| Foreword |
|
xv | |
| Introduction |
|
1 | (1) |
| About This Book |
|
2 | (1) |
| Conventions Used in This Book |
|
2 | (1) |
| What You're Not to Read |
|
3 | (1) |
| Foolish Assumptions |
|
3 | (1) |
| How This Book Is Organized |
|
4 | (1) |
| Part 1 Introducing a Different Kind of Learning |
|
4 | (1) |
| Part 2 Preparing to Be a Learner |
|
4 | (1) |
| Part 3 The Virtual Classroom: Being an A+ Student |
|
5 | (1) |
| Part 4 Special Considerations in Online Learning |
|
5 | (1) |
| Part 5 The Part of Tens |
|
5 | (1) |
| Icons Used in This Book |
|
5 | (1) |
| Beyond the Book |
|
6 | (1) |
| Where to Go from Here |
|
6 | (1) |
|
PART 1 INTRODUCING A DIFFERENT KIND OF LEARNING |
|
|
7 | (60) |
|
Chapter 1 Planning for Your Online Learning Journey |
|
|
9 | (16) |
|
Examining the Characteristics and Advantages of Online Education |
|
|
10 | (2) |
|
The nature of online education |
|
|
10 | (2) |
|
A few pros of online learning |
|
|
12 | (1) |
|
Knowing the Technology and Computer Skills You Need to Succeed |
|
|
12 | (1) |
|
Seeing How to Go About Becoming an Online Learner |
|
|
13 | (5) |
|
Finding available courses |
|
|
14 | (1) |
|
|
|
15 | (1) |
|
Applying to a program and securing the money you need |
|
|
16 | (1) |
|
Getting accepted and preparing for class |
|
|
17 | (1) |
|
|
|
17 | (1) |
|
|
|
18 | (4) |
|
Making your way around your classroom |
|
|
18 | (1) |
|
Meeting the instructor, fellow students, and other important folks |
|
|
18 | (1) |
|
Communicating with clarity |
|
|
19 | (1) |
|
Strengthening your study habits |
|
|
19 | (1) |
|
|
|
19 | (1) |
|
Being part of a bigger world |
|
|
20 | (1) |
|
Minding your online manners and ethics |
|
|
20 | (1) |
|
Completing and turning in assignments |
|
|
21 | (1) |
|
Transitioning after you're done with school |
|
|
22 | (1) |
|
Looking at a Few Special Situations in Online Education |
|
|
22 | (3) |
|
Students in kindergarten through high school |
|
|
22 | (1) |
|
Learners with disabilities |
|
|
23 | (2) |
|
Chapter 2 The Traits and Benefits of Online Learning |
|
|
25 | (20) |
|
What Makes Online Learning Different from Traditional Education? |
|
|
26 | (4) |
|
Connecting to learning and people via the Internet |
|
|
26 | (2) |
|
Working when it's convenient |
|
|
28 | (2) |
|
|
|
30 | (1) |
|
Who Benefits from Online Learning? |
|
|
30 | (9) |
|
Adults beyond traditional college age |
|
|
31 | (4) |
|
Traditional college students |
|
|
35 | (1) |
|
|
|
36 | (1) |
|
High school and homeschooled students |
|
|
37 | (2) |
|
Getting a Grip on Potential Pitfalls |
|
|
39 | (1) |
|
Online learning isn't easier |
|
|
39 | (1) |
|
Spontaneous, face-to-face discussions are not the norm |
|
|
39 | (1) |
|
Determining Whether You're Ready to Join the World of Online Learning |
|
|
40 | (5) |
|
Assessing your own discipline |
|
|
40 | (1) |
|
|
|
41 | (2) |
|
Being patient and tolerant |
|
|
43 | (2) |
|
Chapter 3 The Equipment and Skills You Need to Succeed |
|
|
45 | (22) |
|
Checking Your Technological Readiness |
|
|
46 | (10) |
|
Meeting minimum hardware requirements |
|
|
46 | (6) |
|
Meeting software requirements |
|
|
52 | (2) |
|
Establishing a reliable Internet connection |
|
|
54 | (2) |
|
Testing Your Technological Abilities |
|
|
56 | (6) |
|
Reading and scrolling efficiently |
|
|
56 | (1) |
|
Typing quickly and accurately |
|
|
56 | (1) |
|
|
|
57 | (2) |
|
|
|
59 | (1) |
|
Downloading and installing software |
|
|
60 | (1) |
|
|
|
61 | (1) |
|
|
|
62 | (5) |
|
|
|
63 | (1) |
|
Remembering and protecting passwords |
|
|
63 | (2) |
|
Ensuring personal security |
|
|
65 | (2) |
|
PART 2 PREPARING TO BE A LEARNER |
|
|
67 | (44) |
|
Chapter 4 Discovering What's Available Online |
