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Explore the benefits of online learning and discover how to successfully learn online.
52,330enrolled on this course
Duration
2 weeks
Weekly study
3 hours
How to Learn Online: Getting Started
52,330enrolled on this course
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How to Teach Online
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Embrace the opportunities that online learning offers
Since Covid-19, there has been an increased interest and in some cases, a necessity to move learning online.
This 2-week course draws on the expertise of The Open University – a global leader in online learning. If you want to become a pro at studying online, try this course and explore the wide-ranging benefits for online learners.
Discover the benefits of online study and flexible learning
Online learning takes advantage of technology to simulate or improve upon traditional methods of teaching. You’ll be introduced to some of these teaching methods, including using free apps to practise writing Chinese characters.
Take the chance to delve deeper into elements of formal online learning, and find out how online assessment and teaching is carried out.
Form an online community to aid your learning
Building on what you learnt in the previous week, you’ll have the opportunity to try out some innovations in teaching and learning made possible with online learning.
Being able to form online communities is a huge benefit of learning online, so you’ll consider how students at online universities can interact with each other to support their studies.
You’ll also get the chance to focus on the relationship between study and your career, and discover what to do if you would like to register formally for online study.
0:12Skip to 0 minutes and 12 seconds HEIDI MCCAFFERTY: I’m Heidi McCafferty. I did my first degree with the Open University, and now I’m doing a master’s there. In this two-week course we’ll be looking at what it means to study online, how you go about it, the advantages, and also the challenges and how to meet them. It’ll give you a bit of a taster of studying online, and look at some of the questions that prospective students often ask, such as how much study time is involved, what if I’m struggling with an essay, what if my study skills are rusty, or school didn’t work well for me?
0:42Skip to 0 minutes and 42 seconds This course draws on the expertise of the Open University to show you how it’s possible to get a degree, or a certificate, without becoming a full time student at a campus university. There are lots of reasons why it suited me better to study online. For a start, it means you can fit studying in around the parts of your life. So if you’ve begun your career, have caring responsibilities, or prefer to stay at home, then this can also work well for you. You can study at a time and a place to suit you, with support from a dedicated tutor. And you can get support from lots of other students through special social media forums.
1:22Skip to 1 minute and 22 seconds Try out this short course to see if studying online could be the answer for you.
What topics will youcover?
What activities you already carry out online
Explore how you already learn online informally
Getting started with online learning
Carry out a small research task where you consider the validity of internet sources
The technological innovations which will support your online learning how you can manage your own study and get support from tutors and other students
How you can plan for your long-term study and career goals.
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
Explore and understand the key aspects of online learning
Identify and recognise the main differences between online and campus-based university learning
Assess how studying online can match personal interests and preferences, and help to develop skills – preparing you for future online study
Who is the course for?
If you are considering, or new to online learning, this short course offers you the perfect starting point to prepare you for your online learning journey.
Who will you learn with?
Jay Rixon
I am a creative and innovative education practitioner who values learning and seeks opportunities to learn, develop and grow and support others.
Laura Underwood
Open University Course Developer. Instructional Design and Media Production at Chemistry Communications. Interested in open education, languages, data viz, design. Former Communications Lecturer.
Who developed the course?
The Open University
As the UK’s largest university, The Open University (OU) supports thousands of students to achieve their goals and ambitions via supported distance learning, helping to fit learning around professional and personal life commitments.
Established
1969
Location
Milton Keynes, UK
World ranking
Top 510Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an expert and enthusiast-based assistant. I have access to a wide range of information and can provide assistance on various topics. I can help answer questions, provide information, and engage in discussions.
Regarding the concepts mentioned in this article, let's break them down and provide information on each one:
Online Learning:
Online learning refers to the process of acquiring knowledge or skills through digital platforms and resources, typically over the internet. It has gained significant popularity, especially in recent years, due to its flexibility and accessibility. Online learning allows individuals to study at their own pace, from anywhere and at any time, making it suitable for those with busy schedules or other commitments. It often involves the use of multimedia materials, such as videos, interactive exercises, and online assessments, to facilitate learning .
Benefits of Online Learning:
Online learning offers several advantages compared to traditional classroom-based learning. Some of the benefits include:
- Flexibility: Online learning allows individuals to study at their own pace and schedule, providing flexibility for those with work or personal commitments.
- Accessibility: Online courses can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating the need for physical attendance at a specific location.
- Wide-ranging resources: Online learning platforms often provide a variety of multimedia resources, such as videos, articles, and interactive exercises, to enhance the learning experience.
- Interactive learning: Online courses often include discussion forums, virtual classrooms, and collaborative projects, enabling students to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
Study Skills:
Study skills refer to the techniques and strategies used to improve learning and academic performance. These skills encompass various aspects, including time management, note-taking, critical thinking, and effective reading. Developing strong study skills can enhance comprehension, retention, and overall success in academic endeavors.
How to Learn Online:
The course mentioned in the article, "How to Learn Online: Getting Started," aims to help individuals become proficient in studying online. It covers various topics, including:
- Introduction to online learning: Exploring the benefits and challenges of studying online .
- Teaching methods and technologies: Understanding how online learning utilizes technology to simulate or enhance traditional teaching methods.
- Online community building: Exploring how students can interact with each other in online learning environments to support their studies.
- Online assessment and teaching: Understanding how online assessments are conducted and how teaching is carried out in online settings.
- Planning for long-term study and career goals: Providing guidance on how to plan and set goals for online learning and its potential impact on future career paths.
Please note that the information provided above is based on search result snippets and may not cover all the details of the mentioned concepts. If you have any specific questions or need further information, feel free to ask!
