Learning Online Info » Ideas

The Future is Open Courseware: Three Institutions Offering Online Learning Opportunities

Guest Blogger — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:51:11 +0000

As society becomes increasingly more tech savvy, more and more of the foundations of our lives are turning to the web. Our professional lives have been conduced online and plugged in for several years now and, with the advent of social media and social networking, so too are our personal and social lives. The latest trend today seems to be online learning and online education. While at one time online education and online degrees were frowned upon by most employers and scholars, more and more people are turning to online avenues for their educational and academic endeavors. Furthermore, as online degrees and online courses become more popular, online courseware that is free and readily available are becoming the next hot thing. The internet is all about immediate access to information for no cost—this is the crux of open courseware. Open courseware allows anyone with a computer and the internet access to endless knowledge and academic pursuit. These three open courseware resources are wonderful waves of what will be part of the future of education and academics.

MIT Open Courseware

As one of the most prominent names in higher education, MIT plays a major role in America’s opinion on higher education. That being said, MIT has made real wave on the front of open courseware and online learning. Offering up to 1,800 courses online and free to access, MIT is one of the absolute best resources for open courseware in the world. These courses come directly from the actual traditional courses taught at MIT, including syllabi, reading lists, course notes, assignments, and much more. Of course, because MIT is a technical school, most of the courses offered are of that nature. There is both video and audio that accompanies many of the courses, providing a learning environment that closely compares to being inside a class at MIT. MIT’s initiative to provide higher learning material to anyone who wants it is admirable and forward thinking.

Berkeley Open Courseware

UC Berkeley offers webcasts of several different classes offered on their campus. UC Berkeley is one of the top ranked public universities in the nation and boasts some of the most influential professors in their fields. Allowing anyone to watch various webcasts or listen to podcasts of their lectures, Berkeley’s open courseware initiative is one of the best. Each course that is offered provides printable assignments, notes that you can get from the professor’s website, and tests from the actual class. This is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to expand their mind or build on their educational repertoire.

Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative

Carnegie Mellon is another one of the biggest name universities in the nation offering open online learning resources. With Carnegie Mellon’s open learning initiative you can choose to either sign up as a user for free to keep track of your scores and progress or you can simply take a class unregistered. Though the school only offers a few courses online at this time, they are offered in a very useful and approachable way. Mellon offers classes such as Modern Biology, Media Programming, Statistics, French, and several others. These classes are easier to jump into than UC Berkeley’s or MIT’s simply because of the way they are presented. There is basically presented as an eBook, where you can jump from chapter to chapter at your own will.

Each of these open courseware initiatives are examples of how education can be accessible to anyone wishing to find it. These schools set a wonderful example by sharing their wealth of knowledge and resources and making learning and academia available to anyone who seeks it.

Jane Smith is a freelance writer and blogger. She writes about free background checks for Backgroundcheck.org. Questions and comments can be sent to: janesmth161 @ gmail.com.

The Future is Open Courseware: Three Institutions Offering Online Learning Opportunities is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the emerging learning technologies.

Infographic: Reanimate Your Used Textbooks

Jorge Goncalves — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:57:58 +0000

So, you have finished your degree, and you have a lot of textbooks that you don’t want anymore? Maybe you should take a look at Sell Back Your Book. They have a wonderful service. The only thing you will need is the ISBN codes of the books that you want to sell.

On the other hand, if you want to buy used textbooks, you can also use their services. Do you know that the prices of new textbooks have grown 186% since 1986? Or, that, on average, each college student would spend $900 if buying new textbooks? Selling and buying used textbooks online can be the solution. What do you think? [Via]

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with sellbackyourbook.com in any way. I simply like the concept.

Infographic: Reanimate Your Used Textbooks is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the emerging learning technologies.

5 Reasons Why Educators and Students Need to Use Google+

Guest Blogger — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:25:06 +0000

Since its inception, tech experts have raved about Google+, the social media platform that some predict has the goods to take down leading social networking site Facebook. Although Facebook still reigns supreme and Google+ is still in the midst of growing momentum, the rookie social media site is still a strong contender in changing the way users interact with one another — especially when it comes to the world of education. To learn why Google+ is the better social media platform to help engage educators with their students of all ages, continue reading below.

