Like ivy quietly overtaking a house until its removal becomes a major problem, the mistakes made by e-learners are not apparent until they become overwhelming and difficult to correct.

Discipline is tantamount in a distance-learning college environment; and the milestones for the online class must be met with completed homework, on-time performance of class projects and clarification of any misunderstood syllabus elements.

But the best defense is a well-executed offense; so online school students should avoid allowing these destructive mistakes into their high-tech, virtual classroom experience:

1. Flying by the seat of one’s pants by adding e-learning classes to an already overbooked schedule. Although online classes represent the ultimate in flexibility, they also require the same amount of work (or more) as traditional college classes. If there is no time left in the schedule to study online, then don’t add an online class. It will only exacerbate the situation. Before enrolling in online school, make sure that sufficient study time is available.
2. Not taking the time to carefully read and re-read the details included in the class syllabus. The syllabus offers vital information about deadlines and homework instructions, required materials for the class, office hours of the instructor, the grading formula, the repurcussions of late or missed homework, how to find help when needed and more. Skimming over this material could cause major fallout.
3. Procrastinating on assignments, especially the final project. Although cramming may work in the short-term for some traditional classes, e-learners may find themselves in trouble if they begin to slip behind in required reading or do not allow enough time to complete assignments. It is especially important to allow a generous amount of time to complete final projects by starting early. That way, if trouble arises, there will be sufficient opportunity to seek assistance from the instructor. 
4. Assuming that the professor will not know that the required watching of live or archived lectures has been omitted. If students are required to watch video lectures via computer, it is easy to assume that the teacher will not know if this requirement has been fulfilled. But beware – new technology is able to keep a record of which students logged into the live or archived lectures. In live lectures watched by computer, teachers can see the names of students present in the virtual classroom; and students can raise their hand, be called upon by the teacher, type in comments or questions, applaud and view demonstrations on the teacher’s computer screen. So watch the lecture; or you may be docked a few points.
5. Attempting to get by with dial-up Internet, a computer that does not meet the specifications for the class, or a significantly different version of the software and textbook. Although it is not impossible to successfully complete the class using materials and equipment that are outdated, the student will experience undue stress and will waste a tremendous amount of time overcoming the limitations posed by the situation. It is not worth it; so spend the extra money on materials to ensure the best possible learning situation.

Online degree programs and online classes are a wonderful way to earn a college diploma.

But students should remember to stay on top of their online education by developing excellent time management skills and discipline. This is the best way to avoid costly mistakes and to insure a rewarding e-learning experience.

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Posted by vida

This entry was posted on Friday, May 30th, 2008 at 12:46 pm and is filed under e-learning. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.