It used to be when we had a question, we would consult a book or a knowledgeable friend. That was before search engines and the internet. Now, if we’re looking to find out when the Magna Carta was signed, or the structure of an atom we consult with Google, Yahoo, or your favorite research database. Well, the good news is the internet isn’t making us dumber, it’s actually making us more intelligent!

According to a study by UCLA neuroscientist Gary Small being a web surfer “may actually engage a greater extent of neural circuitry.” This study is in comparison to a more traditional learning approach on paper. Online learners use virtual libraries, which are becoming more popular with brick and mortar schools, and various web platforms like podcasts and webcasts for their lectures and lessons. What’s interesting is a younger age group, early 20s to early 30s use keywords to search, and the older age groups will tend to scroll through search results instead of filtering the content for best results.

[5 Questions to Ask If You're Ready to Go Virtual]

You’re training your brain to rely on technology for an answer, but it’s your professor who keeps the classes challenging. To find an original response your best bet is to do your research in the academic libraries. The online format is more convenient in terms of accessibility, you can get to class even if you’re out of town, but you’re also your biggest motivator to get your assignments in on time.

For more on why your brain loves learning online, checkout this great post from TNW Insider.  

By: J. Mason

It’s crucial to have the right equipment and technology for your online education class. At the very least, you should have reliable access to an up-to-date computer and a high-speed Internet connection. Depending on the course or degree program, you may need other specific software too – some of which may be available to students through the school’s Web site or server.

[See what kind of degrees are offered online, and how you can get started.]

Before you enroll, check the university’s technical requirements and make sure you’re able to meet them. You don’t want any surprises once the semester begins. In fact, before each course start, you should perform a technical check – testing your connections and all equipment you’ll be using throughout the semester. From time to time your computer will suggest you update the software on your computer. Some of these may include windows updates, adobe updates, driver updates, wireless or wired device driver updates. These can be essential to the smooth functioning of your computer, and academic year.

- Online Learning Tips Staff

We all need a little inspiration every now and then. Sometimes this comes from unlikely stories, or from very direct sources for creative revival. Lately wordpress has been asking bloggers to put themselves to the test to blog daily or weekly. I poked around their topics for one relevant, and inspirational, to use here. The one I found was most interesting was to “describe the worst teacher you ever had.” In my own way I wanted to use this topic and spin it into something positive that we can use for reference. So I’d like you to describe your favorite professor, or what would be ideal in a professor.

My review for my professor is just below. Share your thoughts on this topic as well as who your favorite professor was (or currently is) and why. Maybe your critique can inspire a fellow online learner, and hopefully this experience will help you appreciate the hardworking educators that devote their time and energy to the pursuit of learning. Share your experience in our forums.

My Favorite Professor

She was something to aspire to after graduation. I started developing a hard-working mentality based around her accomplishments and how I could in a way clone them and shape them into my own.

Read the full story

How many times have you’ve been working on a document – shaping and tweaking the words just perfectly, only to become a victim of a power outage or a wonky computer that freezes in its tracks if you have more than one program open? Hours of work gone in an instant. Save early and often. And then back it up! As simplistic as it sounds, many neglect to put that into practice.

Furthermore, for complete and accurate documentation, anytime you send an important e-mail to your professor or post a discussion item in the classroom, send a copy to yourself at an alternate e-mail address, such as an Hotmail or Yahoo account. This will ensure that you’ll have a complete set of records in case something happens to the school’s program server or network. This is critical for assignments due by a certain time.

(source: Tech & Learning)

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