1. Less Privacy Issues
While some instructors decide to “friend” students on Facebook so that they can more easily share class updates as well as give assignment deadline reminders and provide supplemental educational materials like news links and videos, the truth is that the privacy lines are too blurry on Facebook—you want your students to see some of your statues that pertain to school assignments but not the ones that deal with your personal life. The sentiments are vice versa with your students. It’s just uncomfortable getting a deeper look into a student’s or teacher’s “outside” life. While some instructors choose to create separate accounts in order to resolve this issue — one for personal use and one for professional use — it’s just too much work. Google+ however allows users to separate people into “circles.” These circles easily allow users to choose what can and cannot be seen between people. So for example, teachers can put all of their students in the circle appropriately labeled “students” or “Geography 1:00 p.m.” for example, and you don’t have to worry about cross contaminating info or letting inappropriate material seep through.

2. No Age Restrictions
Currently Facebook has an age limit restriction—only those who are 13 years or older can apply for an account. While the age restriction is understandable (too many child predators lurk cyber space) because there is no age limitation on Google+ even those who teach elementary can use the social media site to enhance their student’s education—it’s just important that educators instruct their students from adding strangers.

3. No Limitations
While Twitter can also be a very engaging social media site to utilize, the problem is that users are limited to their character use—even in direct messages, users have to send multiple messages if they go over 140 characters. This can become quite troublesome if a student asks an instructor to explain a problem in greater detail for example. However, with Google+ there is no such limitation and both students and teachers can ask questions, give responses and leave comments without having to short change themselves. This option is also idea for introverted students—those who may be too shy to ask additional questions in the classroom but need help once they’re at home doing assignments on their own.

4. Provides Archived Material
Google+ also trumps Twitter because old information is easy to retrieve and access again. Unless a student or teacher “favorites” a tweet, it can be hard to go back and look for a tweet that was posted two weeks ago since it gets buried underneath the myriad of other tweets on the timeline. Google+ is organized and is easy to bring up again since everything is marked by dates.

5. Provides Opportunity for Remote Parent-Teacher Conferences
Last but not least, sometimes parents who have late night meetings can’t leave their desks to attend their child’s open house. Sometimes parents without transportation can’t make it to a much-needed parent-teacher conference. Sometimes students who are taking online classes don’t have the time to drive to a brick-and-mortar campus that may be hundreds of miles away to have a conference with their teacher or professor. Google+’s neat “hangout” feature however paves the way for group video chat capabilities so that important “meetings” and “conferences” are more convenient and can take place over the internet instead of in person.

Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education where she writes about education, online colleges, online degrees etc. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

5 Reasons Why Educators and Students Need to Use Google+ is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the emerging learning technologies.

5 Online Degrees Sure To Increase Your Income

Guest Blogger — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:21:52 +0000

Earning a college degree online is becoming a very common practice these days. In addition to being able to earn a degree from the comfort of your own home, an online degree will have your career on the right path in no time. There is no substitute for a college education, and an online degree is a great way to put yourself in a position to succeed. There are five online degrees that you could realistically pursue in the good hopes that they will pay off for you in the long run.

1. Nursing

These online degrees are considered the best of the best right now. Few fields are experiencing a bigger need right now than nursing. There has always been a shortage of qualified nurses, and with the baby boomer generation now starting to get up in years, the need for qualified, skill people with nursing degrees is higher than ever. Nurses usually start out at around 60,000 dollars per year, and an online nursing degree can get you started in a nursing career very easily.

2. Software engineering

A software engineer has one of the most interesting careers in the world right now. They create, plan and incorporate new software into computers for businesses, home computers and working computers. They usually start at around 65,000 dollars per year, and there are plenty of online software engineering degrees to be found online. They will put you on the path to success as a software engineer.

3. Accounting

Accountants usually make a very good wage, with starting offers for bachelor’s degree-holding applicants ranging from 40,000 to 45,000 per year. There is always a need for good accountants, as more and more businesses each year are looking for people with new knowledge in the field to help them manage their money. Online accounting degrees are the way to go to get on the fast track to a career as an accountant.

4. Teaching

You can become a teacher by enrolling in an online teaching degree program. Interacting with children and helping them learn can be rewarding, and you’ll earn a good salary. Teachers have an average starting salary of around 35,000 to 40,000. The chance to see kids reach their potential is a benefit that only teachers can have.

5. Criminal justice

Have you ever wanted to be a police officer? Online criminal justice degrees have risen in popularity during the past few years, and more and more people are becoming police officers thanks to online criminal justice degrees. Starting salaries usually range from $35,000 to $40,000 per year. Serving and protecting the citizens is a duty that you can fulfill after completing an online criminal justice degree.

