1. Online Education for Dummies Steve Schawalder EDUC 632 Fall 2011

2. 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

3. Required Technology and Computer Skills Technology Most Basic Skills

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Characteristics of Successful Online Learners Self-starter Persistent Good time management skills Independent workers Patient

9. 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

10. Required Skills Read and scroll Type quickly Digitally organized Navigate the Web Download and install software Use e-mail

11. Chapter 4: Discovering What’s Available Online To continue learning means promotions, higher earning potential, elevated status, and personal enrichment

12. What is Available? Earn traditional credit Your degree Continue your education Professional development Personal interest

13. Where do you go? Four-year colleges Two-year colleges Institutions specifically for certificates, professional development, and training Virtual schools for children and teens

14. Fully Online vs. Blended Courses Completely online Blended courses

15. Instructor-led vs. Self-paced Courses 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 Instructor-led Distinct schedule Whole class works on the same content at the same time Frequent peer-to-peer and peer-to-instructor contact

16. Asynchronous Courses vs. Synchronous Courses Synchronous Weekly required meetings where everyone participates Asynchronous Work on your own schedule, but must meet deadlines

17. Accelerated Programs and Courses Courses condensed into 8 or fewer weeks Frequently teach material you can use right away

18. 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

19. Talk to an Advisor to Learn: Courses available Prerequisites Retention rate Services available Duration Schedule

20. Talk to a Faculty Member to Learn: Required training Expectations How to get help when needed

21. Talk to Other Students to Learn: What their experience was like How they would rate the quality of their education