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Welcome to the exciting world of e-learning, a revolutionary way to earn your degree or master new skills. Unlike other recent educational innovations, e-learning is extremely student-centric. That is, it puts the process of learning entirely at the fingertips of students. Simply by using a computer and an Internet connection, students can learn online anytime, anywhere - and at their own pace.
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Before signing up for an online course or program, however, it's important to know what skills you need before beginning. You also need to know what type of course delivery format will work best for you, and where to find a course or program. |
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Computer ABCs
First, make sure that your computer skills are in good order. At the very minimum, you should be able to comfortably send and receive email, send and receive email file attachments, browse and search the Internet, and type reasonably fast and accurately.
If you're lacking in any of these areas, don't throw in the towel just yet. Each of these skills is quite easy to master - with a bit of time and patience. And if you need some extra help, teenagers can be good tutors. Plus, computer-based typing programs - if you'd like to do more than hunt and peck - do a good job of teaching keyboarding skills.
E-Learning Formats
Once you feel confident about your technical skills, you're ready to get started. But where to begin? There are a myriad of course delivery methods used in e-learning. Perhaps the best way to find the online course format that is right for you is to consider your education needs and learning style.
For instance, if you like to read, look for a course with e-books, textbooks and other required reading. If listening is your preferred learning style, select courses that feature audio lectures or sound bytes to explain concepts. And if you need to see how things are done, make sure that graphical demonstrations are featured to illustrate new ideas.
For a number of students, milestones help with self-discipline and motivation. For instance, frequent assignments and quizzes. If you are self-directed and able to stay on task, however, you may find these 'stepping stones' a waste of time. Ask to see the course syllabus before making a commitment.
When choosing an e-learning environment, many new students assume that they will have to completely sacrifice real interaction. The truth is that many e-learning courses are available that enable students to hear, read and speak in a live environment - just like a brick-and-mortar classroom. So if speaking and communication are critical to your learning style, make sure that the course or program you select offers a real-time, e-learning environment - and double-check to make sure your computer and Internet connection are up to the task.
Ready . . . Set . . . Go!
Once you've ramped up your computer skills and know what type of e-learning format will work best for you, how do you find course providers? The best approach is to use your newly found Internet search skills. Try entering keywords into your browser, such as e-learning, online learning and distance education. You'll discover a number of credible online directories that can help you refine your search. Before you know it your fingers will be flying - and your e-learning adventure will have begun.
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