How many times a week do you come across a great article that leaves you with new knowledge and a new perspective on things? Now, how often do you share the link to that article with your friends? If you haven’t utilized the social share link yet, then start today!

On our posts here on OLT you can share each one by using the yellow toolbar below, or by clicking on the share bar when you hover over the posts image. It’s a great way to share information across different platforms, and to keep your circle of peers up-to-date on the latest in your degree field, areas of interest, news topics, and much more. Share away!

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If you didn’t have the chance to attend this great webinar yesterday, the summary is available to view. Important takeaways include continual engagement, empathy, and conveying your personality in the classroom.

Interested to learn more? Read more from Mary on the keys for success as an online instructor. Like to see more? Sign-up for APU’s next webcast in our community college series, Identifying and Evaluating New Technologies for Online Learning.

We’re all afraid of something. Whether it’s a fear of the unknown, spiders (like me), the dark, and even getting an education. Some of us working hard to obtain a degree may have common worries like failing a class, finding the time to get all your work done, or possibly being tested on something you didn’t learn. All of these fears have ground, and are common, but can be beat by being proactive and prepared.

Even for the most seasoned online learner, there can be a whole list of worries and concerns about getting through school. Here is a list of common fears among online learners, and ways to combat them:

• “I won’t have enough time for my family.”
  • Solution: Get your family involved in your learning. Instead of flying solo with your assignments, get your kids, spouse, pet, involved in what you’re taking in. It gives them a chance to spend time with you, and could help you approach the topic from a different angle.
• “I’ll waste a lot of time finding something I want to major in.”
  • Solution: First consider what your overall goals are. Make a list of the types of career fields that interest you, and go from there. Get more help in choosing the right major.
    
• “None of my previous credits will apply, and I’ll have to start all over again.”
  • Solution: Depending on your schools transfer credit policy you can transfer up to a certain amount towards your degree. You can also earn credit for prior learning.
• “Time management is my weak point. I get sweaty palms when I see a due date because I don’t know how I’ll get it done on time.”
  • Solution: Time management is a common problem for a majority of students. To be able to tame it, you need to get a handle on how you budget your time. You balance your checkbook, or keep tabs on how much you spend right? Well consider doing the same for your schoolwork. As the saying goes, “time is money,” don’t waste yours not working hard towards a goal.
• “I’ll become more and more withdrawn the further I get into my program since I don’t see people face to face for class.”
  • Solution: Just because your class is virtual and your communication tool is a computer or smartphone doesn’t mean you can’t be just as social. Most schools have everything from discussion boards to virtual student unions and Facebook pags dedicated to the students at the school.

Whatever your fears may be, it’s worth talking to a peer about. If you have concerns about the school it never hurts to talk to current students or an admissions representative. Education isn’t something to be afraid of, instead it should be looked at as a challenge to be overcome.

[Online University - Is it Right for Me?]

By: J. Mason

Science fiction often becomes reality. It’s only a matter of time. So, imagine if there was an educational method in which you could plug a super computer into your brain and download any course you ever wanted. Voila, instant knowledge! Yes, that’s a premise in the blockbuster film franchise, The Matrix. But, it begs the question, if this type of education did exist, where would its roots begin? Certainly, the genesis could be traced to advanced computing technology and asynchronous learning. Okay, that’s a stretch, but while we’re dreaming about future learning concepts, luckily we can plug into online education available today.

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