Benae Lambright's Archive
Posted by Benae Lambright on October 8th, 2008
While attending class online there are a few proactive approaches that can be taken to make your experience more effective. These approaches can range from meeting deadlines to having adequate computer skills and tools to developing relationships with your classmates.
With more opportunities available for people to attend school in the comfort of their home, some students may feel that their learning experience is lacking something. Usually it’s the one-on-one interaction that makes distance learning challenging. From Kindergarten to Twelfth grade, you were always exposed to a group of students, teachers and administrators. Now your only physical interaction is between you and your computer. But this does not mean you have to feel isolated. Creating a learning environment that is engaging will help you to benefit from this non-traditional learning experience.
Before making the decision to attend an online college or university, or even to just take a class online ensure that you have the proper equipment. Having a computer is not enough to enable you to be a successful student. Check with the admissions department to see what software will be required. You may also want to confirm that you have an up-to-date operating system on your computer and Internet speed that will not allow you to get frustrated because the many images, sounds and papers take forever to load on your computer.
Once you are enrolled in class, find out the best ways to communicate with your classmates and instructor. Most schools will utilize discussion boards to share ideas, thoughts and the material learned but another resource usually available is the Student Lounge. Not all schools call it the same thing but the majority of online courses will have an area that allows students to communicate or “chat” about topics that might not be class related but helps you to get to know your classmates better. You may find that you have a study partner that lives not to far from you. You can also develop friendships with people from all over the world.
There are many benefits to online learning. Some of the biggest include time and convenience, but it is up to you as a student to make it a positive learning opportunity. So begin by establishing an environment that is conducive to learning and then respect the deadlines given by your instructor. Keep the lines of communication open with your instructor and classmates, but most of all enjoy learning.
Posted by Benae Lambright on September 30th, 2008
Many people have heard horrifying stories about diploma mills that are tarnishing the ideologies that support online education. Distance learning has many benefits by offering courses to those who are not able to commit to a traditional college program. But just as the prospective student must do their homework to find the program that is best for them, it is also their responsibility to confirm the online school’s accreditation.
This is an easy task. Using the United States Department of Education (USDE) website, a person can research any school’s accreditation. The USDE site will offer the college or university’s accreditation, along with a particular department’s specialized accreditation if applicable. This can be attained in seconds by using the Department of Education’s search function to look for the school of choice. The Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) also list individual school’s accreditation. Using their database you can also easily locate the accrediting organization for an identified school.
The accreditation process was established to ensure that colleges and universities assure and improve the quality of higher education, according to the CHEA Talking Points: Accreditation, Students and Society article published this June 2008. Schools in the United Statesare granted accreditation through a regional organization. Most degree granting schools will be accredited by one or more of the seven regional groups. Some online programs will be accredited by the same agency that granted accreditation to their college or university’s traditional program but they might also receive professional, religious or other specialized accreditations. The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) has become a recognized accreditation program that many online programs seek.
So while you are gearing up to embark on your new experience of beginning or returning to school, keep in mind the importance of enrolling in a validated online program. Using the USDE or CHEA websites, you can learn whether your potential school has the proper accreditation to grant your degree. The school’s website should also have their accreditation posted, if not this is your first warning sign!
To learn more about accreditation agencies and the regions they cover log onto:
www.CHEA.org or www.DOE.gov
Posted by Benae Lambright on August 26th, 2008
Most people that make the decision to begin an online course of study are usually looking for schools that grant bachelor and master degrees. With the growth of online learning communities so has the opportunity to expand your learning. Online programs can offer courses that grant certificates and professional development. The diversity of options allows for you to enhance your career or begin a new one by finding the program that is best for you.
Online certificate programs are becoming a viable option for many learners. Many community colleges, universities and professional development organizations have begun to tender certificates. There are a multitude of certificate programs being offered through distance learning programs that present learners the chance to complete their goals without obtaining their degree. It is also an option for those that have completed a degree program but would like to build on their knowledge base to further their careers.
Career training courses are popular courses being offered that grant a certificate that shows that you have concluded a class that offered workforce skills that are a part of today’s demand. Courses that focus on Health, Technology, Business, Real Estate, Finance and other industries allow for the students to address their goals for success within a short time frame. Most certificate courses range from 2-6 weeks. Just as college courses are taught by qualified instructors, certificate programs have the same requirements when offered by an accredited institution.
So when a degree program is not the fit for you consider an online certificate program. Online certificates allow for the ability to obtain specific skills, meet the criteria for entry-level opportunities and positions that mandate explicit requirements. Pursuing an online certificate has many benefits that go beyond convenience, it shows your willingness to expand your knowledge and build upon the skills you offer.
Posted by Benae Lambright on August 20th, 2008
Recently, the Higher Education Act underwent reauthorization, focusing on illegal file sharing and the assurance that students enrolled in online learning courses are the ones taking the test. If passed, this bill will require colleges and universities that offer distance learning programs to create student policies that benefit the trustworthiness of online programs. Students who are admitted to programs must show respect to the institution that they are enrolled in and the ideology of online programs.