Online college degrees are a great way to give yourself a better career, and a better life. In no time at all, you will earn more money than you do at your current job with the help of an online degree.

Francine Gomez is a career consultant and loves giving people new ideas on how to make money from home. Learn some of the many ways you can successfully be making money online from your very own home office.

Image credits: ideas by Sean MacEntee

5 Online Degrees Sure To Increase Your Income is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the emerging learning technologies.

Online Tools Help History Research Come Alive

Guest Blogger — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:31:17 +0000

Much has been made about technology’s ability to better facilitate a wide range of educational opportunities. With the advent of tablet computers in classrooms, ever-growing internet resources, and cloud computing platforms that help school administrators go wireless, there are boundless instruction possibilities when it comes to making use of new technological advances. This applies just as much to the second grader as it does to the graduate student, to the person learning to be a lawyer as to the person taking radiography courses, for instance.

Despite its wide educational applicability, however, technology in the classrooms is usually just touted for its uses in several major areas: math, science, and elementary education. While these areas offer some very clear and practical ways for new technology to be used, they overshadow other educational subjects that have, in recent years, been benefiting just as significantly.

History is one such subject, particularly in the realm of research. While historical research was once a venture confined to dusty archives and under-funded historical societies, it is now an increasingly digitized business. And, in the process, it has become far more convenient, accessible, and reliable, too.

This has mainly happened alongside a growth in online historical archives. Documents and files that were once almost impossible to access are now readily available online. These days, researchers can easily pull up century-old census data or court cases online. Such information is not just more convenient to find, but it is also easy to use: by being searchable, a researcher can look for a particular person or case without having to scroll through hundreds of pages and files.

The digital ability to conduct a search also has positive implications for other aspects of historical research. For example, with a growing number of secondary sources digitized online thanks to Google Books, the historian can search an appealing book for a specific keyword. If the keyword does not show up then the book can be quickly discarded. What once might have taken several hours can now be accomplished in a matter of minutes.

Furthermore, technology helps reduce research time by combining a collection of relevant databases. The area of genealogy provides an appropriate example; while public records, birth certificates, and marriage licenses were once all separate entities – entities that had to be examined one at a time – there are now websites that draw information from all relevant sources to create the most comprehensive genealogical picture of a person possible. And with Web 2.0 tools like Evernote, Scrible or Zotero, the tasks of annotating, collecting, citing or organizing the ongoing research are even more facilitated.

The influence on technological advancements cannot be overemphasized on any level, and history is no exception. By making it easier to learn from and interact with historical documents, students can gain a greater appreciate for the subject – and, at the same time, for the study of the past.

Online Tools Help History Research Come Alive is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the emerging learning technologies.

Three TED Talks to Change the World of Learning and Education for Good and for Better

Guest Blogger — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:21:40 +0000

There is nothing more important to our world and our society’s sustainability than continually expanding and bettering our education. The ability to learn and process new material and concepts in creative and innovative ways is what enables us to live purposeful lives. While it is undeniable that education and learning are the utter most important aspect of our existence, there remains significant debate and struggle over the logistics and structure of education. New and innovative technologies continue to alter and expand the way in which we live our lives. With our daily lives, communication, and relationships ever in flux, so too does our educational system and learning structure need to alter. These three persuasive, inspiring, and enriching TED talks are given by movers and shakers in the world of education and learning today.

Salman Khan: Let’s use video to reinvent education
Founder of the Khan Academy, Salman Khan discusses how he discovered a way to successfully reinvent classroom learning, using modern technology and a “flipped” classroom. Khan created YouTube videos to help tutor math to his cousin in another city. He uploaded the videos he made for his cousin to YouTube and they eventually became quite popular. Khan found that students prefer automated learning. With a videotaped lecture students can pause, review, and watch at completely their own pace. With positive responses from viewers on YouTube, Khan decided maybe he was onto something.

From those humble beginnings came the Khan Academy, a learning system that has “flipped” the classroom. Students are assigned video lectures for homework and then complete “homework” during class with their peers and teacher available. While in theory this learning structure would seem to dehumanize the classroom, actually technology has humanized the classroom. With lectures taking place at home, students are able to really communicate and interact with their instructors rather than merely have them talk at them.

