Introduction to Online Learning: A Guide for Students / Edition 1

by Julie L. Globokar

Overview

A survival guide companion for students beginning their first online or hybrid class

Introduction to Online Learning introduces first-time distance learners to the realities of Web-based education and serves as the most comprehensive, practical guide to achieving success when facing online-specific barriers as well as common academic hurdles. Written by an experienced instructor, this invaluable aid shows students how to overcome challenges related to e-mail communication, technological catastrophes, staying organized on a daily basis, and more. Students learn to take advantage of the unique resources available for those enrolled in internet-based programs and to make the most of their Web-based educational experience by tailoring it to their personal strengths, needs, and learning styles.

Key Features

• The author provides clear explanations of how to tailor research, writing, and citing sources to the online classroom, as well as when citations are necessary
• Concrete, original examples link the text to students' personal experiences; illustrations vividly bring material to life
• Screenshots and excerpts from online syllabi help students navigate their first course requirements
• Examples of appropriate discussion board interaction aid students in progressing in their course with confidence
• Self-assessments guide students in determining individual learning styles and levels of preparedness

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781412978224
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	04/28/2010
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	136
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

Julie Globokar holds a Master’s Degree and is currently pursuing her Ph D in criminal justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has extensive experience with both online and face-to-face instruction at the college level, and has served for three years as an academic chair for online courses in Kaplan University's Undergraduate School of Criminal Justice. She is dedicated to helping students overcome barriers to reach their goals.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Chapter 1 Debunking the Myths of Online Education 1

Introduction 1

Myth #1 Taking Online Courses Is "Settling" for a Lesser-Quality Education 2

Myth #2 I Am Feeling Overwhelmed; Online Learning Must Not Be for Me 3

Myth #3 I Don't Know My Way Around a Computer: I Can't Do This! 3

Myth #4 With Online Education, I Am "Going It Alone" 4

Myth #5 I Am Online All the Time: This Will Be Easy! 7

Myth #6 Online Learning Requires Less Time Than Traditional Education 8

Myth #7 Since This Is an Online Course, I Can Complete the Coursework Whenever I Want 9

Myth #8 My Online Coursework Will Not Be Respected by Others 11

Conclusion 12

Reflection Questions 12

Chapter Checklist 12

Related Resources 13

Chapter 2 Where Do I Start? 15

Introduction 15

Technology Basics 16

Getting Comfortable With the Online Campus 19

Exploring the Online Classroom 20

Knowing What to Look For 22

Conclusion 27

Knowing How to Cite 113

Preparing to Cite Your Sources 115

Conclusion 116

Reflection Questions 117

Chapter Checklist 117

Related Resources 118

Index 119

About the Author 123