Start A Study Group At College Online!
Posted By arafatrust on September 17, 2011
Those who are participating in a distance learning education are discovering some advantages not present with on-campus learning. Schedules are flexible, tuition is often lower, and study can be done from anywhere a computer can access the Internet. Since this type of study is inherently solitary, there is one problem that can arise from it. Group study is often a requirement, however, it’s not like students can just meet after class for coffee. If you are interested in learning more about college degrees online, you should do some research on the internet.?
There are other real benefits to a study group. One student’s weakness could be another’s strength, with both working to strengthen the other. These exchanges end up being advantageous to all in the group. Communicating within the team helps overcome individual weak points, and all walk out more well rounded.?
Unique to distance learning is that the student can be from all over the world. A Marine in Baghdad taking continuing education can be in the same class as a mom from Seattle and a college freshman in Miami. There will be different time schedules and real life commitments for each individual. Getting together can pose a problem. Keeping abreast of the latest information about accredited college degree will work in your favor.
As it happens, online colleges are well-aware of this, and have come up with their own solutions. Many have set up sites within their courses where students of a particular class can set up online study groups. If not, Google has recently set up its own service, Google Groups, which includes a study group area. No matter what, there are still some things to be considered when either setting up or participating in a study group.?
(1) Each person in the group is a stranger to the other. Strangers don’t work as well together as those who have been introduced and who know a bit about the other. This doesn’t mean height, weight, or hair color, but a bit of who the person is. This, of course, would include their scheduling availability. When can they get online to participate in the group? Can compromises be made so all can attend? If you find that all of you in that particular group happen to live locally, see if actual meetings can take place every so often.?
(2) Be polite. Talking online is a wonderful way to communicate, but it often falls flat in conveying emotion and certainly does when conveying tone of voice. Respectful speech toward your group mates will go a long way in making this a good experience for all. There will be times when someone asks a question or says they don’t understand that may have you rolling your eyes. This group is to expand the knowledge of all and inevitably your turn will come to not understand something. Answer the question or explain the matter in a way you would like someone to for you. This approach works here and in the even more important real work world.?
(3) Never be afraid to ask a question. If you don’t understand something, pipe right up and say so. Clamming up will sooner or later not only hold you back, but bog down the group. Your question may open up new lines of discussion. If you know the answer to an asked question, jump in and provide it.
Those who are participating in a distance learning education format will benefit from attending at least one group online. In the work world people are often involved in very similar situations, both online or in a conference room. This experience will go a long way towards refining that usually untaught bit of knowledge. An online college course will start your preparation for work in a career that involves cooperation with all manner of employees and clients. To see if taking online classes might be a good fit for you, take advantage of the internet and the wealth of material on degree programs online.
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