Online Education for DummiesSteve SchawalderEDUC 632Fall 2011

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

Required Technology and Computer Skills Technology Most Basic Skills

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

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

Who Benefits? Professionals Busy parents People with transportation issues

Do not have cars or live far away People with disabilities Traditional Students Senior Citizens High School Students

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

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

higher earning potential, elevated status, and personal enrichment

What is Available? Earn traditional credit

Your degree Continue your education

Professional development Personal interest

Where do you go? Four-year colleges Two-year colleges Institutions specifically for certificates,

professional development, and training Virtual schools for children and teens

Fully Online vs. Blended Courses Completely online Blended courses

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

Chapter 5: Doing your Homework: Evaluating Schools Focus on what you need Consider the program you are interested

in Determine whether or not it is affordable Check out class sizes Know how much time you can commit Figure out if your credits will transfer if

needed Find and accredited school

Talk to an Advisor to Learn: Courses available Prerequisites Retention rate Services available Duration Schedule

Talk to a Faculty Member to Learn: Required training Expectations How to get help when needed

Talk to Other Students to Learn: What their experience was like How they would rate the quality

of their education