Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You? Part 3

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Part 3

Challenging Aspects of Distance Education

o  Lack of in-person interaction: Some educators argue that both teacher-students and student-students 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.

o  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.

o  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.

Choose the Right!!

Selecting Your Courses Part 1

Selecting Your Courses

Recommended Classes for College Success

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com/students/plan/high-school/33.html

The academic rigor of your high school courses is an important factor in the college admission process. College admission officers see your high school course schedule as a blueprint of your education. They’re looking for a solid foundation of learning that you can build on in college.

To create that foundation, take at least five solid academic classes every semester. Start with the basic and then move on to advanced courses. Challenging yourself is part of what makes school fun; but you need to firm grasp of the fundamentals before going on to more advanced work.

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Sarah’s Academic Success Story Part 2

Sarah’s Academic Success Story Part 2

My test study methods: I have different strategies for different types of tests or subjects. For me any type of math is exceptionally difficult so I had to spend extra time on that. I would go back through the homework problems focusing on the problems that I had extra difficulty on. Many times I would ask the teacher for an additional study material they could provide. If it was a class that required memorization or applying concepts I would create a sort of study guide for myself many times focusing on what were key focal points in the class. If I knew there were going to be essays I would try to take the terms and apply them to an example or create different questions on the concepts focused on throughout the semester.

My time management secret: I always always always carry a planner with me. I even use different color highlighters to show what each event on my calendar is for. For example, pink is personal, yellow is school, orange is work, blue is for appointments, and green is for my sorority. Although I use whiteout frequently, I can see in bright yellow that if I have that project for finance due on Tuesday, I need to start working on it on [the previous] Wednesday so I can just get it done, my friends have always been amazed at how early I get things accomplished but the is really all I do.

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Sarah’s Academic Success Story Part 1

Sarah’s Academic Success Story Part 1

Time management became a key factor in my study skills for college. In high school, there were times I was able to study for an hour or two the night before a test and get away with it. This was not the case in college. I made sure in college I was prepared for each class. Sometimes that meant writing out the terms for the chapter we read (even if when it isn't required) to better understand them. That way when the midterm or test comes around I was able to understand what I was studying. I started taking excellent notes in class in college. I may have done this in high school, but in college I started typing up the notes after class. This helped me remember what I just went over in class then when I had test one week later I was more likely to remember then as well.

My overall study method: Structured. One thing I learned was I had to adapt or change my study method according to the class. I couldn't study for a Religion Class the same way I studied for a finance class. But making sure I had enough time to study for each class-- even if it meant carrying a planner with me at all times was a big part of my success.

Choose the Right!!