Lessons learned in class may be plenty for some students, but for the others that have an insatiable thirst a supplement may quench that need.
Students at American Public University, and most other online schools, are given full access to the schools academic library and resources. Another great feature at the school is the course guides. These items are also available in the library, but they’re tailored for each class. So, while you don’t have the face-to-face interaction, you are given a road map for the class with information on where to make intellectual “stops”. Students will use these guides to find resources for study, reference materials, as well as possible associations that relate to your degree. If you don’t have a course guide, ask for one or start one for yourself through independent study.
The study should work like this…Dedicate at least two hours a week to your field, and utilize external texts from class. Explore possible conferences, career opportunities, and make connections through social media with thought leaders. If your field is in literature, then seek out authors through Facebook and Twitter. For students looking at practical fields like science and technology, subscribe to major news outlets and sign up for RSS feeds. When you come across interesting or applicable stories, or new data, bookmark it and review during your independent study time. If you’re expected to write a paper at the end of the class, these texts may add to the body of work. Even if you don’t have a term paper, this is a good practice to keep in effect throughout your program.
By J. Mason
Online Learning Tips Editor
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