Far beyond the atmosphere of Earth, satellites are constantly scanning our planet-
-tracking weather, monitoring pollution, creating maps, and gathering information
that helps scientists predict storms, monitor forest fires, and study the holes in
the ozone layer.
http://www.omsi.edu/visit/earth/eyesonearth/observing.cfm
These are examples of using computer based learning. Similarly, the online
computer based mathematics courses at Phoenix College are our way of providing
students with a different mode for learning math. You may be asking yourself;
“What are online classes exactly and how do they work?” To help answer this
question you need to understand that the content within an online course and the
on-campus course does not differ in any way. The main difference is how the
content is presented to you.
In a classroom environment the class that you sign up for will meet at a specific
time. The instructor is in the room with you and provides you with a lecture.
Students who have questions or comments can raise their hands and add to the
discussion. If you need to talk to the instructor, you can meet them after class or
visit them during their office hours. This all occurs synchronously - meaning at a
certain time.
However, in an online setting, students can access the course when they have time.
There is no set schedule to meet with the instructor. The class meets
asynchronously - meaning not at the same time. Instead of raising your hand, you
post to a discussion board or chat room. Instead of talking with your instructor
after class you can send them an e-mail. The only part of an on-line course that is
synchronous is when you meet with your instructor for virtual office hours.
Most students agree that an online course is more convenient but they also say
that learning online requires more time, self discipline, dedication, and timemanagement
skills than traditional classroom learning. This website will help you
decide if online learning is for you.
Online courses begin with detailed instructions about the layout of the course,
features of the course management software, MyMathLab, required materials and
coursework.
What type of learner must I be to successfully complete an Online course?
In order to be successful, students enrolled in online courses should be motivated
and have good organizational skills. In particular, students need to avoid
procrastination by setting up and maintaining a weekly study schedule to stay on
top of assignments.
In addition, students should take advantage of virtual office hours, discussion
forums, chat rooms and email to communicate regularly with their instructors and
classmates. Students also need to make effective use of various course materials
and the learning tools available through the college’s flexible-learning programs.
An Online course is an excellent choice if:
· Time is a factor. Online courses provide an excellent method of course
delivery unbound by time or location allowing for accessibility to instruction
at anytime from anywhere.
· You are an adult learner with a busy life. The ability to access a course from
a home computer via the Internet, 24 hours a day, seven days a week is a
tremendous incentive for this group to reach their academic and career
goals.
· You are interested in experiencing student-centered teaching approaches
and interactive learning online.
· You are motivated to learn. The unique nature of the web offers new ways
to improve student learning through presentation and interaction with the
course material.
What technical issues should I be aware of for an Online course?
· Students must have the proper computer hardware and connections to the
Internet to permit this type of course delivery. Note: Internet access is
available at several locations on campus. If you are not on campus then
internet access can be found at public libraries, retail establishments and
many workplaces.
· PC computers are the preferred platform. Apple's Macintosh computers do
not support this program - unless using VirtualPC.
· You must be connected to the Internet by an Internet Service Provider
(ISP) that offers a high speed, reliable, direct connection to the Internet.
· Internet Explorer is the only browser compatible with this program.
Internet Explorer may be downloaded at no cost from Microsoft’s web site.
· You must have a personal e-mail account.
· Students in these courses should have some experience and familiarity
navigating and using the Internet as an information and communication
resource. Downloading and attaching files to an e-mail, word processing and
basic fundamentals of using a computer as a communication and productivity
tool are necessary skills for achieving success in a hybrid course. Hybrid
instructors assume that students are experienced with the basics of
operating and working on a Windows-based system.
Will I find myself totally working alone on this class?
No. You will be working closely with the instructor and the students in your class,
just as you would in a traditional classroom using the following tools: discussion
boards, forums, e-mail and chat rooms.
It is essential that you maintain good organizational and time-management skills in
an online course in order to be successful.
