Table of contents for The distance learner's guide / Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications ; editors, Sally M. Johnstone & George P. Connick.


Bibliographic record and links to related information available from the Library of Congress catalog. Note: Contents data are machine generated based on pre-publication provided by the publisher. Contents may have variations from the printed book or be incomplete or contain other coding.


Counter
Foreword
Preface
Contributing Authors
Chapter 1. Distance Learning: College Comes to You
	What You Will Learn in This Chapter
	The Purpose of the Guide
	Organization of the Guide
	What is Distance Learning?
	Other Terms for 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 Learning
	Which Technology is Best?
	Synchronous versus Asynchronous Communication: A Crucial Difference
How Does the Learning Experience Differ With Each Synchronous and Asynchronous 
 Approaches
	What's it Like?
	Who are Distance Learner's
	Characteristics of Successful Distance Learners
	Earning a Degree
	Is a Degree Earned via Technology Equal to One Earned on Campus?
	What about Taking a Few Courses?
	Will Another College Accept Distance Education Credits?
	The Quality Question
	Is Distance Learning for You?
	Caution: Long-Term Planning Ahead
	Beware of Fake Colleges and "Diploma Mills"
	Summary: You're on Your Way!
Chapter 2. Choosing a Distance Education Provider: Asking the Right Questions
	What You Will Learn in This Chapter
	Locating Distance Education Providers and Programs
	Providers Close to Home
	Regional and National Providers
	Using Print and Electronic Sources to Find a Provider
	Questions for a Distance Education Provider
	General Issues
	Academic Issues
	Financial Issues
	Student Services Issues
	Summary: Know What to Expect
Chapter 3. The Role of the Computer in Distance Learning: Succeeding Online
	What You Will Learn in This Chapter
	Why You Need a Computer
	If You Own a Computer
	If You Don't Own a Computer
	If You Are an Experienced Computer User
	If You Don't Feel Comfortable Using a Computer
	Using Your Computer for Distance Learning Courses
		The Web and Your Courses
		Your Course May Use the Web for Many Different Purposes
		Taking a Course on a Course/Learning Management System
 Online Course Discussions
 Power-User Tips on Using the Web
 Email, Threaded Discussions, and Listserv Tips
 Email and Internet Addresses Explained
		Listservs and Discussion Groups
		Netiquette
		Internet Discussion Groups
		Video and Audio on Your Computer
		Submitting Your Assignments by Computer
		Other Technologies You May Use
	What Kind of Computer is Required for College Courses?
		Information Your Distance Learning Course Providers Can Provide
		Using the Computer Requires Information
		Deciding Whether to Upgrade or Buy a New Computer
		What's in Your Current Computer
	Shopping for Computing Equipment and Software
		What Hardware Will You Need?
		What Software Will You Need?
		Can't Afford a Computer?
	Selecting an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
	Amy Goes to Ivy League University . . . and Stays at Home
	Are You Ready for Online Courses?
	Questions to Ask Prospective Distance Learning Program Staff
Chapter 4. The Distance Learner's Library: The Indispensable Guide to Finding the Material
	What You Will Learn in This Chapter
	Today's Libraries
 Elements of Library Access: The Online Catalog and Beyond, Databases, Interlibrary 
 Loan and Reference Services
		The Online Catalog
	Moving From the Local Catalog to the Consortium Catalog of Combined University 
 Libraries
		Library Databases
		Database Searching Techniques
		Downloading Information
		Interlibrary Loans
 Summary: What Services are Available for You and Are They Effective?
		Finding Help When You Need It
	Using the Internet and the World Wide Web
	Summary: Questions ad Choices
Chapter 5. Understanding Your Needs: Overcoming the Personal Barriers to Success in
 Distance Learning
	What You Will Learn in This Chapter
	Learning from Others
	Where to Learn More
	Clarifying Your Goals and Attitudes: Why Do You Want to Be a Student and, in
	Particular, a Distance Learner
	The Essence of Being Human: Too Many Roles, Too Little Time
	Developing Systems of Academic and Social Support
	Health and Wellness: There is a Relationship to College Success
	Summary: A Final Note
Chapter 6. Improving Distance Learning Performance: Steps to Success
	What You Will Learn in This Chapter
	Introduction
	Learning to Learn
	Study Guides
	Concept Mapping
	Note Taking
	Time Management
		The Student Stressor Test
	Reading Guides
	Writing Papers
	Test and Other Anxieties
	Some Final Tips for Becoming a Better Student
	Questions for Distance Learning Students to Ask DL Providers
	Summary: Just a Beginning!
Final Word
Index




Library of Congress Subject Headings for this publication: Distance education, Distance education Computer-assisted instruction