E-learning Companion: a Student's Guide To Online Success (3RD 11 - Old Edition)

This text serves as a resource and quick-reference guide for any course that demands technology skills. E-LEARNING COMPANION shows students how to adapt previously mastered skills--such as time management, note-taking, and critical thinking--to the online environment. The text also serves as a bridge for students who may be familiar with technologies such as real-time chats, online discussion boards, and e-mail as recreational tools, but have not learned how to apply these in a learning environment. Students learn technical terminology and how to troubleshoot, which allows them to become more flexible and capable learners. The skills they gain will support them throughout college and their future careers. The Third Edition features thoroughly updated, expanded, and edited content to ensure that it remains relevant for today's college students.

Ryan Watkins, Ph.D., is an assistant professor with the Educational Technology Leadership Program at the George Washington University. He received his doctoral degree from Florida State University in Instructional Systems Design. Dr. Watkins has designed and taught courses (both online and in the classroom) in areas of instructional design, needs assessment, and technology management. Prior to his position at GWU, he worked as an assistant professor of instructional technology and distance education at Nova Southeastern University and was a member of the research faculty in the Office for Needs Assessment and Planning at the Learning Systems Institute at Florida State University.Michael Corry, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Educational Technology Leadership program at The George Washington University and holds his Ph.D. from Indiana University in Instructional Systems Technology.

About the authors. To instructors. To students. E-Learning readiness self-assessment. 1. SELECTING THE RIGHT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUCCESS ONLINE. Increasing the Odds of Your Success. Be Realistic with Your Time. Review Distance-Learning Options. Consider the Timing. Balance Your Academic and Work Commitments. Balance Your Academic and Personal Commitments. Get Your Feet Wet: Take an Online Course of Personal Interest. Review Prerequisite Requirements. Verify Your Support Services. Summary. Chapter 1 exercise. Did you stay focused? 2. CREATE A PLAN FOR ONLINE SUCCESS. Planning for Online Success. Setting Realistic Expectations of Online Coursework. Common Misconceptions of Online Coursework. Clarifying Personal Expectations and Setting Goals. Building Comprehension Skills. Establishing Study Times. Creating an Effective Study Environment. Planning with Learning or Physical Disabilities in Mind. Familiarizing Yourself with the Course Design. Staying in Touch. Creating an Effective Plan. Summary. Chapter 2 exercise. Did you stay focused? 3. TECHNOLOGY TIPS FOR ONLINE STUDENTS. Tips for Before-Online Coursework Begins. Tips for Evaluating Online Resources. Tips for Avoiding Plagiarism and Copyright Violations. Tips for Online Security and Privacy. Timesaving Technology Tips. Tips for Accessibility. Tips for Managing Your Files. Tips for Using the World Wide Web. Tips for Downloading. Tips for Searching the World Wide Web. Tips for Choosing a Search Engine. Tips for Using Your Web Browser. Tips for Using Email. Tips for Using Microsoft Word. Tips for Using E-Books. Tips for Technology Support. Developing a Technology Contingency Plan. Summary. Chapter 3 exercise. Did you stay focused? 4. TIME MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES. Success Strategy One: Don't Procrastinate. Success Strategy Two: Don't Wait for Perfection. Success Strategy Three: Combine Activities. Success Strategy Four: Don't Expect Your Instructor to Always Be Online. Success Strategy Five: Keep to a Schedule Success Strategy Six: Use Your Free Time Wisely. Success Strategy Seven: Learn to Say No. Success Strategy Eight: Make Use of Technology. Success Strategy Nine: Manage the Time That You Spend Online. Success Strategy Ten: Know Your Studying Prime Times. Summary. Chapter 4 exercise. Did you stay focused? 5. DEVELOPING POSITIVE ONLINE RELATIONSHIPS. Online Relationships. Making a Good First Impression Online. Effective Online. Communications Tips. Staying Organized Online. Adding a Personal Touch. Attachment Etiquette. Getting to Know Your Instructor. Creating a Supportive Online Learning. Community. Summary. Chapter 5 exercise. Did you stay focused? 6. E-LEARNING VOCABULARY. Understanding the Basic Lingo. Checking Technology Requirements. Familiarizing Yourself with Required Hardware. Familiarizing Yourself with Required Software. Summary. Chapter 6 exercise. Did you stay focused? 7. MAINTAINING MOTIVATION IN AN ONLINE COURSE SELECTING COURSES. Finding an Application. Keeping Your Goals in Mind. Developing Your Motivational Support System. Visualizing Your Success. Communicating with Your Instructor. Being an Active Participant. Rewarding Yourself Throughout the Semester. Developing Healthy Habits. Summary. Chapter 7 exercise. Did you stay focused? Quick Reference Guide. How-To Tutorials. Glossary. References and Recommended Readings. Index.