Salman Khan developed software that maps out a student’s progression within the classroom. With the help of modern technology, students and teachers can be attentively connected to their educational progress, successes, and struggles. This software encourages mastering a skill before a student moves on to the next step in their learning. Creating a classroom that is self paced and responsive to each student’s individual needs, Khan has discovered interesting things about the way in which kids learn and classroom works. Encouraging the world to reevaluate the labels of “gifted” and “slow”, the Khan system discovers that kids who are “slow” in one area of learning, once that area is mastered, may be “gifted” in a different area. The Khan system of learning is easily translatable into a global classroom, so that students from around the world can learn together and benefit from one another without holding each other back. This inspiring video and inspiring system have the potential to reinvent the way in which our children learn.

Sir Ken Robinson: Bring on the learning revolution!
Ken Robinson has been a TED talker for many years now. Considered an expert in creativity, Ken Robinson gave one of the most famous TED talks available in 2006 on how schools kill creativity. This video from 2010 is a follow-up to that talk where Robinson encourages a learning revolution. Robinson compares the problems with standardized education and learning to the global warming crisis, calling it a “crisis of human resources.” He explains that schools and our learning structure today are making poor use of our talents.

Robinson explains that the linear system of learning that our society has been married to for so long is just no longer adequate. He advocates not a reformation of education, but rather a revolution. The way in which we learn within the school system needs to be completely revolutionized. The standardization of schools and the learning system dislocates people from their natural talents. Robinson discusses the necessity for an organic system of learning that will personalize each pursuit and create the conditions kids need to cultivate their natural talents. Phrased as the “fast food model of education,” Robinson explains that we are poisoning our students with conformity and standardization in the classroom. Human talent is tremendously diverse and so too should our educational options and methods be.

David Merrill demos Siftables
While this is not your traditional TED talk, David Merrill presents an innovative use of technology that has the potential to change the way in which we learn and interact with digital media. As a computer science graduate student at MIT, Merrill has created Siftables cookie-shaped, computerized tiles that react to your manipulation of them. Merrill explains that playing with blocks as a child, moving them around and touching them is all about learning to solve problems and think about spatial reasoning.

Siftables, Merrill explains, open up an interesting pathway for interacting with digital knowledge and information. It is an interactive computer that can be handled. The small blocks react to what you do with them. Siftables can show video, be aware of one another, express emotion, and much more. These tiles have interesting implications for the world of education and learning. Students can actually act and manipulate digital information in a very organic way. Rather than sit with a stagnant cursor on a flat screen, students can move the digital information, grasp it, and touch it. Siftables can be used to teach math in a quick and immediate way. They can be used to create interactive vocabulary games for students. Merrill’s presentation and demonstration with Siftables communicates the endless possibilities these computerized tiles may hold for the future.

This is a guest post by Nadia Jones who blogs at online college about education, college, student, teacher, money saving, movie related topics. You can reach her at nadia.jones5 @ gmail.com.

Three TED Talks to Change the World of Learning and Education for Good and for Better is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the emerging learning technologies.

Tech Support Services for Business Graduates and the Employers that Hire Them

Guest Blogger — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:49:34 +0000

Whether business graduates prefer working with IBM or Apple computer technology more frequently, both businesses and business graduates can depend and profit from relying on IBM’s Technical Support Services. Subscribing to technical support services enables business, business-partners, and employers to rest assured that there is a proactive approach to lessen unexpected downtime, reduce operating costs, maximize office resources, and maintain a positive working environment that heightens company morale. There are so many great companies out there that offer technical support services depending on the company size, locale, and whether the company’s needs for IT support are for the short or long-term.

Besides businesses trusting experienced technicians, exhaustive parts network, and a superior service network, many companies have several divisions of its technical support services. Like-minded IT service companies recognize the economics of business is a global environment. With IBM, technical support members can search service, agreements, terms, and conditions by country. However, there are smaller companies out there that focus on smaller businesses and service specific regions of the country. They’re just one of many, Technical Resource Providers that prides themselves in servicing businesses comprised of 10-15 to 25-75 with in-house IT staff.

Rather than have to face a negative trickle-down-effect between businesses, their employers, clients, business partners, and vendors and because of hardware and software problems on the surface, businesses can better focus on optimizing IT resources and maybe even begin to expand their IT departments through the right investments.

