ONLINE LEARNING.

Is it the right fit for you?

Group #3

WHAT IS ONLINE LEARNING ANYWAY??

Online learning is essentially a Non-traditional way of learning
The course materials, information etc. are found online The classroom can be held anywhere there is internet access Synchronized (at the same time) and asynchronized (at different times) communication

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The idea of online learning became available almost as soon as personal computers were invented Online learning has evolved over time
Originally educators only incorporated technology into their classrooms Now students can earn full degrees solely online

Just like technology, online learning is continually changing and adapting to give the best online education possible Online learning is persistently becoming increasingly popular among students everywhere

PERSISTENTLY BECOMING MORE POPULAR

http://www.insidetrack.com/blog/the-promise-and-potential-peril-of-online-learning/

QUALITY ONLINE LEARNING HAS EVOLVED WITH:

Interactive relationships between teachers and students
Online learning offers vast ways of communication between teachers and students like discussion boards and e-mails within the student online learning programs

A student centered approach

Students are able to work at their own pace and take the time they need to reflect on material before moving to future assignments

Proving student support

Students are persistently becoming more open-minded to the positive features that online learning offers Availability of discussions with other students is very accessible through discussion boards and advanced online learning programs

IT IS ALL ABOUT YOU!

http://www.taylor-edu.ca/seminary/student-info/online-education

CONSIDER THE PROS AND CONS OF ONLINE LEARNING...

PROS TO ONLINE LEARNING.

-Convenience -Less Expensive -Technology

-Additional Benefits

 No commuting or traveling time to a campus

Learn at your own pace Ability to stay committed to other obligations Study at your own convenience Express yourself in writing rather than verbally

Convenience:

Online discussions rather than instructor-led lecture Customized coursework with a clear syllabus Availability to choose curriculum no matter the location Unlimited amount of time for reflection Contribute to discussions most relevant to you

Guest speakers/experts/students from other institutions

Access to resources and information from anywhere

Less Expensive:
-No travel or fuel costs -Less maintenance costs on vehicle -Attend school around work schedules -No campus housing costs

Technology:
-Learn new technologies that may be useful in a future career -Practice using office software, Internet, etc. -Complete coursework anywhere there is a computer and internet access

Additional Benefits:
-Equal participation among students -Interaction with all students in online class -Diversity of classmates from all over the world gives many perspectives

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

http://www.mguhlin.org/2009/12/graphs-parents-on-online-learning-and.html

CONS TO ONLINE LEARNING.

-Limited Social Interaction -Technology Cost and Scheduling

Limited Social Interaction:

-Limited interaction with professors and other students

-Difficulty to develop relationships with other students

-No campus atmosphere interaction -All communication in e-mail and chatrooms or discussion boards

Technology Cost and Scheduling:

-Cost of a reliable computer -Cost of software programs -Cost of Internet Service -Learning new programs may prove to be challenging to some students -Individual discipline to set aside adequate time for coursework

SELF EVALUATION IS KEY IN DECIDING IF ONLINE LEARNING IS RIGHT FOR YOU

-Identify your primary learning style(s) (listed below) by completing the SmarterMeasure Assessment at http://www.montcalm.readi.info/ and evaluate how this may impact your overall learning experiences Visual (spatial): The preference of using pictures, images, and spatial understanding. Aural (auditory-musical): The preference of using sound and music. Verbal (linguistic): The preference of using words, both in speech and writing. Physical (kinesthetic): The reference of using your body, hands and sense of touch. Logical (mathematical): The preference of using logic, reasoning and systems. Social (interpersonal): The preference of learning in groups or with other people. Solitary (intrapersonal): The preference to work alone and use self-study. -Assess your strengths, weaknesses, needs, etc. when it comes to attaining your overall learning goals -Be responsible and be willing to ask questions

-Contribute to online discussions with other students and make and effort to identify and accomplish what you need to do to seek successful completion of your choice of study

http://www.learning-styles-online.com/overview

CHARACTERISTICS FOR SUCCESS

Self-motivation Independent learner Computer literate Good time management skills Willingness to learn Effective readers and writers Effective problem solvers

http://louisville.edu/online/keys-to-successful-online-learning/characteristics-of-successful-online-learners.html

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Consider these elements
How comfortable are you with using a computer?
Do you know how to manage files: create, save, delete, move? Can you upload files to your computer and email?

Do you know how to copy and past images and text?

Do you know how to install and run software programs?

Do you have internet access regularly? Do you have email?

Do you know how to send and receive emails and attachment files?

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN TAKING AN ONLINE CLASS:

Availability to adapt your learning styles Time you have available for study A quiet place with a computer Always have a back-up internet source Make lists and prioritize projects and due dates Stay on top of your course syllabus Know from the beginning the best way to contact your professor with any questions Practice good time management Do not procrastinate

Take part in discussions

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN AN ONLINE CLASS

Participate Be persistent Share tips with other students Think before you send

Convey your emotions

Dont use derogatory or inappropriate comments Watch our for plagiarism and copyrights

Do some research on what online introductory classes your School of Choice has to offer

REMEMBER EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT WHEN IT COMES TO LEARNING, BE SURE TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU!

BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://www.ies.ncsu.edu/successes/research-and-white-papers/pros-and-cons-of-onlineeducation https://www.excelsior.edu/web/student-online-success-guide/online-learning http://www.taylor-edu.ca/seminary/student-info/online-education http://www.mguhlin.org/2009/12/graphs-parents-on-online-learning-and.html http://www.insidetrack.com/blog/the-promise-and-potential-peril-of-online-learning/ http://ensu.nsula.edu/are-you-ready-for-online-learning/