Archive for the ‘My Online Experience’ Category
Online courses became a reality as colleges realized education is like panty hose. One size does not really fit all. I am a relatively small woman 5 ft 4 and 138 pounds and I know that if I buy pantyhose with the label one size fits all, they are going to be somewhat snug. I was drawn to the online courses because they fit my hectic schedule, the on site environment no longer fits my needs.
I take online courses because I believe in the importance of staying up to date on methods and trends. Educational researchers have discovered a great deal about brain development and 21st century skills. At the same time, the monolithic approach in K-12 education that served students well during the industrial era of our country, is declining in its effectiveness.
Students are far more diverse today. Educatiors need to individualize education to meet this diversity. Monolithic approach teachers run the risk of boring students and frustrating others. I did not need a new degree to stay employed as a teacher, but I did need contemporary courses to stay up to date with what I described in the paragraphs preceding.
Professional courses were either online or online with on-site contact. In the process, I learned a lot about the online environment and how it could be used for my own students. Courses included the use of Elluminate, a real time chatting program, where I could hear the voices of my online classmates. There was a “white board” that could be turned on for online student responses. This program and programs like it have great potential for meeting individual needs. Because I teach middle school, many students still need the auditory and visual presence of a teacher. Many middle school students are still not reading well enough to be educated online – they aren’t up to “read and respond” assignments. Read and respond was great for me, but I read and write at a sophisticated level. Like many people working on college degrees, I had to keep working to support myself and online education provided me this opportunity
The courses I took were of my on choosing to enhance what I do as a teacher. But courses are greater than the sum of the individual skills and concepts of the courses. I learned how to “excel” with Excel, set up discussions for staff development, integrate technology into reading, assess student work, and more. More importantly, I became adept at being a student in the online environment – preparation for my own foray into online teaching.
Education is like pantyhose; one size does not fit all. College professors and administrators have figured this out by using the online environment to enroll students who must work full time while getting their degree, or for students like me who need new skills while working full time.
Posted by Sharon Cece on October 28th, 2008
Discipline is the key to any success in life, but especially in regard to an online education. For those attending college on campus, degree seekers receive notices to arrive at campus locations where information is provided immediately by a campus representative. Books are purchased in line at the bookstore, student fees are paid at the Bursar’s office, and social activity takes place en route to any of these destinations in addition to the Student Union. Coursework is learned in classrooms according to the university’s and the professor’s schedule. Discipline of course is required; however, guidance and information are more easily obtained and identified on campus comparable to the online milieu.
Online learning is a wonderful and innovative way to obtain your degree, and certainly the primary benefit is flexibility. Yet, success occurs most often when flexibility on one end is pared closely with discipline on the other. Since specific schedules are not set by the professor, the student must set them and be diligent in keeping up with the coursework and classroom discussions and virtual class participations. Financial aid as well as billing is handled exclusively online, and while this is convenient it sometimes requires a bit of e-sleuthing to locate the information and websites you are seeking. Often there are no reminders of testing and projects ongoing as might happen in a campus classroom; for this reason the student’s best friend is a good planner.
The first semester online can be a bit daunting, as the student will discover that much of the information must be located online and with perhaps a bit more work than just walking into a building and asking questions. It takes time to learn to navigate “Blackboard”, the e-Education platform, as well as the threaded discussions and virtual classrooms. However, after the first semester or two, the student finds he or she becomes quite adapt at online navigation. The technology can be challenging but is also very exciting and opens the student to a new world of learning. One college graduate, Francesca, shares this experience:
“My college had more and more distance learning. Having had done it, I say that it is actually harder in some subjects. It is accelerated and a lot of the learning is your own understanding of the discipline. If the discipline is one you are interested in - like psychology - then you do well. If it is statistics, then some on campus or tutoring can help. My son does distance learning with MIT and now they have chat rooms and the teacher may have a web CAM and you can see her and if you have CAM they can see you. Sometimes the teacher has a white board and can draw diagrams for the class. It’s really neat. In any and all events, you have to have discipline, discipline, discipline”.
For the student who wants to attend college but needs more flexibility than the campus can offer, online learning is a wonderful alternative. Discipline in study and scheduling will ensure the success that is necessary to complete curriculum goals.
Posted by Sharon Cece on October 17th, 2008
Making the decision to return to college can be a complicated one. If you have an unfinished degree with college credits sitting in your academic bank not earning “interest” (forgive the economic pun), certainly the idea gnaws at you from time to time. You abhor the idea of wasting the credits you’ve spent time and money for with no degree to show for it.