Businesses and their employees turn a specific technical support service company to reduce and solve costly hardware problems. Being able to rely on a service that solely takes care of hardware issues minimizes downtime, protects against complete outages, and will help to increase job productivity. The value in IBM technical support services is their commitment to servicing most computer products, while smaller companies deliver a more personal approach delivering a neighborly-customer experience.

These smaller IT companies offer client-based emergency service, promising quick response times and credits when service people cannot commit to arriving to a business under the time-frame. While places like these might not be able to breakdown their service into components, they don’t have to. Unfortunately, for larger corporations, software problems can hinder the correct flow of IT and hurt employees. Using companies that have a software support division assures businesses know they are reducing operating costs, maximizing their office resources, and keeping a happy work environment.

So depending on the size, locale, employee base, and IT needs of a company, companies need to source out the right type of technical support company they need. Business graduates will surely need to have the skills to choose the right type of IT servicing company.

When businesses and employees entrust their confidence, time, and energy into subscribing to the appropriate technical support service, everyone is prepared to face the global business climate with a competitive edge.

This post is a guest contribution from Nicolas Gallego.

Tech Support Services for Business Graduates and the Employers that Hire Them is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the emerging learning technologies.

Online Learning Technology – Contemplating the Prospects in Actual Learning

Guest Blogger — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:55:44 +0000

Technological advancement and communication development have made its way in the sectors of academics and profession simultaneously. Correspondence education or distance learning that has prevailed in the system of education for long achieved a new taste of success via the tech craze. Online Education became the buzzword of the generation in the tech-ridden society that has recorded big leaps in the face of 21^st century. Implementation of Online Learning Technology in the education world is the craze that is taking the world of education by storm in delivering education at every corners of the globe.

Wikipedia page on distance learning offers a complete view on the mode of learning reflection on its present evolution following the historical paths. For a comprehensive understanding, you can always refer to the link Wikipedia: Distance Learning.

Implementing Online Learning Technology has been one trend that is followed for a considerable time. Earlier the method was used for test preparations and computer based learning. However, in the face of 21^st century, this has attained a new turn and is gaining a solid base in the environment of learning via distance and distance learning courses. Implementation of such technologies in offering the course programs makes way for a more personalised experience adapting the students with the resource materials required for skill development and performance enhancement.

The growing interests in distance learning courses in the globalization age have been massive. With higher education becoming a farfetched dream for many – thanks to the rise or increasing costs, online education came across as a boon for the wide mass. Moreover, today’s professionals now enjoy an easy access to education and professional development via the road of Online Learning Technology. E learning has become the base of online study and distance learning courses. Wikipedia offers a complete guide on e-learning and its uses over educational prospects in large. You can refer to the link Wikipedia: E-Learning for a detailed understanding on the subject.

The trend of online learning and implementation of technological advancements over distance learning courses are on a slow but steady rise. As reports the Independent Student Newspaper of Kentucky University ‘The Northerner’, Online Learning Still on the Rise.

Well, the rise of the online education and implementation of Online Learning Technology can be attributed to the amalgamation of few factors. Firstly, the achievements in communication and technological advancements have been wide and exemplary. From voice-to voice text translators to tablets Pcs and iPads the reach is wide. This mode of learning and the implementation of technological advancements have created the ripple in the world of education, as it took education at all corners of the globe via successful integration of distance learning courses.

In recent news, Ohio’s Franciscan University of Steubenville have launched an online instruction distance learning course awarding a masters degree to facilitate the teachers in adapting to the technological implementation of such tools to deliver education better. You can find the report here: Schools Prepare Teachers to Engage in Online Education

However, the trend of implementation of Online learning Technology in distance learning courses is highly debated upon.

Huffington Post focusing on the subject has two reports published by Joel Shatzky, an English teacher by profession detailing on the prospects of Online Learning and the trend of implementing technological advancements in such form of learning. You will find the reports here: Educating for Democracy: Is “On-line Learning” Learning? Part I and Part II.

With the issue being a debated upon, which side do you wish to take?

Robert Williams says here about the importance and convenience of distance learning courses in today’s world in comparison to the typical classroom learning sessions.

Online Learning Technology – Contemplating the Prospects in Actual Learning is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the emerging learning technologies.

Staying On Task While Online: Making Use of Your Laptop… Instead of Abuse

Guest Blogger — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:32:16 +0000

Computers have drastically altered the country.