|
|
69 | (22) |
|
Examining Different Types of Online Programs and Courses |
|
|
69 | (6) |
|
Earning traditional credit |
|
|
70 | (2) |
|
Obtaining certifications and other credentials |
|
|
72 | (1) |
|
Staying current or retooling for work through MOOCs |
|
|
73 | (1) |
|
Continuing your education with a few classes for fun or profit |
|
|
73 | (2) |
|
Finding Out Which Institutions Offer Online Programs and Courses |
|
|
75 | (7) |
|
|
|
75 | (3) |
|
|
|
78 | (1) |
|
Competency-based education |
|
|
79 | (1) |
|
Other institutions for certificates, professional development, and training |
|
|
80 | (1) |
|
Virtual schools for children and teens |
|
|
80 | (2) |
|
Checking Out Different Structures of Online Courses |
|
|
82 | (5) |
|
Just you and the monitor (fully online) versus blended courses (partly online) |
|
|
82 | (1) |
|
Instructor-led courses versus self-paced courses |
|
|
83 | (4) |
|
Resources you're expected to access even for face-to-face courses |
|
|
87 | (1) |
|
Asynchronous courses versus synchronous (real-time) courses |
|
|
87 | (1) |
|
Finishing Your Schooling Faster with Accelerated Programs and Courses |
|
|
87 | (4) |
|
The benefits and challenges of accelerated programs |
|
|
88 | (1) |
|
Tips for successfully completing accelerated classes |
|
|
88 | (3) |
|
Chapter 5 Doing Your Homework: Evaluating Schools |
|
|
91 | (22) |
|
Focusing On What You Need in a School |
|
|
92 | (6) |
|
Considering the program you're interested in |
|
|
92 | (1) |
|
Determining whether a program is affordable |
|
|
93 | (1) |
|
Checking out class size (and the student-to-instructor ratio) |
|
|
93 | (1) |
|
Knowing how much time you can commit and how it may be spent |
|
|
94 | (2) |
|
Planning ahead: Figuring out whether your credits will transfer |
|
|
96 | (2) |
|
Finding an Accredited School |
|
|
98 | (6) |
|
Recognizing the two types of accreditation |
|
|
99 | (2) |
|
Seeing the benefits of accreditation |
|
|
101 | (1) |
|
Determining whether an online program is accredited |
|
|
102 | (1) |
|
Other factors that contribute to an institution's credibility |
|
|
103 | (1) |
|
Talking to the Right People to Find the Answers You Need |
|
|
104 | (7) |
|
Talking to an academic advisor about the school |
|
|
105 | (3) |
|
Asking a faculty member about the program |
|
|
108 | (2) |
|
Chatting with other students about their experiences |
|
|
110 | (1) |
|
|
|
111 | (2) |
|
Chapter 6 Applying to School and Securing the Cash |
|
|
113 | (16) |
|
Applying to an Online Program |
|
|
113 | (8) |
|
The basic application forms |
|
|
114 | (2) |
|
|
|
116 | (3) |
|
Letters of recommendation |
|
|
119 | (1) |
|
|
|
119 | (1) |
|
|
|
120 | (1) |
|
A helping hand to assist you: The recruiter, advisor, or counselor |
|
|
120 | (1) |
|
Calculating the Costs of Online Classes |
|
|
121 | (2) |
|
Figuring Out How You'll Pay for Online Classes |
|
|
123 | (2) |
|
Do you need financial aid? |
|
|
123 | (1) |
|
What types of financial aid are available? |
|
|
124 | (1) |
|
Applying for Federal Financial Aid |
|
|
125 | (4) |
|
Knowing whether you're eligible for funds from Uncle Sam |
|
|
125 | (1) |
|
Filling out and submitting the FAFSA |
|
|
125 | (4) |
|
Chapter 7 Getting Accepted and Prepping for Class |
|
|
129 | (18) |
|
Finding Out Whether You've Been Accepted or Rejected |
|
|
129 | (2) |
|
|
|
131 | (6) |
|
Creating a plan with your academic advisor (also known as Coach) |
|
|
131 | (1) |
|
Picking your first classes |
|
|
132 | (2) |
|
Gathering the information you need in order to register |
|
|
134 | (1) |
|
Navigating registration processes |
|
|
135 | (1) |
|
Taking action when a course you want is full |
|
|
135 | (1) |
|
