Successful Online Learning: Managing the Online Learning Environment Efficiently and Effectively » (1E)

Successful Online Learning: Managing the Online Learning Environment Efficiently and Effectively is an essential resource for students who are new to the online learning environment or for students who are already in the online learning environment and are seeking additional strategies or tips to help them manage the structure more productively. This handbook includes real-life scenarios, proven strategies, tips for success, and a checklist at the end of each chapter to help students understand and optimize the online learning environment.

Key Topics Include:

Communicating and identifying learning styles

Working in groups

Setting up an ergonomically sound workspace

Managing the first day of the course

Overcoming technological barriers and concerns

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Janice K. Warrington, MSNEd, RN(Delaware Technical & Community College)
Description:This easy to read, concise book with helpful tips, strategies, and checklists for online students is a must-have for anyone considering online classes.
Purpose:According to the authors, their intent is to provide students with an easy to use handbook for success in the online learning environment, but the book contains information that even seasoned online students can use. Online education has become a viable option for many students who wish to further their education but may be hesitant because of fear of not being successful. This book helps define strategies for success.
Audience:Although specifically written for novice students, the book can be helpful to students and faculty at any level. The lead author, Theresa Ann Middleton Brosche, MSN, BSN, RN, CCRN, has written many articles for various publications, including AACN News and Dimensions in Critical Care Nursing, as well as several texts, and has served as a consultant for RN magazine .
Features:The authors provide organizational tips and checklists as well as strategies for handling some of the unique challenges presented by the online learning environment. Particularly helpful to novice students are the chapters on strategies for dealing with challenges. The authors provide real-life suggestions for managing family, work, and school as well as those unexpected events such as personal illness, deaths in the family, and, yes, even the weather! There are also discussions about communication in the online environment. Students do not have the benefit of face-to-face communication, which can often present challenges, and the authors provide direction for correct communication, tips for dealing with conflict with classmates and faculty, and how to manage group assignments. The information in this book is helpful to individuals who want to teach in the online environment as well, as it provides a chapter on the role of online faculty.
Assessment:This well-written book would have been helpful to me when I started my journey in online education several years ago for my Bachelor's in Nursing.

Preface vii

Foreword ix

Contributors xi

Chapter 1 Even a "Technopeasant" Can Succeed in Online Learning Programs! Desiree Carter 1

Chapter 2 How Do I Learn? Let Me Count the Ways: Learning Styles and Strategies Patricia Clayburn 13

Chapter 3 Strategies to Deal with Expected Challenges Stacia Thompson 23

Chapter 4 Strategies to Deal with Unexpected Challenges Deborah Schlief 37

Chapter 5 First Class Tips: Beginning Your Online Classroom Experience Julie Fomenko 49

Chapter 6 Tips and Strategies for Successful Writing in the Online Classroom Michelle Feavel 59

Chapter 7 Formatting: APA, MLA, AMA... Sally Rudy 75

Chapter 8 Strategies to Maintain Health and Well-Being as a Student in the Online Learning Environment Theresa A. Middleton Brosche 89

Chapter 9 Communicating by Computer Elizabeth L. Pratt 113

Chapter 10 Managing Group Assignments in the Online Learning Environment Patricia Lisk Katherine Quartuccio 127

Chapter 11 Enriching Your Online Experience with Collegiality Susan Sonnier 147

Chapter 12 A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Faculty Role in the Online Learning Environment Anita C. All 159

Technology Defined Chad Troxell Michael R. George 171

Appendix A Online Learning: Myths Versus Reality Stacia Thompson 179

Appendix B Study Strategies Stacia Thompson 181

Appendix C Students in the Military: Is an Online Learning Program a Viable Option? Stacia Thompson 183

Appendix D Taking Multiple Courses at One Time: Do I Have Enough Time in the Day? Stacia Thompson 185

Appendix E Check Into Employee Tuition Reimbursement Julie Fomenko 187

Appendix F Convenience Is a Benefit of Online Learning Desiree Carter 189

Appendix GInteractive Learning Is a Benefit of Online Education Desiree Carter 191

Appendix H Field Experiences Desiree Carter 193

Index 195