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Succeeding in Online Courses. Hiawatha Valley ABE Theresa Luther-Dolan Chuck Butler. Types of Distance Learning. Web Enhanced Video Conference/ITV Correspondence Online Mixed/Hybrid. Advantages. Geography isn’t a limiting factor Schedules tend to be more flexible
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Succeeding in Online Courses Hiawatha Valley ABE Theresa Luther-Dolan Chuck Butler
Types of Distance Learning • Web Enhanced • Video Conference/ITV • Correspondence • Online • Mixed/Hybrid
Advantages • Geography isn’t a limiting factor • Schedules tend to be more flexible • Student-based learning • Mix of media enhances learning
Disadvantages • Little social interaction • Poor time management skills • Face-to-face interaction can be encouraging and for some students necessary • College is more than a classroom
Is Distance Learning Right for Me? • Determine if you have the right access, skills, and motivation to be successful. • Self-Assessment Tools • http://www.sanjuancollege.edu/pages/4404.asp • http://www.minnesotaonline.org/index.html
How to Succeed • Know the expectations for the class • Synchronous chat • Discussion board • Reading materials – text, online, etc • Group activities • Communication and response times
How to Succeed • Manage your time wisely • Don’t procrastinate • Don’t wait for perfection • Combine activities • Don’t expect your instructor to always be online • Make and keep a schedule • Use your free time wisely
Develop Positive Online Relationships • Make a Good First Impression • Effective Email Communication • Stay Organized • Attachment Etiquette • Get to Know your Instructor • Help Create a Successful Online Community
Online Communication • Spell Check and Grammar Check • Compensate for Not Having Non-verbal • Communications and Miscommunication • Avoid Writing in All Capital Letters • Reply/Reply All/Reply with Message
10 Deadly Sins • Don’t “Reply all” unless you mean it • Don’t start or contribute to “flame wars” • Don’t give your instructor a virus!!! • Don’t send or submit things you may regret later • Don’t pass around “forwards”
10 Deadly Sins • Don’t be too casual • Don’t be long-winded or stray from the topic • Watch the subject line • Don’t stray from the thread topic • Don’t send anonymous messages
Ten Best Practices • Count the (time) costs • Identify personal support • Read materials carefully • Be interactive • Add “value” to the course
Ten Best Practices • Make a “regular” study schedule – stick to it!!! • Create a “study zone” • Check your work • Have required equipment and materials • Take responsibility for your own learning
College Online • Learning Environments • Course management systems (D2L, WebCT, Blackboard, etc.) • Email system • Resources • Distance Learning Coordinator • Online Advocate • Instructional Technologist • Student Help Desk • View Example Course • www.mnonline.org