This decision is complicated; however, there are factors to consider that may assist in helping you come to some conclusions and feel good about them. One factor is financial in nature (thankfully, there are many financial aid options available today). Another is time. Third might simply be whether you have the incentive or the desire to finish. There may be other factors that pertain specifically to you.
For many years I struggled with the decision to return to school. Having left FSU with 96 credits, you can imagine how I carried around my choice to leave before I graduated for years afterward. There were personal reasons for doing so which made perfect sense to me then and even now, and I never regretted leaving when I did sans degree.
Over the years I toyed with returned to college (I had since moved, so FSU was no longer an option), however, it never seemed to be quite the right time, or I didn’t have the funds, or there was always some life event or issue that was paramount to my education. The truth is, the desire simply wasn’t strong enough.
It strikes me as ironic that when the desire did finally hit me to finish college, I was married with two young children and a very busy life. But I had spent all the time and had 96 credits, and I said to myself, “You know you want this and have always wanted it, so Just Go for It”. I didn’t want to have the regret of an unfinished degree following me for the rest of my life, and my children were starting to ask about my college education. I knew if I was going to encourage them to finish college I needed to walk, literally, as well as talk.
When I decided to “go for it” then, after many many years of toying with the idea, everything seemed to just fall into place. I think that’s how it happens–if you have the desire it will happen and you will make it happen. I was very pleased that I could return to FSU through their online program, and they were able to apply many of my credits toward matriculation. Their online program made it easier, more convenient, and more time-friendly than physically going to classes. Financial aid forms are filled out online, also very convenient. The coursework was tough and challenging, but I wasn’t going back to college to catch a free ride to my degree. And thanks to online options, I arrived at my destination with diploma in hand.
Posted by Sharon Cece on October 9th, 2008
Many students take the traditional approach of attending college during their late teens and early twenties. Some of us, however, begin our college career (or return to finish a degree) at a later time. Often, this means studying and completing schoolwork while at the same time caring for a family. There are a few tips that can help you transition through this challenging time.
Inarguably, online classes afford the most flexibility when you have children to care for since the instruction is done from the computer and you can study and test from home. The great thing about online classes is that you don’t have to scramble to find someone to watch children or worry about being late for classes due to a sleeping child or conflicting school schedules. Usually you can pick an optimal time (during child’s nap for instance) to log on and complete your work or take your tests.
Another helpful tip is to engage the children in your study habits. I had a very difficult course when I first returned back to college after a fourteen year hiatus, and I was nervous about studying and taking tests again. My husband and children often quizzed me in the living room and the kids enjoyed watching mom do course work for a change. We also had “homework hour” for all of us which encouraged them to do their homework while I was doing mine.
I discovered that I was most effective at both parenting and completing my course work when I took on no more than two classes per semester. This is particularly true if you are working as well. Naturally, everyone is different and some students flourish under massive amounts of work, but in speaking with other online participants who were parents as well, it was clear that the two-course workload was optimal for success in all areas.
College is challenging enough, and when you add kids and perhaps work also, it can be a daunting. By pacing yourself, including the kids in your study and taking advantage of online options you can “do it all”. Of course, never expect perfection in any area and factor in the occasional moment when the kids are running around screaming while you’re trying to study or take a quiz, or even missing a quiz here or there due to a sick child. We’ve all been there. It’s okay, and you’ll get through it and soon have that degree. And, when you walk across the stage after waiting so long and working so hard, your kids will be there to witness your moment. The moment will be yours, but your family will feel a great sense of pride over your achievement. It will be a great inspiration for them to pursue their degree, more than any words can say.
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 Sharon Cece on September 29th, 2008
I first attended community college in 1984. Back then, we had to wait in line while registering for school, signing up for classes and making payments. I also had to submit financial aid paperwork in person (after waiting in line, again) and, here’s the kicker, had to physically get in my car and drive to school at predetermined times each week in order to attend classes.
Well, you can only imagine my surprise and delight when I re-emerged onto the collegiate scene via distance learning methods. The first advantage was continuing the degree I started at FSU, where I attended brick and mortar in 1990. I worried that I would lose all my the credits I worked so hard for by not returning to that particular school. Online instruction allowed me to “go back” to FSU even though I lived in North Carolina. Since I was a returning student, FSU was liberal when it came to applying credits toward my matriculation.
Clearly, the other advantage to online learning was time, time, time. Along with location, location, location. No more red-eye 8:15 in the morning classes–classwork is done according to your schedule and flexibility. Not able to take the quiz at 10 AM? No problem, you can take it at 5, or 7 or even 11:30 PM, since most quizzes and tests have a “window” within a 24- and sometimes even a 48-hour period. You can also take the quiz in a bathrobe or pajamas right there in your bedroom or living room, even outside, with a steaming cup of coffee by your side. Ah, life is good. Just don’t spill the coffee on your keyboard.
