The distance learner's guide

Foreword. Preface. About The Companion Website. 1. Distance Learning: The Instructional Strategy of the Decade. The Purpose of the Guide. Organization of the Guide. What is Distance Learning? Who Offers Distance Learning Programs? Online and Virtual Universities. Why Study at a Distance? Distance Learning: How Quickly it Changes. Technology-Supported Learning. Technologies Used in Distance Education. Which Technology is Best? Synchronous Versus Asynchronous Communication: A Crucial Difference. Who are Distance Learners? Earning a Degree. What About Taking a Few Courses? The Quality Question. Is Distance Learning for You? Caution: Long-Term Planning Ahead. Beware of "Diploma Mills." Summary: You're on Your Way! 2. Choosing A Distance Education Provider: Asking the Right Questions. Providers Close to Home. Regional and National Providers. Using Print and Electronic Sources to Find a Provider. Summary: Know What to Expect. 3. The Role of The Computer In Distance Learning. Succeeding Online. Why You Need a Computer. Using Your Computer for Distance Learning Courses. What Kind of Computer is Required for College Courses? Shopping for Computing Equipment and Software. Checklist for Purchasing a New Computer. Selecting an Internet Service Provider. Are You Ready for Online Courses? 4. The Distance Learner's Library: The Indispensable Guide to Finding The Material. Updating Tradition: Today's Libraries. Getting the Material-Now. Using the Internet and the World Wide Web. Summary: Questions and Choices. 5. Understanding Your Needs: Overcoming the Personal Barriers to Success in Distance Learning. Learning from Others Where to Learn More. Clarifying Your Goals and Attitudes. The Essence of Being Human: Too Many Roles, Too Little Time. Developing Systems of Support. Health and Wellness: There is a Relationship to College Success. Summary: A Final Note. 6. Improving Distance Learning Performance: Steps To Success. Introduction. Learning to Learn. Study Guides. Note Taking. Time and Stress Management. Reading Guides. Writing Papers. Tests and Other Anxieties. Some Final Tips for Becoming a Better Student. Summary: Just a Beginning! 7. Career Planning. Introduction. Process I: Self - Exploration and Awareness. Process II: Career Exploration and Awareness. Process III: Career Planning and Goal Setting. Process IV: Career Data Information Gathering. Process V: Career Review and Adjustment. Process VI: Job Search. Summary: A Final Thought. Final Word. Contributing Authors. Acknowledgements. Index.