Online Education for Dummies

Description

From admission to graduation–your personal guide to studying online Online Education For Dummies explains the ins and outs of attending a virtual classroom, and provides you with the tools you need to hone your skills or obtain additional certification and degrees. This practical reference not only helps you get the most out of an online course, but also offers a wealth of advice to help you pick the one that matches your interests and needs. Identifies the software and hardware needed to study onlineReveals how to get financial aid, transfer credits, and manage online timeExplains how to locate legitimate online programs and avoid scams Whether you want to earn a degree or just increase your knowledge through an online course, Online Education For Dummies is the only guide you need. Online Education for Dummies® About the Authors Dedication Authors’ Acknowledgments Contents at a Glance Table of Contents Foreword Introduction About This Book Conventions Used in This Book What You’re Not to Read Foolish Assumptions How This Book Is Organized Icons Used in This Book Where to Go from Here Part I: Introducing a Different Kind of Classroom Chapter 1: Heading Online for Your Education Examining the Characteristics and Advantages of Online Education Knowing the Technology and Computer Skills You Need to Succeed Seeing How to Go About Becoming an Online Student Being a Star Student Looking at a Few Special Situations in Online Education Chapter 2: The Traits and Benefits of Online Education What Makes Online Education Different from Traditional Education? Who Benefits from Online Education? Getting a Grip on Potential Pitfalls Determining Whether You’re Ready to Join the World of Online Education Chapter 3: The Technology and Technological Skills You Need to Succeed Checking Your Technological Readiness Testing Your Technological Abilities Staying Safe Online Part II: Preparing to Be a Student Chapter 4: Discovering What’s Available Online Examining Different Types of Online Programs and Courses Finding Out Which Institutions Offer Online Programs and Courses Checking Out Different Structures of Online Courses Finishing Your Schooling Faster with Accelerated Programs and Courses Chapter 5: Doing Your Homework: Evaluating Schools Focusing on What You Need in a School Finding an Accredited School Talking to the Right People to Get the Answers You Need Narrowing Your Options Chapter 6: Applying to School and Securing the Cash Applying to an Online Program Calculating the Costs of Online Classes Figuring Out How You’re Going to Pay for Online Classes Applying for Federal Financial Aid Chapter 7: Getting Accepted and Prepping for Class Finding Out Whether You’ve Been Accepted or Rejected Registering for Classes Getting Oriented Buying Books Part III: The Virtual Classroom: Being an A+ Student Chapter 8: Navigating the Classroom Reaching Your Virtual Classroom Locating and Understanding Critical Documents Modules and More: Understanding a Course’s Content Organization Attending Virtual Office Hours Chapter 9: Meeting the People in (And around) Your Classroom Getting to Know the Folks Who Are Front and Center Seeing Who’s Behind the Scenes Chapter 10: Communicating Clearly Online Checking Out Methods of Communicating Online Creating and Putting Forward an Online Persona Participating in Discussions Tapping into Social Networks Chapter 11: Developing Good Study Habits for Online Courses Setting Aside Time to Work Navigating the Web Efficiently Reading Wisely Visiting the Library Working Offline Chapter 12: Getting a Handle on Group Dynamics Making Your Online Group Successful Resolving Conflicts Chapter 13: Understanding Netiquette and Ethical Behavior Defining and Using Netiquette Recognizing the Importance of Online Ethics Avoiding Plagiarism Chapter 14: Finishing and Submitting Your Assignments Understanding the Ramifications of Rubrics Writing 101 Completing Different Types of Assignments Submitting Assignments Chapter 15: Transitioning after School Developing an ePortfolio Getting Help with Finding a Job Part IV: Special Considerations in Online Education Chapter 16: Educating Students from Kindergarten through High School Understanding Why Kids Are Going to School Online Seeing the Differences between K-12 and Adult Online Education Checking Out Different Kinds of Virtual Schools for Kids and Teens Going through the K-12 Enrollment Process Chapter 17: Connecting with International Students Taking First Steps toward Going to a U.S.-Based Online School Accessing the Internet around the World Making the Most of Your Class Time Chapter 18: Accessibility in Online Education Determining Whether the Courses You Want to Take Are Accessible Disclosing a Disability to Your Chosen Online School Using Assistive Technology Online Part V: The Part of Tens Chapter 19: Ten Myths about Online Education Online Education Is Anytime/Anywhere Only Kids Take Online Courses An Online Course Is a Great Way to Learn How to Use Your Computer You Must Be a Computer Geek to Take an Online Course Online Education Is Easier Than Traditional Education Online Education Is Lower in Quality Than Traditional Education Online Education Is Always Independent Online Education Is Less Personal Than Traditional Education You Need a Webcam for an Online Class Everyone Cheats Online Chapter 20: Ten Nationally Recognized Online Schools California State University, Chico Capella University Florida State University Online Florida Virtual School Kaplan University Nova Southeastern University Penn State Online University of Phoenix Walden University Western Governors University Index