Customer Reviews

Online Education For Dummies

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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.

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.

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.

Online Education for Dummies is a truly useful deep dive into the experience of learning online, with a dash of humor and an easy-to-read style.

A must-read for students and parents who want all the answers in one spot!

I recommend this excellent resource for faculty members and Instructional Designers too - understanding the nuts and bolts of the student experience helps us create spectacular content and build communities of engaged, successful online learners.

Holly Rogers

If you are considering taking online courses, this book is a valuable resource that you should read first. This book is an outstanding source of advice and information about online education, including K-12 through graduate school. Susan and Kevin explain important things to consider both about yourself, as well as about a variety of online programs. In the relatively new world of online education, you need to evaluate carefully your options, and this book will help you do that. It also gives solid advice on what to expect and how to succeed as an online student. This book even includes information on the new and growing option of online education for students in K-12, explaining how it can help meet students' needs and what to expect with each type of program. As with all Dummies books, it is an enjoyable read that communicates in terms that are easy to understand, yet offers a lot of very helpful information. Having taken courses online, as well as having taught courses online, I highly recommend this book for anyone considering online courses. If you are planning on investing in an online education of any kind, invest in this book first.

This is an excellent book! Kevin Johnson and Susan Manning have written a brilliant comprehensive and practical guide to online learning, which is easy to read. They offer a wealth of information suitable to online learners, as well as to faculty teaching online. If you are considering online education in any format, this is the book for you.

I have always been interested in taking an online course, but I never have done so because I was clueless on how to begin. This book provides the essentials I need to know to take an online course. I love the friendly way the book is written and the clear instructions it provides. I feel better prepared to take any online course. I recommend this book to anyone taking online classes--whether experienced or inexperienced. The book contains a wealth of information about online education for children to adults. I think it would make a great book for student and teacher.

This book breaks everything down, and gives a step by step instructions to getting an online degree. It was extremely helpful in my education.

Having read the Dummies Series for over 10 years I have found myself learning more from these series as the material is easy to grasp and yet very concise. Online Education for Dummies should be the first book that you read when deciding to pursue an online degree. Both students and faculty alike can use the tips provided by Dr. Manning and Professor Johnson. I have had the opportunity to take Dr. Manning's class via MVCR and I can tell you from personal experience that her lessons are thoughtful and well- planned. This book covers so many topics such as finding an Accredited Online Programs, how to apply to the institution, asynchronous and synchronous discussion forums, using Web Conferencing Tools such as WebEx and Elluminate. It also covers students with disabilities and how to incorporate their Assitive Technology devices in the online classroom. International students will also benefit learning how to work on the course in different time zones and how to interact with the Professor.

After reading this book you will have more confidence to try out an online program while learning about the author's personal experiences. Please read this book before enrolling in a program as there will be less surprises waiting you when you begin your course of study.

As with all Dummies books, this one is an introduction written to the novice, or to someone just wanting to know where to start. This book is a wonderful introduction to online education, from how to pick a school, how to apply to a school, and what to expect in the virtual classroom. They even have ten myths about online education concerning topics such as whether online education is cheaper or easier than classroom education. There are also clever illustrations peppered throughout.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is contemplating returning to college, or who might be starting college. Know your alternatives!

Sam Martin