The format of distance learning courses is different than what most students have experienced. The teaching style is more student directed and you will have to become accustomed to these differences. Distance learning relies heavily on technology. If you aren't computer and internet savvy, you will need to learn new skills, in addition to your coursework. Look for classes or workshops on computers and the internet. These are often available in public libraries or community centers. You may feel overwhelmed at the thought of taking another class, but the time you spend learning to use the technology will save you time in the long run.
Most colleges offer support for new students. Some schools may have orientation sessions at the start of a new semester. If your school offers this, plan on attending. You will gain valuable information about the structure of the course and the technology used. Instructors often give advice for organizing your time at these sessions. In addition, you will get a feel for the teacher's expectations. Most schools offer tutorials to help you learn to use the online classroom and other software used in distance learning programs.
Research papers are common assignments in both traditional and distance learning college courses. Utilize the resources offered by your college to help complete necessary research. If the school is in driving distance from your home, take advantage of the college library. Other colleges may allow you to use their library with a student ID from your school. Many schools offer an online library database. Learn to use the database to save time when researching. Quite a bit of research can be done online, which can save you time as well.
The workload in distance learning courses is similar to traditional college coursework. The basic format of most courses involves studying the text, completing assignments and taking exams. Just about all work will involve reading and writing, so take some time to improve your skills in these areas. You will most likely have a fair amount of reading assigned both in the text and from outside sources. Schedule enough time to complete all reading assignments. Get the textbooks early and read the first few chapters before classes start to become familiar with the material.
Taking non traditional college courses requires commitment and time management skills. The ability to work at your own pace can turn into procrastination. Set goals for yourself and make a schedule that will allow you to reach those goals in a reasonable amount of time. Plan on spending at least nine hours each week for each class you take. Schedule study time and stick to your schedule. It's important not to fall behind and even better to stay a week ahead of the class schedule.
You won't be completely isolated when taking distance learning courses. Stay in contact with your instructor and ask for feedback regularly. Instructors will have office hours when you can call, or you can stay in touch with email. You may be given opportunities to interact with other students through chats, message boards or online study groups. Take advantage of these opportunities, if studying with others is helpful to you. Some colleges offer online tutoring, usually in math and writing. Take advantage of every opportunity for the best experience.
Katie Robbins is a freelance writer for degreeclick.com, a web resource where she regularly publishes informative articles about online education. Some of the topics she covers include online universities, health care degrees, and criminal justice degrees.
![]() Google News Updated : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:25:37 GMT Gustav on the Brink of Explosive Development - Washington Post
Washington Post - Over the past 48 hours Tropical Storm Gustav proved it was a survivor, as it withstood difficult journeys over Haiti and Jamaica. Now it may turn into a monster. Video: Gustav Set to Batter Cuba, Enter Gulf of Mexico Gustav threatens Caymans after swamping Jamaica Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:05:23 GMT Evacuations begin in Louisiana - Houston Chronicle
Houston Chronicle - By DANE SCHILLER Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle NEW ORLEANS - About 1000 disabled and elderly residents west of the city are being evacuated this afternoon and New Orleans officials are considering whether to order more people out of the projected ... Video: New Orleans Braces For Gustav Gulf Coast prepares as storm Gustav approaches Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:56:04 GMT Microsoft to Buy Greenfield, Adding European Web Shopping Site - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Phil Serafino and Dina Bass Aug. 29 (Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp., seeking to catch Google Inc. in the Internet-search market, agreed to buy Greenfield Online Inc. for $486 million to add Web sites that help consumers find product reviews and ... Survey Says ... Microsoft Is a Smart Shopper Microsoft to buy price comparison website Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:24:21 GMT Detroit mayor's political future back in court - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - DETROIT (AP) - A lawyer for Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick asked a judge Friday to freeze next week's hearing that could remove him from office, accusing Gov. Judge to decide Tuesday on mayor's bid to halt ouster Hearing under way on suit against Granholm Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:06:32 GMT Thai Protest Stops Trains and Planes - New York Times
New York Times - By THOMAS FULLER BANGKOK - Protesters in Thailand ratcheted up their campaign to oust the government on Friday, broadening their occupation to stop trains and block provincial airports, as well as waging an unsuccessful attack on police headquarters ... Thai rioters attack police station UPDATE 8-Thai protests hit police HQ, disrupt airports Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:31:31 GMT Mayor Melton Advises Public of West Nile Precautions - WLBT-TV WLBT-TV - When planning outdoor activities this Labor Day weekend, Jackson residents are encouraged to reduce their risk of contracting West Nile virus by protecting themselves from mosquito bites and removing sources of standing water near their homes. DELAWARE: West Nile virus appears later than usual West Nile victim's widow ponders his death Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:28:14 GMT In Lack of Health Insurance Coverage Texas Is First - eMaxHealth.com
eMaxHealth.com - Texas is at the top of the heap again - this time we are the most uninsured state, health care-wise, in the country. Oh wait, being without health insurance coverage is not a good thing, is it? Number of uninsured Americans drops Update2: Number Of Americans Without Health Insurance Drops Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:22:00 GMT Website Traffic Promotion |
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