The implementation and enforcement of the Higher Education Act’s revisions and expansions will help to isolate the diploma mill program and build the support base for distance learning. The bill supports the use of web cams to provide guarantee that the student taking the test is properly identified. Using emerging technologies as a part of the test taking process gives schools options to provide a comprehensive learning environment for the their students.
Many schools that offer online courses have developed programs that have limited tests. Most courses are made up of chat rooms, discussion boards and written assignments.
The bill, H.R. 4137, passed Congress on July 31 and is expected to be signed by the president. If signed into law, changes will include file sharing, distance learning, K12 teacher preparation and many areas involving financial aid and college tuition regulations.
Many of us remember preparing to return to school for the New Year. You were excited about the new supplies and clothes, and who would be in your class or your teacher. The only difference between beginning school then and now is your age and you won’t need those new clothes. But you do need the required supplies to make your college experience as successful as possible.
Most online schools will have particular requirements beyond the Internet that you will need to complete your assignments. Before enrolling in an online program you should find out what software, textbooks and time will be required. Some online courses are now integrating CD and DVDs into the curriculum, so a membership to your local library or video store might come in helpful.
The common thread that all online schools have as mentioned earlier in the article is the need for a reliable internet service. Some people may feel that if they have access to the internet by either going to the library, a relative’s house or having a laptop and hanging out in a nearby hot spot this will be acceptable to complete their degree; this may not be the best idea. With technology there can always be the possibilities of your computer or internet access being “down”. Secure an online connection offered by an experienced Internet Service Provider. The likelihood of your connection be unavailable is minimal. Depending on a family member to home and allow you to use their computer can be more problematic than an advantage while relying on public connectivity at your local library or coffee house with Wi-Fi can conflict with your schedule and posed other problems. With the current weather trends and gas prices being able to commute to various places for internet services may be more of a detriment that a benefit.
You should also have a clear understanding of what software is being used to complete assignments. Most school requires the use of Microsoft Office applications. This software package will include Word for completing your essays and other written assignments. It also includes Excel and PowerPoint, two applications that are being used more widely in the education world to display student assignments. Confirm what software is needed and what version you are using. If you do not have the appropriate software; check with your academic advisor before purchasing it. Many schools offer the software at a discounted price.
Textbooks are usually not the concern. Within your tuition, books are usually included and will be mailed directly to you. Ensure that your mailing address is correct. This will help you to receive your books in a timely fashion. Once you receive your books, check the syllabus to confirm that you received the correct book and edition. If you do not receive your books by the start of the course inform your instructor and academic advisor immediately. They may be able to assist in the process and expedite the delivery.
You may not feel that time is a supply, but it is a commodity that you use up and never get back. Although the school can not mandate the time needed to complete your task for class you can schedule out your time to allow you the appropriate amount needed for YOU as a student. You should try to schedule between 5-10 hours per week for your classes. This should be sufficient in helping you to cover your reading, discussion, real-time discussions and additional research that might be required.
Prepare for school in the beginning and you will have less confusion and set backs later on. Once your class begins, your focus should be on content and not how to execute it. Proper planning has always been valuable.
Being a student in an online atmosphere can be overwhelming. At times you may even feel alone. Due to the distance learning format the biggest form of communication is EMAIL. It is essential to use this tool to develop a relationship with your online instructor.
As a part of your class requirements you will have the opportunity to “chat” with the class using the discussion boards and real-time seminars or chat sessions, but the best way to speak one-on-one with the course facilitator is to use email to ask questions, clarify information, share thoughts and get to know your professor.
Online schools have instructor policies that require them to check email daily, host office hours and at some schools have access to instant messaging. The accessibility to your professor may not be the experience of a face-to-face meeting but it can be an opportunity for open discussion. Review your class syllabus to see what the best way to contact your professor. If email is the preferred option, send an email to introduce yourself outside of the opening unit’s introductory opportunity. Save the instructor’s email address in your contact list, as well as include them on your safe list. You would not want to miss a correspondence from your instructor because it goes to your bulk mail box.
It is recommended that you use the email system of your school. Just as you would not want to miss an email from your professor, the opposite applies. Using your personal email account may be flagged by the school’s email administration as an unsolicited email. It may forward it to a bulk mailbox or the professor may dismiss it as spam. Many times your personal email account does not identify you but instead describes our alternate egos. Beware that email names that are “suggestive” and “unique” may not be answered. The school’s assigned email account will give you better odds of your email being directed to the professor’s inbox and responded to in a timely fashion.
Your instructor will appreciate your outreach. This will also help to set the expectations of your learning experience. Using email or instant messaging will afford you the chance to make a presence with your professor. It is also a way to keep your professor informed. As an online student you probably have a demanding schedule. That is a major reason for many who enroll at an online college or university. There are times when you may have difficulty meeting your deadlines, communicating with your instructor can help you to stay focused, make up work and find out about discussions or resources you may have missed.
Keeping the lines of communication open will only enhance your learning experience. It will not only keep you engaged in the process, it will also elicit dialogue from your professor. Just keep the emails respectful and with the understanding that what you write might not be interpreted as what you meant. So, keep your emails short and to the point. Identify yourself, the class you attend and what your specific question is. The easier it is for the instructor to understand you, the easier it is for them to provide a substantial response.
