Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for you? Part 4 of 4

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for you?

Part 4 of 4

Emphasis on the Written Word

Most of the communication, as well as the course work, in distance-learning classes is written. That’s a plus, because the focus 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 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 somewhere where you do have Internet access.

Decide Whether It’s 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 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 interests and give distance education a try; then, decide if it’s right for you.

Choose the Right!!

Student Success Tips

Student Success Tips

1.   Attend New Student Orientation at the beginning of the fall or Spring Semester. Brenda

2.   GEN 101S, First Year Experience, provides excellent content and resources to be a successful student. It is likely that this class will be part of your first semester at Edison.

3.   Be sure to attend all classes, and be on time.

4.   To reduce distraction, sit near the front of the class.

5.   Keep a copy of the syllabus for each class so that you will know what is going on, what you should be doing, and how soon you need to get it done.

6.   Be a good listener. Focus and concentrate on main points.

7.   Take good notes in class, and review your notes within 24 hours. Then, review your notes periodically to help you retain information. Index cards with the key information are also a helpful way to review.

8.   Study! To be a successful college student, study at least two hours a week for every hour you spend in class. This is a minimum.

9.   Determine an ideal space, and plan study time when you are at your best to retain information.

10.                     Maintain a student planner to keep track of important dates and projects.

11.                     Apply additional time management strategies, including planning, setting goals, and prioritizing schoolwork and your additional responsibilities.

12.                     Avoid marathon study periods. Instead, study for short intervals with a break in between. For example, study for 30 minutes, take a 3-minute break, come back and review, then repeat the process.

13.                     Get to know other students in your classes for added support and to study together when possible.

14.                     Participate in class, and ask your instructor questions when needed. Meet with them during office hours for additional support and guidance.

15.                     See your faculty advisor every semester to register for classes.

16.                     Make use of the Library and Learning Center for study help and free tutoring services.

17.                     Being a full-time student is your 40-hour-per-week job, and like many full-time employees, you probably will not finish the job in 40 hours.

18.                     Be sure to allow time for physical activity as well as class and study time. This will help you to focus on your studies. Locker rooms and a work-out room are available on campus.

19.                     (TAA only) Plan Ahead! When you have more than a 30 week-day break in classes you will not be paid unemployment. Be sure to put aside money each week so you have money on the weeks you do not get paid.

Choose the Right!!

        

10 Tips for Student Success

10 Tips for Student Success

1.Attend your classes. Remember in the words of Woody Allen ‘Seventy percent of success in life is showing up’.

2.Know your faculty. Make sure you know who your teachers are, when their office hours are and how to contact them.

3.        Make sure the faculty knows you. Sit in the front of the classroom. Participate in class discussions. Consult with your teacher during office hours.

4.        Use a daily planner. Note the dates of exams, assignments, team papers, etc.

5.        Be organized. Prioritize your responsibilities. Manage your time. Remember everyone has the same 168 hours a week, only some of us use them better than others.

6.        Know you campus resources. Visit your Academic’s Dean Office regularly. Become familiar with the services and the programs offered by the Counseling Center, The Freshmen Center, the Career Center, the Campus Ministry Office and the Student Life Office.

7.        Take care of your health. Get enough sleep. Eat well-balanced meals. Exercise regularly. Make informed and mature decisions about alcohol, sex and drugs. Visit the Health Offices as needed.

8.        Work only as necessary. Try not to exceed 20 hours during a school week. If possible, work on campus. Apply for financial aid loans if you need them. Manage your expenses very carefully.

9.        Get involved in the campus activities. It will help you learn valuable skills, expand your social network and enhance your self-confidence. Seek out opportunities to apply what you learn in the classroom.

10.  Keep your eyes on the prize. Clarify your goals. Know why you are in college in the first place. Visualize your success on a daily basis.

Choose the Right!!