It’s Online, but Is It On Target?

Part 3

Dot-What?

Look at the site’s address. What follows the dot?

·        Dot-com is not only for businesses; anyone can use it. Dot-coms include well known and respected companies, but also private individuals.

·        Dot-org usually indicates a not-for-profit organization. Many dot-orgs have political agendas, focus on debatable issues instead of facts, and might not present all sides of an argument.

·        Dot-gov indicates a government website at the federal, state, or local level. The federal government is a good source of statistics, and its sites are widely considered among the most reliable.

·        Dot-mil is used by sites that are part of the military.

·        Dot-edu usually indicates a university website. While its published research is generally considered very trustworthy, anyone associated with the university, whether a world-renowned scholar or a freshman, can be given space on a server. Professors sometimes put student’s course work up on the Web, but that doesn’t mean they’re vouching for the information’s accuracy.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

It’s Online, but Is It On Target?

Part 2

Research with Attitude

Conduct your research with the attitude of a skeptic. As you examine websites for clues that they’re trustworthy, ask these questions:

·       Who wrote the Web page? If you can’t identify the individual or organization responsible for the information, don’t use it.

·       What are the author’s qualifications for writing on the subject?

·       Has the article passed through an editorial process designed to ensure quality and accuracy?

·       What is the website’s purpose? Look for motives – like selling products or winning votes – that could result in biased or incomplete information.

·       Is the information accurate? Is it up to date?

·       Where did the author get the information?

 

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Part 4 of 4

Emphasis on the Written Word

Most of the communication, as well as the course work, in distance-learning classes is written. That’s a plus, because the focus on the written word gives you the opportunity to develop as a writer – and strong writing skills are essential to academic success. However, if writing is a serious weakness for you, virtual education may not be the best educational option until you improve your skills. Yes, most of distance education is the written word; therefore, you need to be a good reader, love to read, and love writing also. Most of your assignments will be written and submitted to the instructor in the written format. Your penmanship needs to be excellent, spelling great, sentence structure above average, vocabulary extraordinary. You need to have online access and have reliable equipment. If your Internet communication isn’t working, you can’t do online education from home and you need to go to someplace where you do have access to the Internet.

 

Decide Whether It’s Right for You

Distance education isn’t for everyone, but it just might be for you. You really should seek it out and give it a try. You never know until you try. You might even fall in love with distance education. While distance education might be the perfect alternative for some students, it’s not the right choice for everyone. So carefully consider your unique needs and interests and give distance education a try; then, decide if it’s right for you.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Part 4 of 4

Emphasis on the Written Word

Most of the communication, as well as the course work, in distance-learning classes is written. That’s a plus, because the focus on the written word gives you the opportunity to develop as a writer – and strong writing skills are essential to academic success. However, if writing is a serious weakness for you, virtual education may not be the best educational option until you improve your skills. Yes, most of distance education is the written word; therefore, you need to be a good reader, love to read, and love writing also. Most of your assignments will be written and submitted to the instructor in the written format. Your penmanship needs to be excellent, spelling great, sentence structure above average, vocabulary extraordinary. You need to have online access and have reliable equipment. If your Internet communication isn’t working, you can’t do online education from home and you need to go to someplace where you do have access to the Internet.

 

Decide Whether It’s Right for You

Distance education isn’t for everyone, but it just might be for you. You really should seek it out and give it a try. You never know until you try. You might even fall in love with distance education. While distance education might be the perfect alternative for some students, it’s not the right choice for everyone. So carefully consider your unique needs and interests and give distance education a try; then, decide if it’s right for you.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

Distance Education Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Part 3

Challenging Aspects of Distance Education

·         Lack of in-person interactions: Some educators argue that both teacher-student and student-student contact are essential to learning. In a distance-learning classroom, you may be able to participate in classroom discussions online in chat rooms, message boards or Web conferences – but it’s not the same as being with other students in a classroom.

·         Different levels of quality: Many distance-education programs supply an excellent learning experience, but others may not. Research any program signing on to make sure it is rigorous enough. If you are choosing your own program, look into its accreditation before enrolling.

·         The need to self-start: Distance Education lets you make your own schedules. If you have a hard time getting motivated, this might not be the ideal educational setting for you.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Part 1

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/high-school/47337.html

 

You May want to take a class that your high school doesn’t offer. Under some circumstances, you can still enroll in the class – through distance learning.

Distance education means taking a class without physically being present were it is being taught. Internet-based technology lets students participate in lectures and class sessions online from almost anywhere.

Some high schools agree to recognize distance-learning credits when they don’t have the resources to offer a course themselves. Distance education is often used to increase options in rural areas and for AP@ courses.

For you it might mean doing self-tutorial at home or in the evening, or participating or participating in a class that is 1,000 miles away, along with other high school students. Check with your school counselor to see what’s available.

 

CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!