How To Prepare For Online Learning
A new e-book from Saint Leo University's Center for Online Learning provides guidance for working adults considering online education.
Are you wary of self-help book hyperbole – the type of language that tries to convince you that rapid weight loss is easy, it's possible to get rich quick, and you can transform your life overnight?
We all know the simple truth. Nothing worthwhile is ever quick or easy.
The same principle applies to earning a college degree through online education.
The notion that somehow online education is easier or takes less time than earning a degree in a traditional, face-to-face setting is a myth.
Recently retired from his position as Saint Leo University president, Dr. Arthur F. Kirk, Jr. addressed this issue in "The Real Story of Adult Online Learning" in his blog on "The Huffington Post."
"To watch the TV ads, one might think that earning a post-secondary degree online is easier than through traditional classroom study. Certainly, it is true that one might do a lot of work in one's pajamas (something not common even with the informality of today's campuses). Furthermore, one does not have to fight traffic or search for a parking place, except when there is a specific reason to go to a campus or education center. But these enticements do not capture the full picture of what online students encounter."
Online education can accommodate busy schedules. It provides the flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere – from early morning before getting the kids ready for school, to lunch hour at work.
Increased flexibility, however, is not a substitute for rigor, which is why the decision to begin an online degree program is not one to be made lightly.
It requires careful self-assessment of one's academic strengths and weaknesses, priorities, career goals.
And like any journey, embarking on the road to an online degree requires preparation.
That's where this e-book from Saint Leo, "Are You Ready for Online Learning?" can help.
This book is intended to provide busy, working adults with information about some of the fundamental issues that should be considered as they investigate online degree programs: accreditation, academic services, time management, and reading and writing skills to mention just a few.
What makes this e-book different?
With more and more schools offering online courses and numerous for-profit universities vying for prospective students' attention, scores of textbooks have been written about online learning.
Produced by Saint Leo University's Center for Online Leaning, this guide offers 10 simple steps that can help prepare you for success in an online degree program.
- Consider the online learning environment
- Find an accredited program
- Understand how you will be learning
- Talk with an admissions counselor
- Explore academic support services
- Be computer ready
- Evaluate your reading and writing skills
- Get organized
- Plan how you will manage your time
- Pursue your passion
We live in a society that prefers instant answers over long-term solutions. Online learning is not a quick fix.
But it can help to transform your life.
We hope you find this e-book helpful as you prepare for the new road ahead.
Download the e-book now and get started on your degree!
Are you thinking about starting an online degree program? What questions do you have?
Other posts you may be interested in reading:
Choosing An Online Degree Program: 9 Do's And Don'ts