Online Education For Dummies [Paperback]

Kevin E. Johnson (Author), Susan Manning (Author), Jonathan E. Finkelstein (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470536209 | ISBN-13: 978-0470536209 | Publication Date: December 30, 2009 | Edition: 1

From admission to graduation-your personal guide to studying online

Online Education For Dummies explains the ins and outs of attending a virtual classroom, and provides you with the tools you need to hone your skills or obtain additional certification and degrees. This practical reference not only helps you get the most out of an online course, but also offers a wealth of advice to help you pick the one that matches your interests and needs.

• Identifies the software and hardware needed to study online
• Reveals how to get financial aid, transfer credits, and manage online time
• Explains how to locate legitimate online programs and avoid scams

Whether you want to earn a degree or just increase your knowledge through an online course, Online Education For Dummies is the only guide you need.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Discover the ins and outs of online education

Welcome to the world of online education! Regardless of your age or experience, taking courses online is a popular and convenient way to earn a degree or certification from the comfort of your home computer. Online Education For Dummies is jam-packed with everything you need to find a program, apply for admission, and be a star student.

• Online education 101 — get an overview of online education and the technology and computer skills needed for success

• Click your way from campus to campus — find a program that works for you and get easy-to-follow guidance on applying for admission and securing financial aid

• Tour the virtual classroom — learn how to navigate the online classroom and get advice on interacting with your virtual instructors and classmates

• Develop online studying habits — discover best practices for being a good student, from setting aside study time to juggling the demands of work and family and everything in between

• Understand netiquette and ethical behavior — learn how to communicate effectively and politely, work well in online groups, and properly cite your work

Open the book and find:

• Advice on deciding whether online education is best for you

• Online security measures to protect your privacy and assure your safety

• Guidance for evaluating online schools

• Information on registering for courses and attending orientation

• Tips for completing and success-fully submitting assignments

• Transition strategies to follow after you complete your course or program

• Course options and guidelines for children, international students, and students with disabilities

About the Author

Kevin Johnson is CEO of The Cutting Ed, Inc., an education consulting company focused on instruction design and technology and on distance education.

Susan Manning, EdD, is a certified Master Online Teacher and an online instructor for the Illinois Online Network at the University of Illinois and for the University of Wisconsin at Stout.

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (December 30, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470536209
• ISBN-13: 978-0470536209
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 0.8 x 9.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #497,048 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for planning your online degree, January 8, 2010

By 

Brandon Bowersox (Urbana, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Online Education For Dummies (Paperback)

Anyone planning to take classes online or earn an online degree should read this book. It has super-helpful information so you will know exactly what to expect, how to be prepared, and how to succeed with online learning.

Even if you're good at using the Internet, there are lots of things about online classes that you might not expect. This book gives really good advice -- such as when to communicate with the instructor and how to manage group assignments and dynamics -- so that you don't have to learn any of these lessons the hard way.

Like all the 'Dummies' books, this book was easy to read and navigate. The sections are divided up so I could find exactly what I wanted to know. There are graphics pointing out the reminders, tips and warnings that are really important.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Long Time Coming, January 14, 2010

By 

Anita Crawley "Anita Crawley" (Ellicott City, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Online Education For Dummies (Paperback)

This is the book I wish I had for the last decade as I taught online courses and developed resources and supported students new to and struggling with web-based learning. Clearly, it was necessary to spend the decade experimenting, conducting research, and reflecting on best practices.

Kevin and Susan have written a comprehensive, practical, well organized volume that will meet the needs of students at three vital periods - as they are deciding whether to take their first online course, preparing to begin their first online course, and throughout their enrollment. A student who reads this book will be as well prepared to succeed in an online course as she/he would be for a traditionally taught course. Faculty and staff would also benefit from reading this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have, January 8, 2010

By 

Jacqueline A. Burger (Illinois) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Online Education For Dummies (Paperback)

This book is a must have for anyone pursuing an online degree. It aids the individual through the application and financial process as well as assisting the student to develop the study habits necessary to accomplish their online educational goals.

The book is easy to follow and provides the reader (from basic to advanced technical experience) many tips, as well as reminders necessary for success in online programs. The authors keep in mind the technical levels of the students and provide step-by-step instructions throughout the book. This book erases any fears a new virtual classroom student may have.