Antelope Valley College -- Online Learning
Student Online Learning Information Guide

What is Online Learning?

Online learning should, and must, contain at minimum the same content, level of assignments, assessments, rigor and high standards as on-campus classes. Plus, online courses should be designed to have increased interaction with your instructor and other students, using group and one-on-one technologies.

Successful online students gain skills required to succeed in our increasingly technological, telecommunication oriented business, government and general society.. They are highly motivated to use time- and place-independent learning opportunities. They are self-starters and independent thinkers and learners.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Learning

Students in distance education classes, such as this Internet-based computer class, report many advantages and disadvantages both by not participating in a traditional class lecture and lab format.

Advantages include

1. flexibility in scheduling work for class

2. flexibility to study in any convenient location

3. ability to skim over materials already mastered and to concentrate time and effort in areas containing new information and/or skills

4. flexibility to study materials at a personal speed and intensity, without having to wait for slower pace of the average classroom

5. flexibility to join "conversations" in the bulletin board/discussion/forums areas at any hour, and to catch up on everything that has been "said" by others since the previous visit.

Disadvantages include

1. easy to procrastinate - to wait until later

2. difficulty with staying on track without the structured classroom

3. feeling of isolation - alone - without the face-to-face classroom environment

4. frustration with technology

5. delayed response from other classmates and/or instructor through asynchronous communications bulletin board/discussion/forums and email

Characteristics of Successful Online Students

1. ability to manage time and set priorities. College courses generally require three to five hours per week per unit of credit for most courses. Keep up with coursework. Submit work correctly and on time.

2. understand there is no credit for "seat time". Students who participate and utilize all resources learn more and gain collaborative skills which are valued in the workplace.

3. realize that the instructor is no longer the "sage on the stage" but should become a "coach" and "facilitator" as students take a more active part in their learning.

4. participate and be persistent. It has been proven that the online environment results in more creativity and assertiveness by students. You are part of the virtual community, but there is a certain comfortable anonymity which fosters more freedom of expression.

5. share with fellow students. Ask questions as soon as they arise. Spinning your wheels doesn't help when your car is stuck in the mud, and it doesn't help when you're stuck with a problem.

6. improve reading and writing skills. Asynchronous communications such as bulletin boards/discussions/forums and email allow time for thinking before pressing the SEND button. Writing improves. Logic and critical thinking can be developed at a more rapid rate than usually occurs with verbal classroom communication.

7. observe Netiquette rules. Put your personality in your work. Be polite and respectful, even when disagreeing.

ADDITIONAL ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES

Foothill DeAnza Community College Online Student Orientation:

• Online Learning Orientation

  This orientation will provide you with relevant information about online learning requirements, and it will answer many important questions:

  • What is online learning?

  • Who is online learning for?

  • What technical knowledge is expected?

  • What technology is needed?

  • How are online course structured?

  • How are online courses laid out?
     

  • What is a typical online session?

  • What is there to do?

  • How do I get feedback?
     

  • Any good tips to suggest?

Student Distance Learning Handbook - Palm Beach Community College -

• Palm Beach Community College - Are you Ready for Online Learning?  self scoring quizze

  Before you consider taking classes as a distance learner, it's important to determine if you have the skills necessary for success.

       Before registering as a distance learner, there are several questions you should ask yourself.

• Do I like working and learning on a computer?

• Am I comfortable with the technology?

• Am I self-disciplined enough to follow lessons on my own?

• Do I have good study skills?

Is Online Learning For You?? - University of Illinois Online

• To ensure your success review the following:

  • What makes a successful online student?

  • Is Online Learning for you?

  • Tips for Online Success
           Tips from the Illinois Online Network

• Are you best suited for OnCampus classes?

• Is Online right for you?

• TIPS for New Online Students

NOTE: If linked pages open a new browser, when finished, CLOSE the new browser to return to this page.

1. Welcome to AVC Online Learning

2. What is Online Learning?

3. Are you Ready for Online Learning?  Self-Scored Surveys for you to take

4. System Requirements

   • ISPs - Free & Cheap

   • Required Browser Settings

5. How to Get Your Course Login Information 

   • Follow instructions to contact your Professor before classes begin

   • and/or to attend OnCampus Orientation Meeting

   • AND complete all Online Orientation Tasks

   • ASK Questions as needed - It's about your education!!