CharityVillage® Research: Ten tips for getting the most from Internet- and e-mail-based distance learning

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Ten tips for getting the most from Internet- and e-mail-based distance learning
By Marilyn Gross
Distance Learning by e-mail and Internet is a low-tech, easily-accessible way of learning new skills and benefiting from the experience of "virtual" classmates from across the country - and beyond. "Low-tech" distance learning can be distinguished from some of the more highly-touted approaches (including those centered around satellite transmission, video telecasting, simultaneous audioconferencing, etc.) in a number of ways that are important for many not-for-profit organizations:

Because (with the exception of real-time chats) most of the curriculum delivery and interaction is "asynchronous," students and teachers may live in widely separated time zones, and can participate at any time of the day or night that is convenient to them.

Because Internet-based training involves "push technology" (which "pushes" the material at you by sending it directly to your e-mail box, rather than depending upon your taking the initiative by remembering to go some where, whether physically (e.g., a satellite downlink center) or virtually (e.g., a website where live lectures will be presented) - most adult learners report that they are more likely to participate, and to keep up with coursework.

Because the technology is so much simpler and allows students to work directly from their home or office computers, the costs in dollars and time are generally far less.
Is even "low-tech" distance learning a new - and perhaps somewhat scary - concept for you? If so, here are some tips which will make your online learning experience more valuable and enjoyable, while greatly reducing frustration and wasted time:
When you receive lessons or course-related communications by e-mail, always be sure to save them IMMEDIATELY to your hard drive - even if you print hard copies to keep in a notebook. E-mail messages are often automatically deleted after a certain period of time - or moved to "old mail" after they've been read once.

If you get an error message when you type in a web address (URL): check your typing for COMPLETE accuracy. Even a tiny mistake, such as omitting or misplacing a "." will result in an error message - with no explanation.

If you get an error message when you "cut and paste" in a URL: be sure that you have copied the ENTIRE address, adding "http://" if it is not already there. Likewise, be careful not to include any additional letters or punctuation (such as the period at the end of a sentence.)

If you are replying to or commenting on a message from a classmate or instructor, do not automatically copy or forward the entire original message; highlight and copy only the sentence(s) with relevance to your response.

When using a search engine for more than a single word, enclose your entire "word string" in quotes: otherwise, the engine will seek "hits" for each word. (e.g., unless "federal government grants" were in quotes, most search engines would include all documents or sites containing ANY of the words "federal," "government," or "grants.")

If your course includes a chat, try to limit your comments to short sentences (10 words or less), or your comment may be unintentionally interrupted by another student who is typing at the same time.

Don't be a "lurker." Participate in discussions, ask your students and classmates questions, provide useful information, and share your experiences. You probably know more than you think you do, and your classmates will appreciate your input!

Don't let a small problem or "dumb" question prevent you from keeping up. E-mail or call your instructor at once, because others may be experiencing the same difficulty.

If your course includes many Internet visits, be sure to "bookmark" those to which you will be returning often: many sites have very long or similar-sounding addresses (URLs), and you will never remember the one you want to find!

The beauty of distance learning by e-mail and Internet is the opportunity it provides to work at your own pace, and according to your own schedule. Don't feel overwhelmed by the volume of material you receive: save it, and you will be able to return to the information again and again, long after the course has "officially" ended.

Marilyn L. Gross is a writer, editor, consultant, and trainer - as well as a designer and teacher of Internet-based courses for educators, fundraisers, and nonprofit managers. A former foundation program officer, she has in recent years worked through her company, Educational Funding Strategies http://www.icu.com/efs. Reach her at MLGROSS@aol.com