When in doubt: Talking to your academic advisor |
|
|
136 | (1) |
|
|
|
137 | (5) |
|
Determining whether an orientation is available and/or required |
|
|
137 | (1) |
|
Distinguishing types of orientation programs |
|
|
138 | (2) |
|
Participating in orientation |
|
|
140 | (2) |
|
|
|
142 | (5) |
|
Knowing which textbooks you need |
|
|
142 | (1) |
|
Deciding where to buy your textbooks |
|
|
142 | (2) |
|
Buying new or used -- that is the question |
|
|
144 | (3) |
|
Chapter 8 Mentally Preparing and Having a Technology Mindset |
|
|
147 | (1) |
|
Taking On the Right Attitude |
|
|
147 | (3) |
|
Understanding growth and fixed mindsets |
|
|
148 | (1) |
|
Recognizing that age is just a number |
|
|
149 | (1) |
|
Knowing the Tools You Might Use |
|
|
150 | (7) |
|
Learning management system: LMS |
|
|
150 | (1) |
|
|
|
151 | (1) |
|
|
|
151 | (2) |
|
|
|
153 | (1) |
|
|
|
154 | (1) |
|
|
|
155 | (2) |
|
You Don't Have to Know Everything |
|
|
157 | (1) |
|
Mastering New Tools Quickly |
|
|
158 | (3) |
|
PART 3 THE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM: BEING AN A+ STUDENT |
|
|
161 | (2) |
|
Chapter 9 Navigating the Learning Environment |
|
|
163 | (1) |
|
Reaching Your Virtual Learning Environment |
|
|
163 | (1) |
|
Using the right address and setting some Internet options |
|
|
164 | (1) |
|
Logging in and checking out the interface |
|
|
165 | (1) |
|
Finding your course's home page |
|
|
166 | (2) |
|
Locating and Understanding Critical Documents |
|
|
168 | (8) |
|
The syllabus, or course outline |
|
|
169 | (1) |
|
|
|
170 | (3) |
|
|
|
173 | (3) |
|
Modules and More: Understanding a Course's Content Organization |
|
|
176 | (2) |
|
|
|
178 | (3) |
|
Discovering the value of virtual office hours |
|
|
178 | (1) |
|
Accessing the virtual office |
|
|
179 | (2) |
|
Chapter 10 Meeting the People in (and Around) Your Classroom |
|
|
181 | (18) |
|
Getting to Know the Folks Who Are Front and Center |
|
|
182 | (8) |
|
Acquainting yourself with your instructor |
|
|
182 | (5) |
|
Interacting with fellow students |
|
|
187 | (3) |
|
Seeing Who's Behind the Scenes |
|
|
190 | (9) |
|
Noting classroom guests and observers |
|
|
190 | (1) |
|
Calling on technical support |
|
|
191 | (4) |
|
Let me "Google that" for you |
|
|
195 | (1) |
|
Receiving academic support |
|
|
195 | (3) |
|
Developing your personal support system |
|
|
198 | (1) |
|
Chapter 11 Communicating Clearly Online |
|
|
199 | (18) |
|
Checking Out Methods of Communicating Online |
|
|
199 | (6) |
|
Instructor-to-class communication in news and announcements |
|
|
200 | (1) |
|
Learner-to-learner communication in discussions |
|
|
201 | (1) |
|
One-on-one communication via private email or messaging |
|
|
202 | (3) |
|
Creating and Putting Forward an Online Persona |
|
|
205 | (5) |
|
Depicting positive personality traits online |
|
|
205 | (4) |
|
|
|
209 | (1) |
|
Participating in Discussions |
|
|
210 | (4) |
|
Understanding why you're asked to discuss |
|
|
210 | (1) |
|
Organizing discussions in different ways |
|
|
210 | (3) |
|
Figuring out discussion requirements |
|
|
213 | (1) |
|
|
|
213 | (1) |
|
Tapping into Social Networks |
|
|
214 | (3) |
|
Benefitting from communicating outside the virtual classroom |
|
|
214 | (2) |
|
|
|
216 | (1) |
|
Chapter 12 Developing Good Study Habits for Online Courses |
|
|
217 | (22) |
|
Setting Aside Time to Learn |
|
|
217 | (4) |
|
Working at your peak times |
|
|
218 | (1) |
|
Checking in every day for a short time |
|
|
218 | (1) |
|
Calculating how much time you need to finish longer tasks |
|
|
219 | (2) |
|
Blocking off enough study time each week |
|
|
221 | (1) |
|
Navigating the Web Efficiently |
|
|
221 | (5) |
|
Keeping multiple browser windows open |
