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Is Online Learning For Me? |
Below you will find a
series of questions for you to consider before registering for an online
course. This is to make certain that you are qualified to be a
successful online learner.
1. Do you have access to a computer
with a CD-ROM drive, an Internet connection, and a printer at home or at work?
In order be a successful online student
you will need access to a reliable computer with a CD-ROM drive, printer and
Internet connection.
2. Would you feel comfortable learning
without having face-to-face interaction with your instructor?
Online courses take place via the
Internet. Courses have been designed to be delivered in an asynchronous
format (anytime/anywhere - 24 hours/7 days a week). Thus, you will not
have any face-to-face interaction with your instructor or classmates.
However, there will be a great deal of interaction via e-mail and online
discussions. Therefore, you are required to know how to send and receive
e-mail messages with attachments before starting an Online Course. If you
prefer face-to-face interaction with your instructor you should consider
attending traditional classes on campus.
3. Can you dedicate a minimum of six to
eight hours per week to participate in the online learning environment?
As with traditional college classes,
online courses require the same amount of time (minimum of six to eight
hours per week) for study time and completing assignments. Online courses
have the same rigor and depth of information as traditional courses.
4. Are you a highly self-motivated and
self-disciplined learner?
To be a successful online student you
will need to be highly motivated and self-disciplined in terms of
arranging your time for studying and completing assignments in a timely
and structured manner. Remember, your will not have the face-to-face
reinforcement of an instructor to keep you on task. However, the
instructors will follow-up with you via e-mails, phone calls, or letters.
5. Do you have good time management
skills?
Excellent time management skills are a
good indication that students will perform well in an online course. Due
to the fact that the format of Online Courses are asynchronous, it is easy
to fall behind or wait until the last minute to complete assignments.
6. Are you able to send and receive
e-mails with attachments?
The majority of the interaction with your
instructor and classmates will be through e-mail. You should have a good
understanding of how e-mail works, as well as, be able to send and open
e-mail attachments.
7. Do you feel comfortable reading and
completing assignments without immediate feedback from an instructor?
Again, the design of this program allows
for students to access their course assignments at any time and any where
/ 24 hours - 7 days a week. Thus, students will not receive immediate
feedback in terms of questions and evaluation of assignments. Example: if
you are accessing your course on the weekend and have a question for your
instructor - your instructor might not respond to that question until the
following Monday. Thus, this may become frustrating for students if
immediate feedback is required to complete assignments.
8. Do you think that online learning is
less or more difficult than traditional classroom instruction?
Online courses have the same rigor and
depth of information as traditional courses. The differences are in the
delivery design (asynchronous) in terms of no face-to-face interaction or
scheduled physical appearance as in a traditional classroom. All of your
instructions and assignments are entirely online. Remember, online
asynchronous delivery is just one of the several options for students to
obtain information. Some students find that attending traditional classes
are best suited for their learning style.
9. Do you know how to use Internet
search engines?
You should know how to use Internet
Search Engines to help you to access information and resources online. The
skill of using search engines will assist you with your online course work
and assignments. Listed below are some search engines that will assist you
in locating information, reference materials, articles, books, and other
resources. For additional assistance and information connect to the
MSU Libraries.
10. Do you prefer solving problems on
your own?
Please know that you will be required to
use problem solving skills and methods for many of your courses.
Online courses contain a great deal of written instructions and
interactive problem solving activities. You will have many problem solving
assignments, knowledge and skills application activities, and case
studies. You will have to make decisions based on those instructions
without the immediate aid of your instructor or classmates.
Online Course instructors have been trained to provide supplementary
materials and websites to assist you in solving problems. However, if you
experience problems with assignments you are to contact your instructor
via e-mail or call the instructor during the noted office hours located on
the course syllabus.
For more
information about Online Courses, contact Crystal Riley at 1-800-669-7654 or
270-809-2159 or by email at
crystal.riley@murraystate.edu.
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