Many people feel that enrolling in an online program is not compatible to an on-ground learning experience. Yes, there are many differences between the two methods of instruction, but one thing that does not differ is student participation. In the online environment it is more critical to participate in the discussion- it is usually a significant part of your grade.
Discussion boards helped to foster a community of learners that share ideas, knowledge, suggestions and debate. The conversation in a traditional classroom can range from spirited to low-key or non existence and so can the discussion in an online classroom. The average online course will have weekly discussions that require students to participate by submitting a reply to a posted question or scenario and then responding to their classmates’ posted answers to the same question. This process allows for the students to share their learning as well as comment on others by offering positive feedback. Positive feedback can be in the form of encouragement and agreement to a classmates posted retort or it can be by sharing an alternative perspective. One thing that all classroom participants must understand is that it is okay to disagree or have a different opinion from their classmates. Usually classmates tend to agree on the discussed topic, it is common that the instructor has the diverse opinion. But remember, the instructor and students must use the course material as a guide and resource.
Another important part of the discussion board is to frequently visit the forum. The student will be given a deadline to post and respond to the unit’s discussion board. Within that time frame it is recommended that a student visit the discussion at least three times. This may not always be an easy task to have the accessibility or time to accomplish this, but as a commitment to yourself and your classmates, if all involved attempt to frequent the board and share, the dialogue will remain engaging and educe others to contribute.
If the online learner can schedule three times out of the unit to post to the discussion board, the dialogue between classmates and the instructor will be constant and on-topic. A way to ensure your participation in the unit’s discussion is to:
- Read and Post to the discussion within the first 24 hours of the unit’s opening.
- Return to the discussion board within 48- 72 hours of your initial post to answer others that may have commented to your response and reply to your classmates’ original post.
- If possible, return to the discussion within the last day or two before the unit ends. At this time you will share any further thoughts you have developed from the readings, seminars, essays or other resources you have experienced throughout the week.
This formula for “active participation” may not be an easy task to commit to. If you are able to meet these minimum recommendations, you can gain so much from the experience. Give it a try! There are probably many ways to stay abreast of the discussion and be a part of the classroom conversation.
Tags: class work, Colleges and Universities, coursework, discussion board, expectations, Online Education, online learning, Organization, Time Management
Categories: Colleges and Universities, My Online Experience, Online Education
Making the decision to begin college for the first time or return to school as an adult is not an easy decision to make. Many times you will question this choice because of the challenge you see before you. In the past, if you choose to enroll in college your choice was to either register at the local community college or 4-year University. Today, attending classes at an on-ground institution is still an option but with the many advances in technology, distance education has become an advantage for many, especially the working mother.
A mother who works full-time spends about 10 hours of their day managing household activities, caring for household members, purchasing goods and services and their work related responsibilities, according to a report by the United States Department of Labor. If you add in sleep, leisure, sports and travel, you will begin to wonder how you incorporate going back to school, into your already busy day. Time management and organization are two pivotal ways to accomplish this goal. Just as you map out your plans for you children’s day, you must also make school a priority. It may not be as easy as you would like, but some planning in the beginning will save you a lot of worries later on during your course.
Just as school age children are being taught to brainstorm, plan and implement the many skills learned, we as adults can learn from this elementary practice. By using a calendar to schedule your day, you can limit the amount of confusion you face between class deadlines and carpooling your children to the many activities they are involved in, but require your participation. Find which method fits your style best: paper calendars that are available in notebook or pocket -size planners or if you are more tech savvy, you may prefer to keep your calendar in a software program or on your cell phone. One suggestion is to utilize your college’s email and calendar options. This will get you in the habit of checking your online course page daily. Logging into your class daily or quite frequently helps to minimize you missing announcements and updates from your instructor and encourages you to participate in the course’s discussion boards, seminars or other asynchronous formats used by your online college or university.
After you select what will be used to schedule your day, then it is advisable to schedule your “class timeâ€. This is the time that you will devote to school. During this time you can read assignments, take online quizzes, post to discussion boards, write your papers or just study your notes. Just as you would have a set time to attend an on-ground class, you are devoting a specific time for you to complete your work. This dedicated “class time†should be organized and a commitment that you and your family should try to respect. When the working mother decides to embark on their distance learning experience, it is encouraged that this decision is supported by the whole family. It is very hard to comprehend what you are trying to learn if you are constantly interrupted by someone else wanting your attention. This time may have to be once the children are in bed or a few hours before the get up in the morning, but it needs to be uninterrupted time that will allow you to meet the weekly class requirements in a timely fashion. Because you are not able to see the instructor and your classmates face to face, your frequent participation in the learning process helps to build a community of learners.
The role of the working mother student is not easy, but it has so many rewards if you are able to stay on track. The completion of your degree may seem like an eternity, an impossible feat or just a challenge that you may not want to take on, but with effective organizational and time management skills, you can find your learning experience to be a lot more enjoyable, less stressful and a goal that is not that hard to reach.
Resources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics. United States Department of Labor. May 2008. http://www.bls.gov/news.release/atus2.t02.htm