|
|
222 | (1) |
|
Avoiding time wasted by chasing links |
|
|
223 | (1) |
|
Using social bookmarking tools |
|
|
224 | (2) |
|
|
|
226 | (6) |
|
Finding the stuff you need to read |
|
|
226 | (2) |
|
Deciding whether to print online reading material |
|
|
228 | (1) |
|
Increasing the font size in your browser to help you read more easily |
|
|
229 | (1) |
|
Taking notes on what you read |
|
|
229 | (1) |
|
Keeping track of everything you've already read |
|
|
230 | (2) |
|
|
|
232 | (6) |
|
|
|
233 | (1) |
|
|
|
234 | (3) |
|
Watching tutorials on the library site |
|
|
237 | (1) |
|
|
|
238 | (1) |
|
Chapter 13 Getting a Handle on Group Dynamics |
|
|
239 | (16) |
|
Making Your Online Group Successful |
|
|
240 | (11) |
|
Introducing yourself in a group forum |
|
|
240 | (2) |
|
Establishing a leader and other roles |
|
|
242 | (1) |
|
Setting up a group schedule |
|
|
243 | (1) |
|
|
|
244 | (1) |
|
Using collaborative tools |
|
|
245 | (6) |
|
|
|
251 | (1) |
|
|
|
251 | (4) |
|
Understanding the conflicts you may encounter (and handling them) |
|
|
251 | (2) |
|
Bringing problems to your instructor's attention |
|
|
253 | (2) |
|
Chapter 14 Recognizing We Are Global |
|
|
255 | (10) |
|
Setting the Stage for Global Learning |
|
|
255 | (1) |
|
Meeting People around the World |
|
|
256 | (2) |
|
Recognizing the value of cultural difference |
|
|
257 | (1) |
|
Accessing experts from anywhere |
|
|
258 | (1) |
|
Accessing the Internet around the World |
|
|
258 | (3) |
|
Considering residential expenses |
|
|
259 | (1) |
|
Getting connected outside your home |
|
|
259 | (2) |
|
Being aware of restrictions |
|
|
261 | (1) |
|
Making the Most of Your Class Time |
|
|
261 | (4) |
|
Recognizing what's different about online classes around the world |
|
|
261 | (1) |
|
Adjusting for differences in time zones |
|
|
262 | (1) |
|
|
|
263 | (2) |
|
Chapter 15 Understanding Netiquette and Ethical Behavior |
|
|
265 | (14) |
|
Defining and Using Netiquette |
|
|
265 | (4) |
|
Communicating politely and respectfully |
|
|
266 | (3) |
|
|
|
269 | (1) |
|
Recognizing the Importance of Online Ethics |
|
|
269 | (2) |
|
Being honest in the written word |
|
|
270 | (1) |
|
Showing integrity by following through |
|
|
270 | (1) |
|
Respecting privacy and confidentiality |
|
|
271 | (1) |
|
Asking before you repurpose prior work |
|
|
271 | (1) |
|
|
|
271 | (8) |
|
Defining plagiarism and related concepts |
|
|
272 | (1) |
|
Getting the facts on plagiarism |
|
|
273 | (1) |
|
|
|
274 | (2) |
|
|
|
276 | (1) |
|
Looking at the penalties for plagiarism |
|
|
277 | (2) |
|
Chapter 16 Finishing and Submitting Your Assignments |
|
|
279 | (22) |
|
Understanding the Ramifications of Rubrics |
|
|
280 | (2) |
|
|
|
280 | (2) |
|
Using rubrics to your advantage |
|
|
282 | (1) |
|
|
|
282 | (5) |
|
Examining different writing styles |
|
|
282 | (2) |
|
Knowing what's expected in your writing |
|
|
284 | (2) |
|
Demonstrating critical thinking |
|
|
286 | (1) |
|
Completing Different Types of Assignments |
|
|
287 | (5) |
|
Mastering papers and projects |
|
|
287 | (2) |
|
Participating in discussions |
|
|
289 | (1) |
|
|
|
290 | (2) |
|
|
|
292 | (3) |
|
Where did you store that file? |
|
|
292 | (1) |
|
Attachments! Uploading papers and projects |
|
|
293 | (1) |
|
Post, Emily! Submitting discussion posts |
|
|
294 | (1) |
|
The Submit button on quizzes and tests |
|
|
294 | (1) |
|
Tips for submitting any assignment |
|
|
295 | (1) |
|
Understand How and When to Use Media |
|
|
295 | (6) |
|
|
|
296 | (1) |
|
|
|
296 | (1) |
|
|
|
297 | (1) |
|
|
|
298 | (3) |
|
Chapter 17 Building a Portfolio of Work |
|
|
301 | (16) |
|
Developing a Body of Work to Take with You |
