Introduction to Online Learning

Julie Globokar holds a Master’s Degree and is currently pursuing her PhD in criminal justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has extensive experience with both online and face-to-face instruction at the college level, and has served for three years as an academic chair for online courses in Kaplan University′s Undergraduate School of Criminal Justice. She is dedicated to helping students overcome barriers to reach their goals.

• IntroductionChapter 1: Debunking the Myths of Online EducationIntroductionMyth #1: Taking online courses is "settling" for a lesser-quality educationMyth #2: I am feeling overwhelmed; online learning must not be for meMyth #3: I don′t know my way around a computer: I can′t do this!Myth #4: With online education, I am "going it alone"Myth #5: I am online all the time; this will be easy!Myth #6: Online learninG requires less time than traditional educationMyth #7: Since this is an online course, I can complete the coursework whenever I wantMyth #8: My online Coursework will not be respected by othersConclusionReflection QuestionsChapter ChecklistChapter 2: Where do I Start?IntroductionTechnology BasicsGetting Comfortable with Online CampusExploring the Online ClassroomKnowing What to Look ForConclusionReflection QuestionsChapter ChecklistChapter 3: Getting OrganizedIntroductionGetting OrganizedWhere to Find the SpaceSpecial Considerations When Working at HomeFinding Office in the CommunityWhere to Find the TimeThe Importance of BalanceConclusionReflection QuestionsChapter ChecklistChapter 4: "Where do I turn for Help?" Knowing Your ResourcesIntroductionGetting Answers to School-Specific QuestionTechnological ResourcesAcademic ResourcesSocial ResourcesCounseling ServicesFinancial SupportConclusionReflections QuestionsChapter ChecklistChapter 5: When the Worst Happens and How to CopeIntroductionThe Importance of PerspectiveTechnology MattersTips and Tricks to Minimize Technical CatastrophesResponding to Common ProblemsFamily, Work or Personal EmergenciesPhysical Limitations to WritingSchool-Related ProblemsWhen You Have Fallen Behind...ConclusionReflection QuestionsChapter ChecklistChapter 6: Learning StylesIntroductionKnow Your StrengthsThe Delivery of InformationKolb′s Learning StylesOther Considerations in Learning StyleConclusionReflection QuestionsChapter ChecklistChapter 7: Written CommunicationIntroductionComputer-mediated, Communication, Academic StyleDiscussion BoardsEmailsFormal Writing AssignmentsConclusionReflection QuestionsChapter ChecklistChapter 8: Conducting Quality Research for Your Online ClassIntroductionWhy Research?Types of ResourcesResearching for Your Online ClassConclusionReflection QuestionsChapter ChecklistChapter 9: Citing Your SourcesIntroductionCiting 101Knowing When to CiteKnowing How to CitePeparing to Cite Your SourcesConclusionReflection QuestionsChapter Checklist

I′m requiring it for all of my online students because many have a hard time adapting to online learning. I will be writing one of these myself soon!