| Summary: One of the biggest challenges of online distance learning is a knowledge of how to use the Internet to your advantage, as well as appropriately communicate online. While those who grew up in the height of the computer generation may find that starting an online distance learning program is second nature to them, there are plenty of others for whom using a computer is a struggle. |
One of the biggest challenges of online distance learning is a knowledge of how to use the Internet to your advantage, as well as how to appropriately communicate online. While those who grew up in the height of the computer generation may find that starting an online distance learning program is second nature to them, there are plenty of others for whom using a computer is a struggle. Presumably if you have found your way to this article, you know how to get to the Internet and do a search, at the very least.
Many people who delayed going to college for other pursuits such as starting a vocation or starting a family, may find themselves in the situation where online distance learning is their best, if not only, option to pursue higher education. A large majority of people attending online classes have families and/or full time jobs. If the endeavors that kept you from college earlier in life also did not necessitate the frequent use of computers, it can be intimidating to find that the majority, if not all, of your degree is dependent upon now using a computer and communicating online.
In addition to a basic understanding of Internet browsing, the general format of online distance learning courses is often forum-based discussions, where you will communicate with other students in the same course as you, but in a “chat” forum. These forums are virtual message boards where course-takers can interact, ask questions about course materials, and have general discussion, as moderated or requested by the professor. Another key component to online communication will be a frequent use of e-mail message as well.
The other computer-based components that you will want to consider are the various software and hardware programs that the school might require you to purchase, or that will be required of you to have to properly complete your coursework, such as word processing documents to complete written assignments.
The good news is that if you are not entirely comfortable with what all of these concepts mean, or where to find the tools necessary to you to navigate through online distant learning courses, the Internet is your best and quickest available resource. Think of it is as a digital library. Through common search engines such as Google.com, Bing.com, and Yahoo.com, you can find anything for which you are looking to help you navigate through the very basics of computer use. Some basic search terms you might want to start with:
* “forum terminology” - you will find that those in your online chat forums may use abbreviations and terminology that is foreign to you; this is a good opportunity to verse yourself on what they mean.
* “chat room etiquette” - be sure to brush up on the etiquette of conversing online. Just as there is etiquette in a live classroom; there are do’s and don’ts of the virtual chat world. Your university may have their own additional set of rules as well, so be sure to brush-up on those, too.
* “email etiquette” - just as in etiquette with chat rooms, there is email etiquette as well. Things such as the appropriate times to reply to everyone listed on one mass email, to what is ok, and not ok, to forward to others, are very important to know in a learning environment. Since written communication is the only option you will likely have with your classmates, it is a good idea to keep the communication open and courteous.
* The names of any of the hardware/software that your school requires you to have/purchase. Remember, you can search any term you like in a search engine and find a multitude of information on it. When you start hearing names of the different required computer programs that sound intimidating, just do a simple search on them to find out what they are and how to use them.
This is a very simple list to get you started and to show you that you can learn just about anything by using the Internet as a proper tool. With a bit of practice and persistence, you will be a pro at online communication in your distance learning program in no time!
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