Is the Virtual Campus for Me?
The elements you bring to online learning are vital to the learning process. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you consider the possibilities of virtual learning:
How well do I manage my time?
Virtual campus students generally have work, family and ministry commitments. Coursework is generally done in their "spare" time. This is in contrast to a resident student who may have a job and family, but who views school as his or her primary activity. Common problems such as a sick child, car troubles or extra work on the job can eliminate spare time quickly. Therefore, the freedom that online education gives you in regard to geography and time flexibility also requires greater self-discipline and independence from you in the learning experience.
Virtual courses are convenient in the aspects of scheduling and location. However, virtual courses are just as demanding as on-campus courses. In fact, students who have taken courses on Kentucky or Florida campuses might very well tell you that virtual courses are more demanding. The highly interactive nature of virtual courses can be time consuming for the following reasons:
- Most individuals compose and type slower than they talk;
- Student participation is often greater in online classrooms than in physical classrooms;
- Virtual campus students will be reading questions, answers, responses and comments from many other students in addition to posting their own comments;
- Students can take more time to reflect on material before responding in the classroom. As a benefit, this greatly increases the quality of exchanges that take place in the virtual classroom.
To prepare for an virtual course, you'll want to review the course syllabus and become aware of what the course will require of you. How will the deadlines work with your schedule? Students make their presence known by participation in online discussions, and oftentimes this participation will weight heavily in grade calculations. You'll want to check into your virtual classroom at least every couple of days. Students who do so are less likely to fall behind.
How do I rate my reading & writing skills?
The vast majority of communication in virtual learning courses happens through reading and writing. Therefore, basic reading, writing and editing skills are crucial to online success. If you are interested in improving your reading comprehension and speed, you may want to refer to speed reading or rapid reading materials found in your local public library or university library. Furthermore, resources are available to help you improve your vocabulary, grammar usage and writing skills.
How do I rate my computer skills?
It probably goes without saying - research shows the better your computer skills the more successful you are in online education. However, if you are worried that your skills aren't good enough to take classes online, RELAX!
Individuals who are proficient with basic email will easily master virtual learning concepts, as virtual courses take place primarily by means of a simple email software called FirstClass. Once you are admitted as a new student at Asbury, the virtual campus staff will guide you through the online environment. A technical supervisor will help you with any technical glitches you might encounter and the virtual campus director is available to help you make sense of the online environment.
If you know your typing or computer skills are weak, you might consider taking steps to improve them. Particularly, if you are a novice to computers and email, you will want to draw upon the resources of those around you. If you are a visual and tactile learner, having someone available to sit with you and show you how to do things will be immensely helpful. Begin to think of individuals in your home, church or community who may be able to assist you in this venture. What resources, places or books might be able to help you strengthen your skills?
How do I learn best?
You've spent years going to school. Part of your education has been learning how to learn. We all have certain preferences and approaches for picking up and retaining information. Some of them you may not have thought about before now. So, ask yourself, how do I like to learn? What works for me and how can I use those skills in this experience? How might I need to modify my approach in a virtual course?
Deliberately thinking about these issues has been shown to contribute to more successful learning in virtual courses. The virtual campus staff and faculty are available to help you make the paradigm shift into virtual learning. However, begin thinking of ways your learning style may need to be modified if you become a student in the virtual program.
Will I have the support of my family and friends?
Studies show students who do well in virtual learning have support from family and friends. Seeking the encouragement of your family and friends is important and something you can ask for in advance. Let them know you are bound to become tired and overextended at times and you are looking to them for support.
When crunch time comes (and it will come) some advanced warning and agreement with family and friends can be very helpful. It is critical that you keep the lines of communication open both before and throughout your time as a virtual campus student.
Virtual Campus Links