One advantage of the online learning environment – believe it or not – is that you have more interaction with your peers.  Most online classes have a discussion question/interaction assignment each week.  These are the same types of questions that would be brought up in class.  However, in the online environment, EVERYONE has the opportunity (ok, requirement) to both “speak” about the topic and comment on his/her peers’ discussion input.  You learn not only academic tidbits that may not be in the “book” or in your research, but you gain the knowledge of real life experiences from others.  Often, you do not have this type of discussion opportunity in resident classrooms.

(source: NurseTogether.com)

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Since the breakout of the iPod there have been numerous updates and upgrades made to the device. Not only can we listen to music, but we can watch videos, view our own images, and download podcasts for later use. One thing you might not have thought of is how to use your iPod to study for class.

As we are always looking for ways to integrate our favorite gadgets into our studies and daily lives, here are just a few ideas on how to get your iPod involved for school use.

• CramSession: A great option for computer and IT students studying for professional exams can find audio study guides here, ready to download.
• NPR Science Friday: Listen to clever, engaging discussions about science from National Public Radio’s popular program.
• Project Gutenberg: This large online library of audio books and e-books contains stories and books in languages from English to Greek to Danish to Korean. A wide variance for those interested in the arts.
• The Teaching Company: Supplement your class assignments and syllabi with courses and study guides from The Teaching Company. You can search topics like Ancient and Modern History, Religion, Philosophy, Science and Mathematics and more.
• Unerase Tool: Recover lost study guides, class notes and other materials with this handy tool made for iPods. There is a price on this tool, but well worth it if you store a lot of materials for school on your device.

These are just a few options from this great comprehensive list published by the Online Education Database. It’s just another way to better utilize your time. Try downloading a podcast on a topic you’re learning in class.

- By J. Mason

After you’ve registered for your courses, log into your online classroom as soon as your able. Try to familiarize yourself with the technology and how the available resources are organized. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard when you’re trying to upload your assignment against a tight deadline.

The best way to get the lay of the land is by touring the primary page which comes up after logging in. In most learning management systems, the first page, or homepage, contains access to the live online classrooms, course assignments, asynchronous lectures, library resources, learning materials (such as electronic readings), and learning classroom support services (such as academic advising).

(source: suite101.com)

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Some college students see taking an elective course as a break from rigorous studying, and numerous class assignments and papers. For others, it’s an opportunity to refine skills needed for the workforce, or a chance to review things they were curious about and didn’t have the time to explore before.

So, how do you know which courses to pick when looking for an elective?

Here is what you should consider:

A soft skills elective class is a general area of expertise course that people may need in order to be successful in the workplace. This would be something that translates into a majority of career fields and degree programs. Things like writing, speaking, listening, interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and problem solving.

Citizen Literacy elective classes are for those who don’t get a chance to read up on their current events, and in turn don’t understand what’s going on with politics, healthcare reform, science, technology and more. Consider courses in philosophy, women’s studies, ethnic studies, political science and government, and more.

If you want a chance to indulge in music history or art appreciation, school can be your opportunity to learn about things like masterpieces, theatre, even contemporary literature. These are considered fine arts elective courses. The arts translate into a lot of what we do and see in our daily lives, taking a side step into one of these classes for a new view on an “old” subject could be very enlightening.

Elective courses with a great professor. Ask your friends, your classmates, or check out the forums or the social area in your online school who their favorite professor was. Sometimes a great professor can make any topic interesting and engaging. The temporary deviation from your field of study can be a pleasant detour with the right guide.

Whether you decide to expand your options with an elective course you can build with, or one you simply want an easy A in, take a little time to research the topic and the teacher. If you aren’t sure what to take ask a classmate for their suggestions. Elective courses can be just an easy break from your busy schedule, or a knowledge expanding experience.