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