When you register for an online course, you should expect equivalent content and opportunity for learning as students who are able to take the course on campus. On line education courses are not easy. In fact, distance education requires self-motivation and a serious approach to learning because much of the work is done individually without the in-person instructor guidance of traditional learning environments. However, instructors are available to answer your questions by phone, e-mail, or even by an oncampus orientation meeting.
Although e-learning delivery modes are a convenient and flexible way to take courses and complete a degree, they are not necessarily suited to all students' learning styles or needs. Some students find it difficult to study independently and need continued contact with an instructor and other students. Adult learners with strong reading and writing skills who are self-motivated have the best success with these modes of instruction.
topNo matter what your reasons for taking a distance education course, you may want to discuss your goals with an academic advisor. Once you have a clear understanding of your goals, review the course requirements before registering. A program of study requires a fixed number of lessons, instructional modules, tests, and interactions with the instructor. Make sure you have the time to successfully complete the requirements. Be sure that your hard work will count toward your goal. Always verify the applicability of your distance education course with the institution with which you plan to earn your certification or degree.
topEvaluate yourself. Successful distance learners are self-disciplined, self-motivated, and do not require regular reminders from the instructor or classmates to meet deadlines. You can find out more about yourself by taking a short quiz. With a positive attitude, an appropriate place in which to study, and a strict study schedule to keep you on track, your success as a distance learner is assured.
You will need a computer capable of supporting Windows2000, NT, or XP. It is suggested that the machine have 128MB of RAM or more, 56 kbps modem or faster. You will also need access to the Internet thorough a local Internet Service Provider (ISP).
topNo, you will however need to be capable of using an Internet browser, word processing software, and the Desire2Learn software, as well as download software. See the tutorials link to help you learn the required computer and software skills.
Start by calling an academic advisor at Southeast Tech, completing our application, and making arrangements for taking the entrance test. If you are new to college, a counselor will discuss your plans and interests with you and provide information to help you begin your program. To ensure that a prospective class counts toward your educational goal, make sure to contact an on-campus academic advisor.
topCourses delivered over the Internet use the World Wide Web graphical interface. They may include material to read online, exercises to complete online with interactive forms, discussion lists in which you exchange ideas with the instructor and the other students in the class, and many other types of instructional activities. Students with access to the Internet can take classes via their own computer at home. Some classes are offered on computer disks or CD-ROM disks. The disks and study materials are mailed to your designated address.
Contact the bookstore for a list of books and materials. Order early or risk falling behind. Not having the course text/s is not an acceptable reason for falling behind in a course.
topTests are often taken using the Desire2Learn software. The software scores the tests as soon as you are competed. When the instructor specifies a proctor, you will need to find a credible proctor to monitor your testing, and then finished and submit a Student Proctor Agreement. Instructors will expect that proctors be honest and responsible persons employed by colleges, libraries, government offices, or schools.
Attendance in an online course is obviously not based on "seat time" as are regular classroom-based courses. Attendance is based on your participation in online discussions and completing assignments. Other work is typically considered homework.
topYou participate in class discussions at your discretion during the week. The earlier you get into the discussion, the more and better information you will gain related to the work you'll need to do on your assignments. In other words, don't wait until the due date.
If this were a 3-credit on campus class, you would attend one 3-hour class each week. Typically, an on campus student would commit 1-1/2 to 2 hours outside of class to prepare for each hour in class. This would total about 9 to 12 hours per week. As an online student, you should expect to spend a comparable amount of time.
topYou should plan to log on at least twice per week. Your personal schedule will help you determine how you can best interact with the class. One of the real benefits of online learning, however, is that you are thinking about -- and working on -- the coursework every day of the week, rather than just once or twice a week as in a typical on-campus course. You are continuously focused on the subject and are able to apply this new knowledge on a daily basis.
No. You do all of your communication and work while online, and your interaction takes place with other students in an asynchronous manner. In other words, you leave your written comments or work for others to see whenever they login.
topThe online class is designed to take advantage of the technology's strengths, rather than to simply replicate a model that works well in a face-to-face traditional classroom. Because our online students have a variety of conflicting work and family obligations, it would be very difficult and inconvenient for all of them to be online at the same time. When communications are asynchronous, students can participate when and where it is convenient for them, whether that is 6:00 in the morning or from a hotel room while traveling on business. Students can also take their time reviewing the class archives (comments, lectures, discussions) and composing their responses, allowing them to approach the material and concepts at individual paces.
Yes, through the courseware's internal mailing system you can send e-mail to any other student. You can also contact the instructor directly by telephone or e-mail.
topWhile the lack of physical presence has its constraints, it does not necessarily have to detract from the educational process or quality. The most obvious issue is the lack of visual cues -- you can't have eye contact or see a smile or a nod. Students and faculty have found other ways to compensate for this. Study materials and teaching techniques have been adapted to a visual, rather than an auditory learning environment, making use of the particular strengths of the online medium. In an online class, all students have an equal opportunity to participate in the discussions, not just the extroverts. Potentially discriminating factors such as race, handicap, gender and appearance disappear, and your ideas become the major focus of attention.
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