|
|
301 | (11) |
|
Understanding how to use an ePortfolio |
|
|
303 | (1) |
|
Checking out typical components of an ePortfolio |
|
|
303 | (4) |
|
Choosing a method for creating an ePortfolio |
|
|
307 | (2) |
|
Designing a successful ePortfolio |
|
|
309 | (2) |
|
Transferring your existing portfolio to the web |
|
|
311 | (1) |
|
Getting Help with Finding a Job |
|
|
312 | (5) |
|
Benefiting from career services at your school |
|
|
312 | (1) |
|
Perusing general job search sites |
|
|
313 | (1) |
|
Establishing networks while studying online |
|
|
314 | (3) |
|
PART 4 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS IN ONLINE LEARNING |
|
|
317 | (36) |
|
Chapter 18 Educating Students from Kindergarten through High School |
|
|
319 | (18) |
|
Understanding Why Kids Are Attending School Online |
|
|
320 | (1) |
|
|
|
320 | (1) |
|
|
|
320 | (1) |
|
Seeing the Differences between K-12 and Adult Online Education |
|
|
321 | (6) |
|
Safety concerns with children |
|
|
322 | (1) |
|
Enhanced parental involvement |
|
|
323 | (2) |
|
More real-time opportunities |
|
|
325 | (1) |
|
|
|
325 | (2) |
|
Checking Out Different Kinds of Virtual Schools for Kids and Teens |
|
|
327 | (6) |
|
|
|
327 | (3) |
|
Outsourced instruction and charter schools |
|
|
330 | (2) |
|
|
|
332 | (1) |
|
Going Through the K-12 Enrollment Process |
|
|
333 | (4) |
|
Finding the right classes |
|
|
334 | (1) |
|
Confirming credits before taking classes |
|
|
334 | (1) |
|
Understanding articulation agreements |
|
|
335 | (2) |
|
Chapter 19 Accessibility in Online Education |
|
|
337 | (16) |
|
Determining Whether the Courses You Want to Take Are Accessible |
|
|
338 | (6) |
|
Do the courses follow accessibility standards? |
|
|
339 | (3) |
|
Are the courses tested for accessibility? |
|
|
342 | (1) |
|
How will the school help me if I cannot access information in a course? |
|
|
343 | (1) |
|
Disclosing a Disability to Your Chosen Online School |
|
|
344 | (5) |
|
Understanding why and when you need to disclose |
|
|
345 | (1) |
|
Figuring out what information to disclose |
|
|
346 | (1) |
|
|
|
347 | (2) |
|
Using Assistive Technology Online |
|
|
349 | (4) |
|
Reading web pages with screen readers |
|
|
349 | (1) |
|
Transcribing and captioning audio and video files |
|
|
350 | (1) |
|
Considering accommodation options for synchronous sessions |
|
|
351 | (2) |
|
|
|
353 | (16) |
|
Chapter 20 Ten Myths about Online Learning |
|
|
355 | (8) |
|
Online Learning Is Anytime/Anywhere |
|
|
355 | (1) |
|
Only Kids Take Online Courses |
|
|
356 | (1) |
|
An Online Course Is a Helpful Way to Learn How to Use Your Computer |
|
|
357 | (1) |
|
You Must Be a Computer Geek to Take an Online Course |
|
|
357 | (1) |
|
Online Learning Is Easier than Face-to-Face Classes |
|
|
358 | (1) |
|
Online Courses Are Lower in Quality than Face-to-Face Courses |
|
|
359 | (1) |
|
Online Learning Is Always Independent |
|
|
359 | (1) |
|
Online Learning Is Less Personal than Traditional Learning |
|
|
360 | (1) |
|
You Need a Webcam for an Online Class |
|
|
360 | (1) |
|
|
|
361 | (2) |
|
Chapter 21 Ten Best Practices for Online Learners -- Including Self-Care |
|
|
363 | (6) |
|
Treat Learning Like It's a Job |
|
|
363 | (1) |
|
It's Not a Sprint -- It's a Marathon |
|
|
364 | (1) |
|
Manage Your Own Expectations |
|
|
364 | (1) |
|
Your Calendar Is Your Best Friend |
|
|
365 | (1) |
|
Advocate for Yourself: Ask for Help |
|
|
365 | (1) |
|
Be Present in Class (And Let Your Instructor Know) |
|
|
366 | (1) |
|
Give Constructive Feedback |
|
|
366 | (1) |
|
It's Okay to Take a Break |
|
|
367 | (1) |
|
|
|
368 | (1) |
|
|
|
368 | (1) |
| Index |
|
369 | |
Lisainfo e-raamatute kohta