Online Student Skills and Strategies Handbook

Introduction to Course Instructors. Introduction to Online Students. 1. Readiness for Online Success and Satisfaction. Introduction. Your Readiness for Online Computer Tasks. Chapter 2 Assessment. Your Readiness for Online Email Tasks. Chapter 3 Assessment. Your Readiness for Online Course Tasks. Chapter 4 Assessment. Your Readiness for Online Learning Tasks. Chapter 5 Assessment. Your Readiness for Online Student/Learner Pitfalls. Chapter 6 Assessment. 2. Computer Tasks for Online Learning. Introduction. 2.1. Meeting Minimum Requirements for Your PC. 2.2. Enabling Cookies. 2.3. Enabling Javascript. 2.4. Accessing Web Pages. 2.5. Bookmarking Web Sites and Pages. 2.6. Adding Plug-ins. 2.7. Clearing Your Cache. 2.8. Setting Computer Resolution. 2.9. Setting Document View. 2.10. Creating Course Folders. 2.11. Copying and Pasting. 2.12. Copying and Pasting Internet Addresses from Your Screen. 2.13. Copying and Pasting from a pdf file (Acrobat Reader). 2.14. Saving Files. 2.15. Uploading Files. 2.16. Converting to Rich Text Format. 2.17. Using Two or More Open Programs in Windows. 2.18. Protecting Your Computer from Viruses. 2.19. Setting Security Measures for Your Computer. 3. Email Tasks for Online Learning. Introduction. 3.1. Using email effectively in online courses. 3.2. Accessing email. 3.3. Identifying the sender (you). 3.4. Adding an email signature to email. 3.5. Proofreading email. 3.6. Utilizing the basic standards of email etiquette. 3.7. Saving email to folders. 3.8. Attaching files to email. 3.9. Protecting your computer from email viruses. 3.10. Saving email to draft mode for reflection prior to sending. 3.11. Setting a high priority ranking on email. 3.12. Cleaning your email account. 4. Online Course Tasks for Online Learning. Introduction. 4.1. Accessing Your Course Anytime, Anywhere. 4.2. Saving Course Access Information. 4.3. Navigating Online Course Materials. 4.4. Overviewing Course Materials. 4.5. Printing Important Course Materials. 4.6. Using the Course Syllabus. 4.7. Participating in Discussion Boards. 4.8. Netiquette in Discussion Boards. 4.9. Creating a New Thread/Topic in Discussion Boards. 4.10. Replying in Discussion Boards. 4.11. Submitting Assignments. 4.12. Accessing and Participating in a Live Chat. 4.13. Communicating Effectively in a Live Chat. 4.14. Using Courseware Special Tools. 4.15. Utilizing the courseware Help or Student Help Manual. 5. Online Student/Learner Tasks for Online Learning. Introduction. 5.1. Creating a Course Binder for Offline Studying. 5.2. Overviewing Screen Documents. 5.3. Taking Notes on Internet Materials. 5.4. Completing Online Group Projects. 5.5. Completing Online Course Assignments. 5.6. Recognizing and Avoiding Plagiarism. 5.7. Using Bibliographic Formats. 5.8. Editing & Proofing Your Writing. 5.9. Writing Responses to Assigned Questions on Course Reading. 5.10 Writing an Annotated Bibliography. 5.11. Writing a Research Paper. 5.12. Preparing For and Taking Tests. 6. Online Learning Pitfall Solutions. Introduction. 6.1. Coping with Computer Stress. 6.2. Minimizing Eye Strain. 6.3. Getting Help with Computer Problems. 6.4. Getting Help with Internet Research. 6.5. Getting Help with Course Problems. 6.6. Organizing Your Course Tasks. 6.7. Creating an Efficient Learning Environment. 6.8. Managing Time for Online Learning. 6.9. Finding a Tutor. 6.10. Getting Along With Your Instructor. 6.11. Getting Along With Your Fellow Students. 6.12. Getting Help with Study Strategies. 6.13. Improving Your Basic Skills. 6.14. Getting Help with Personal Pitfalls. 6.15. Following Directions. Conclusion. Appendix A: Webliography. Appendix B: Computer Skills Performance Tips. Appendic C: Glossary. Index.