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Introduction to Online Learning
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Introduction to Online Learning
A Guide for Students



April 2010 | 136 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

CourseSmart

A survival guide companion for students beginning their first online or hybrid class

Introduction to Online Learning introduces first-time distance learners to the realities of Web-based education and serves as the most comprehensive, practical guide to achieving success when facing online-specific barriers as well as common academic hurdles. Written by an experienced instructor, this invaluable aid shows students how to overcome challenges related to e-mail communication, technological catastrophes, staying organized on a daily basis, and more. Students learn to take advantage of the unique resources available for those enrolled in internet-based programs and to make the most of their Web-based educational experience by tailoring it to their personal strengths, needs, and learning styles.

Key Features

  • The author provides clear explanations of how to tailor research, writing, and citing sources to the online classroom, as well as when citations are necessary
  • Concrete, original examples link the text to students' personal experiences; illustrations vividly bring material to life
  • Screenshots and excerpts from online syllabi help students navigate their first course requirements
  • Examples of appropriate discussion board interaction aid students in progressing in their course with confidence
  • Self-assessments guide students in determining individual learning styles and levels of preparedness

Open-access student study site at www.sagepub.com/globokarestudy

This open-access student study site includes first-person testimonials and advice from online students and instructors, links to relevant Web sites and resources, and self-quizzes.

Intended Audience
This groundbreaking supplement is a must-have for any student enrolled in an online course or degree program, or for students enrolled in hybrid courses including a mix of online and classroom learning.

This resource can be packaged with any SAGE textbook at a significant discount. Contact your sales representative for more information!

 
Introduction
 
Chapter 1: Debunking the Myths of Online Education
Introduction

 
Myth #1: Taking online courses is "settling" for a lesser-quality education

 
Myth #2: I am feeling overwhelmed; online learning must not be for me

 
Myth #3: I don't know my way around a computer: I can't do this!

 
Myth #4: With online education, I am "going it alone"

 
Myth #5: I am online all the time; this will be easy!

 
Myth #6: Online learninG requires less time than traditional education

 
Myth #7: Since this is an online course, I can complete the coursework whenever I want

 
Myth #8: My online Coursework will not be respected by others

 
Conclusion

 
Reflection Questions

 
Chapter Checklist

 
 
Chapter 2: Where do I Start?
Introduction

 
Technology Basics

 
Getting Comfortable with Online Campus

 
Exploring the Online Classroom

 
Knowing What to Look For

 
Conclusion

 
Reflection Questions

 
Chapter Checklist

 
 
Chapter 3: Getting Organized
Introduction

 
Getting Organized

 
Where to Find the Space

 
Special Considerations When Working at Home

 
Finding Office in the Community

 
Where to Find the Time

 
The Importance of Balance

 
Conclusion

 
Reflection Questions

 
Chapter Checklist

 
 
Chapter 4: "Where do I turn for Help?" Knowing Your Resources
Introduction

 
Getting Answers to School-Specific Question

 
Technological Resources

 
Academic Resources

 
Social Resources

 
Counseling Services

 
Financial Support

 
Conclusion

 
Reflections Questions

 
Chapter Checklist

 
Chapter 5: When the Worst Happens and How to Cope

 
Introduction

 
 
The Importance of Perspective
Technology Matters

 
Tips and Tricks to Minimize Technical Catastrophes

 
Responding to Common Problems

 
Family, Work or Personal Emergencies

 
Physical Limitations to Writing

 
School-Related Problems

 
When You Have Fallen Behind...

 
Conclusion

 
 
Reflection Questions
Chapter Checklist

 
Chapter 6: Learning Styles

 
Introduction

 
Know Your Strengths

 
The Delivery of Information

 
Kolb's Learning Styles

 
Other Considerations in Learning Style

 
Conclusion

 
 
Reflection Questions
Chapter Checklist

 
Chapter 7: Written Communication

 
Introduction

 
Computer-mediated, Communication, Academic Style

 
Discussion Boards

 
Emails

 
Formal Writing Assignments

 
Conclusion

 
 
Reflection Questions
Chapter Checklist

 
Chapter 8: Conducting Quality Research for Your Online Class

 
Introduction

 
Why Research?

 
Types of Resources

 
Researching for Your Online Class

 
Conclusion

 
 
Reflection Questions
Chapter Checklist

 
Chapter 9: Citing Your Sources

 
Introduction

 
Citing 101

 
Knowing When to Cite

 
Knowing How to Cite

 
Peparing to Cite Your Sources

 
Conclusion

 
Reflection Questions

 
Chapter Checklist

 

I'm requiring it for all of my online students because many have a hard time adapting to online learning. I will be writing one of these myself soon!

Dr PAMELA WHITEHOUSE
West College Of Education, Midwestern State University
November 14, 2013

A useful introduction to on-line learning for students embarking on distance learning modules

Mrs Carol Ellis
Health , Anglia Ruskin University
October 31, 2012

Excellent introduction, concise and easy reading.

Mr James Sales
Sch of Health, Psychology & Soc Care, Manchester Metropolitan University
May 26, 2011

This text has been helpful in assisting students in their individual online course design projects.

Dr Rita McNeil
Human Resource Train Dev Dept, Idaho State University - Pocatello
May 17, 2011

I'm having the bookstore order it as a "Recommended," as opposed to "Required" text. A lot of it doesn't apply to the particular course, as designed, but I think the earnest student would find it interesting and useful.

Note: In the prompt above this box, "relevent" shoud be "relevant." :-)

Professor M Sheridan Embser-Herbert
Sociology Dept, Hamline University
May 10, 2011

Excellent source for students seeking to understand the principles behind elearning and why it is now, or should be, an integral part of their learning environment.

Mrs Michelle Rogers
Centre for Early Childhood, University of Worcester
November 5, 2010

For instructors

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This title is also available on SAGE Research Methods, the ultimate digital methods library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.