Resources for Success
Resource is a type of
materials that can be beneficial to your success as a distant learning student.
The Resources I have provided will help you learn more about distant learning
and what to expect. Resources are widely available and used especially in the
classroom. Students use resources to show evidence of research or credibility
of authors and more. Resources that are
provided below are those focused on helping students find credible and
important resources in an online fully asynchronous project management
certification course. There are several tips for those who are new to online
learning and how they should adapt to promote success in the online course.
Resources:
Distance Learning: NACADA
Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources- This resource would be helpful
for a new online learner because it defines distant learning, offers sources on
distant learning content, general resources for distance learning. Also, Steele
(2005) describes characteristics of students who choose distant learning and
what distance learners need to know. A key concept for online students and
those who are pursuing project management must practice good time management
skills, a self motivated/paced learner, and technology competency to complete
course work, use interactive web tools and/or modules. This resource provide
several other resources that can assist a newly distant learner and services
that distant learning can provide such as department information, how to log on
to online courses, Online course information , learner resources, and
more.
Another great resource
for a new incoming distant learner is eCampus which a
site provided by Northwest Florida State College, that illustrates several
points on what is required of distant learning and what is expected of a
distant learner. eCampus (2012)
illustrates how distant learning classes require a great deal of reading.
Students should be to understand written directions and reading assignments
without face-to-face explanations from instructors. As a learner focusing on
project management courses it is always important to understand written and
reading material. A project management course depends on students reading
information from discussion board and collaborative writing assignments and
group activities assembling information into online resources. “The quality of
distance education should be equal to that of a traditional classroom” ( eCampus, 2012). That is a very
important tip for new distant learners because all information should be
treated the same no matter the location of the course. Students should spend
extra time studying information vs. the short periods of study in a traditional
course. eCampus provides relevant and constructive tips cause all distant learners
must be organized and persistent. If the student is unsure of their qualities
as a distant learner eCampus provides a Distance Learning
Readiness Assessment which I think is a very great concept.
The resource Goal Setting Guide by Arina Nikitina provides
relevant and great tips for adult learners to succeed in distance learning. As
a learner earning a certification or degree through distance learning should
develop a time management strategy, make the most from online discussions, make
asking questions useful in learning, stay motivated, and make connection with
fellow students to stay and become successful in the online course. Obtaining a certification in project
management requires time, motivation, and fellowship of classmates and
possessing those characteristics as new learner will help the student achieve
their certification as well as, become knowledgeable and skillful.
S.I.D.E. Road – Success in Distance Education is resource available for
learners to use before and during distant courses. This resource, to me, is a
great source because it includes information, practices, a scavenger hunt,
tutorials, and more. S.I.D.E demonstrates points on:
- Step by step instructions for technical
"HOW TOs"
- Time management tools
- Online helpdesk and phone support for LBCC DL
students
- Types of DL courses available in LBCC
- Skills for success: technical and time
management
- Equipment you need
- Choosing the right course for you
- Procrastination - learn methods to avoid it
- Success factors in DL courses
- Library resources and tools
- LBCC online student services
- Tutorials, practices, and interactive
simulations
The points provided are all key points for any distant learner to
become successful. The scavenger hunt
provided is a great tool because learners are asked questions .The tips
provided are significant for a new distant learner and excellent upon providing
feedback by conducting a scavenger hunt to gain and provide feedback for the
viewer.
Montgomery college resource by Anthony Solano
is a great tool for new learners to access information about online/distant
learning due to several Online Learning- Step- by – Step tabs, Online Success,
Basic Technical Skills, Academic Advising, and Career information, and Online
Workshops. A tremendous amount of information is readily available for learners
to access to gain control of their distant learning environment. I think the Online Workshop and Career
information is wonderful because learners have the opportunity to learn Career
planning tools, how to pick a major, how to research careers, and Sigi 3(Web based career planning tool). This is a magnificent resource because of the
excessive relevant information which provides a guide of online success for new
distant learners to adapt which includes Effective
Online Communication , Evaluating
Websites ,Internet
Searching and Researching, Learning
Styles & Online
Learning, and Online
Academic Support, Online
Writing Support , and Potential
Personal Barriers and more.
All resources provided are relevant and helpful tips for a
new learner gaining a certificate or degree in distant learning. Taking
initiative to make that step and choose what course is right is important and
the resources that have been provided are helpful and will make a difference in
your distant learning environment.
References
eCampus. (2012).
Helpful Tips for Distance Learning. Retrieved from http://ecampus.nwfsc.edu/dltips.cfm
Nikitina,A. (2012, October 07). 5
Tips For Adult Students to Succeed in Distance
Learning. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from http://www.goal-setting-guide.com/5-tips-for-adult-students-to-succeed-in-distance-learning
Solano, A. (2009, March 10). Online Student Success Center. Resources
for Distance Learning Students at Montgomery College. Retrieved from http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/Departments/studevgt/onlinsts/#Basic_Technical_Skills_
S.I.D.E. Road(n.d.). S.I.D.E. Road- Success in Distance
Education. Retrieved from
Steele,G.(2005). Distance advising. NACADA
Clearinghouse of Academic Advising. Retrieved from https://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Clearinghouse/Advisingissues/adv_distance.htm