Registering for classes is a breeze, since it’s all done via your computer. Financial aid forms are also done online now through the individual colleges along with the FAFSA website. Payments can even be made electronically.
Of course, the price you pay for convenience is individual accountability and self-structure. In order to succeed online, you need to be organized and keep up to date on the classes and assignments. Structure is definitively self-imposed. In some ways, you also miss out on the face to face socialization; however, I found that the threaded discussions and virtual classrooms were very intellectually stimulating, and gave me a sense of social interfacing.
Posted by Sharon Cece on September 22nd, 2008
I first attended college back in 1984, fully expecting to have my degree within the customary four years. My goals at that time were typical: job, college, boyfriend which I expected to segue into career, degree, marriage. But as many of you know, “life” takes detours and that sometimes includes your education. Somehow, without planning it, I left college (with 96 credits under my belt!) and though my work experiences and marriage stayed on track, my education took a pit stop.
Though my life was pretty fulfilled, I continued to have this nagging sense of unfinished business. I often said how I wished I finished my degree at Florida State, but here I was almost 20 years later living in Raleigh, North Carolina. Talk about a long commute!
Fortunately, FSU had a good distance learning program and they were able to restructure the classes I had taken for Business Administration into a Social Science program. For the record, it is no easy ride with distance learning. It was very challenging at times with a little one tugging me while I finished a timed quiz in my bathrobe, or juggling my school cap among all the other hats I wore. But finishing my degree online enabled me to fit in my studies whenever I wanted, for the most part, and within my schedule rather than the other way around. I needed the sheer flexibility of eLearning or it wouldn’t have happened for me.
In April of 2006, I received my Bachelor of Science in Social Science. My degree is hanging directly over my laptop as I type, in a stunning frame that I splurged on in the FSU school colors (of course!) Garnet and Gold. Though I am proud of many things I have accomplished in my life, I cannot describe, even now, how amazed I am that after 21 years I finally have my degree.
Posted by J.M. Striegel on August 15th, 2008
School is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to make sure you have your greatest online tool, your computer, ready to assist you in all your online educational needs.
Let’s be realistic, if you computer isn’t running with enough memory, at least 1 gig, you might run into some issues with saving documents, running programs, using collaborative software, and general memory swapping issues. Shop around, make certain your new components will work with your current system and make the changes you know you’ve needed to address. A computer crash in the middle of working to meet a deadline is not a productive educational challenge you need to face.
Take a day to remove any old programs you no longer need, clear your cache, clean out the recycle bin, and tidy up your on-screen desktop. Get ahead of the game and start labeling your online folders and begin to organize where your new semester items will be contained. A little organization and tidiness now will pay off later.
Are your programs current? Are you running the latest version of Adobe Acrobat, iTunes, and RealPlayer? These are just a few programs you may need for your online classes. Others include online communication tools like Yahoo Instant Messenger or AOL Instant Messenger. Having the latest updates will make sure your communication gets through accordingly. What about the latest version of your internet browser? Email program? Adobe Flash? Virus protection? Windows updates? Deal with these issues now before they prohibit you from getting your work done. Don’t forget to check if your school offers educational discounts or free programs!
When I see kids shopping for new school supplies, I’m always a little envious. I loved shopping for new notebooks, folders, boxes of crayons, and new pens and pencils. While you may not need all of the items in the “back to school” aisle, don’t forget you need printer paper, printer ink or toner, maybe a flash drive (for both portability and backing up your work), and any new software/hardware you need to help you get the most out of your educational experience. It’s okay if you can’t stop yourself from picking up a few highlighters, sticky notes, and pens.
While you’re at, just like in the days of old, why not get your eyes checked? You’ll be looking at a computer screen a lot this semester, and it never hurts to make sure your eyes are ready for the computer hours you are about to log.
J.M. Striegel
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.
Posted by Jen Zeman on August 4th, 2008
One of the benefits I found with online courses versus traditional classroom courses is the ability to begin the coursework early. With my experience at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC), most instructors would post the syllabus a week or two before the official start of the semester. I wised up to this early on and took complete advantage of it. My suggestion, if this is an option for you, is to take advantage of it as well. Doing so gives you a jump start on required readings and assignments and if you maintain this same pace throughout the semester, you will not fall behind schedule and most importantly, you will not be stressed out trying to complete assignments at the last minute. Required books are generally available several weeks prior to the start of the semester, so purchase them early as well. Starting early also enables you to understand the requirements for the course and to ask for clarification if needed. Online coursework is challenging, but stay ahead of the game guarantees success.
