to School and Securing the Cash Each school will need basic information

and may also require Transcripts from previous education A résumé Financial aid information Fees A personal essay Letters of recommendation Test scores (ACT, SAT, GRE, etc.)

Paying for Classes Financial aid is available through loans,

grants, scholarships, etc.

Chapter 7: Getting Accepted and Prepped for Class Online institutions often take less time

than traditional academic institutions Once you have been accepted, create a

plan with an advisor and choose your first classes

When in doubt, always check with your advisor

Right Before you Begin See if an orientation is available or

required Some orientations are face-to-face and

have Q&A sessions Some are online on the site or through the

CMS Orientations are most beneficial for first-

timers Purchase any required materials (books,

computer programs/equipment, etc.)