From business to education, just about all facets of human existence have felt the influence of computers. A few websites estimate that 76 % of American adults own computers. 39% of American adults reportedly own laptops. Supposedly half of all Americans own smartphones.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find any data showing how much people actually get done on their digital devices.

I am an expert at pretending to be busy on my iTouch while really playing a grueling game of chess (one of these days I’ll take the computer off of the easy setting). Students frequently go to the library to work on homework but end up on Facebook instead (or Twitter, YouTube, MySpace, DiggIt, StumbleUpon . . .). Here are 5 ideas to help you stay on task while online:

Close Skype: Some people claim they can multitask: for some people this is true; for others it is not. Even if it is true, chatting online usually causes either your homework or your conversation to suffer.

Browser Extensions: Many browsers have add-ons or extensions that limit the amount of time you can spend on sites like Facebook and Twitter. Like Gandalf the Grey, these add-ons have many different names. On Firefox it’s called LeechBlock. On Chrome it’s known as StayFocused. I couldn’t find versions for Safari or Internet Explorer (all the more reason to move over!).

Set rules: Set times when you will use social media or other time-wasting sites. For example, you can limit yourself to using these sites from 4:00 to 5:00 each day. Agree not to spend more than 15 minutes at a time on such websites.

Set goals: Similar to setting rules, you can use internet as a quasi-merit-based system. Don’t log on until your biology essay is finished. Put off playing Minesweeper until your U.S. history reading is finished. Use 15 minutes of Facebook to reward 150 minutes of homework.

Turn it off: Homework can often be done without your computer. If that is an option, take advantage of it. During class, try taking notes on (don’t faint!) notebook paper. Look facts up in books in the library instead of Googling them.

No matter what you do, it will take a little willpower, but your computer won’t run away anytime soon. You can do it!

Derek Gurr works as an intern for MyCollegesAndCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers is an excellent online resource which helps connect students to an online school that will help them to meet their career goals.

Staying On Task While Online: Making Use of Your Laptop… Instead of Abuse is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the emerging learning technologies.

7 Things You Should Know About Online Learning

Guest Blogger — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:29:27 +0000

The concept of earning a degree online is a relatively new one for many prospective students, however, it can be an amazing opportunity to learn from home and keep the flexibility a virtual classroom offers. If you don’t know what to expect though, online learning can be a bit tricky. Here are 7 things you should know about online learning before you pursue this option.

1. Know your learning style.

Some students work very well on independent study projects. Other students need one-on-one time with an instructor. Both learning styles are valid however, students who require a considerable amount of interaction with the instructor and other classmates may not enjoy online learning. Students who require minimal face time with an instructor will find online courses a perfect fit. They can also proceed at a pace that is comfortable with them.

2. Understand course requirements.

Students who are not strong in math should consider taking remedial courses before signing up for algebra or calculus. Students considering a foreign language course online should understand how and when oral interaction would occur in order to perfect his pronunciation.

3. Understand computer requirements.

If a course requires online videoconferencing, a student should ensure that his computer has the appropriate hardware and software to meet this requirement. Students should be aware of the amount of Internet time required. For those students who rely on a public computer system, such as those located in public libraries, Internet time may be rationed.

4. Plan your degree.

Just as students pursuing a degree in a brick-and-mortar institution, online students should take the time to plan the coursework required to complete a degree. The wide range of courses available online makes it tempting to try a variety of classes. Students should consider an online learning experience that includes an academic advisor in order to stay on track and complete a degree in a timely manner.

5. Manage your time.

Online courses require excellent time management skills. Some courses require chat room sessions; other courses may include video conferencing. Students must prepare for interactions and assignments, allowing ample time for contact with the instructor via email. Students pursuing a degree while working should be prepared to work on coursework in the evenings and on weekends.

6. Prepare for emergencies.

Computers do crash. Internet connections fail. Adverse weather conditions cause interruptions to electrical service. While it is impossible to prepare for every contingency, students should have a secure method of backing up course work. They should be prepared to find an alternative method of connecting to the Internet and powering computers.

7. Know how and when you can ask for help.

Does the instructor have online office hours during which students can make appointments? Does the instructor answer email questions? If so, what is his time frame for returning his response?

This is a guest post from Erin Smith. Erin is a contributing writer at onlinerntobsndegress.com, a site specializing in online rn to bsn degree programs and all aspects of online learning.

7 Things You Should Know About Online Learning is a post from Learning Online Info, a blog dedicated to the world of e-learning and the emerging learning technologies.