learning on the line

Online Learning

Part 1

Read between the lines

Make a judgment about the sit’s and responsibilities based on your own analysis of the site on the information it contains. Here are some ways to do this:

-Look for facts you know or can check with a trusted source. If the site gets those facts right, it’s more likely that the other facts on the site are also accurate.

-Study the language used. Is it angry, satiric or overly impassioned? This may indicate that the site is biased.

-Consider whether the arguments are logical and backed up by evidence, and whether the site presents only one point of view.

-Check the links of the source that the author acknowledges. Scholarly writings, whether in print or online, should include a bibliography      

distance education 4

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You

Part 4 of 4

Emphasis on the writing word

Most of the communications, as well as the course work, in the distance learning class is written. That’s a plus, because the focused on the written word gives you the opportunity to develop as a writer and strong writing skills are essential to academic success. However, if writing is a serious weakness for you, virtual learning may not be the best educational option for you until you improve your skills. Yes, most of distance education is the written word; therefore, you need to be a good reader, love to read, and love writing also. Most of your assignments will be written and submitted to the instructor in the written format. Your penmanship needs to be excellent, spelling great, sentence structure above average, vocabulary extraordinary. You need to have online access with reliable equipment. If your internet communications at home isn’t working, you can’t do online education from home and will need to go to someplace where you do have access to the internet.

Decide whether it is right for you

Distance education isn’t for everyone, but it just might be for you. You really should seek it out and give it a try. You never know until you try. You might even fall in love with distance education. While distance education may be the perfect alternative for some students, it’s not the right choice for everyone. So carefully consider your unique needs and interest and give distance education a try: then, decide if it is right for you.

distance education

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Part 3

Challenging Aspects of distance education

·         Lack of in-person interaction: some educators argue that both teacher-student and student-student contact are essential to learning. In a distance-learning classroom , you may be able to participate in class discussions online in chat rooms, message boards or web conferences—but it’s not the same as being with other students in a classroom.

·         Different levels of quality: many distance-education programs supply an excellent learning experience, but others may not. Research any program before signing on to make sure it’s rigorous enough. If you are choosing your own program, look into its accreditation before enrolling.

·         The need to self-start: Distance education lets you make your own schedules. If you have a hard time getting motivated, this might not be the ideal educational setting for you.

virtual school

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Part 2

Positive aspects of distance education

-Independence and time management: taking courses online lets you hone your ability to work on your own. You also gain experience in managing your time efficiently.

-A flexible schedule: school can only provide a certain number of class periods in a single school day, and there may not be enough time for you to take everything you want. Because distance education lets you take classes outside regular school hours, it gives you the flexibility to explore all your areas of interest.

-Advanced and specialized classes: some school can’t provide advanced and specialized classes. Distance education gives you the chance to gain experience in areas that would otherwise remain out of reach.

Virtual Learning

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/high-school/47337.html

You may want to take a class that your high school doesn’t offer. Under some circumstances, you can still enroll in the class----through distance learning.

Distance education means taking a class without being physically present where it is being taught. Internet-base technology lets students almost anywhere.

Some high schools agree to recognize distance-learning credits when they don’t have the resources to offer a course themselves. Distance education is often used to increase options in rural areas and for AP courses.

 For you, it might mean doing self-tutorial at home in the evening, or participating in the class that is 1,000 miles away, along with other high school student. Check with your school counselor to see what’s available.