Susan Manning, M.Ed. is the Chief Success Strategist at Credly, where she works with clients to design and implement digital credential systems. Kevin Johnson is the Director of Distance & eLearning at Seattle Central College.

Get great grades from a distance
New to online academia and need someone to show you around? You're in the right place--and you're not alone! As more of everything goes online--fueled by tech trends as well as unexpected events like the COVID-19 crisis--it's no surprise that many of us are getting our educations there, too. Online Learning For Dummies is here to welcome you to the gigantic (and gigantically exciting!) virtual campus, and help you get settled in by providing an overview of the endless opportunities offered by distance learning, as well as offering practical advice to make sure you have the right equipment, mindset, and study techniques for success.
In a step-by-step style, this friendly guide takes you from the process of determining what sort of online program is right for you, through applying and enrolling, to building the skills you'll need to succeed. You'll learn how to navigate the common features of the online learning classroom, explore the digital etiquette that will help you get the most out of your instructors and fellow students, and discover how to effectively and professionally present your work. You'll also find out how to develop good online study habits to help you avoid distraction, and how to set aside undisturbed time in between juggling the demands of work, family, and social life.
* Evaluate the latest courses and opportunities
* Make sure you have the correct hardware and software
* Develop your online study skills via best practices
* Avoid digital fatigue
Regardless of age or experience, we can all do with a few pointers on how to get more from the vast array of educational opportunities offered online. This book has them all: Get reading, get online, and get the most from that education you've been dreaming about.

Foreword xv
Introduction 1
Part 1: Introducing a Different Kind of Learning 7
Chapter 1: Planning for Your Online Learning Journey 9
Chapter 2: The Traits and Benefits of Online Learning 25
Chapter 3: The Equipment and Skills You Need to Succeed 45
Part 2: Preparing to Be a Learner 67
Chapter 4: Discovering What's Available Online 69
Chapter 5: Doing Your Homework: Evaluating Schools 91
Chapter 6: Applying to School and Securing the Cash 113
Chapter 7: Getting Accepted and Prepping for Class 129
Chapter 8: Mentally Preparing and Having a Technology Mindset 147
Part 3: The Virtual Classroom: Being an A+ Student 161
Chapter 9: Navigating the Learning Environment 163
Chapter 10: Meeting the People in (and Around) Your Classroom 181
Chapter 11: Communicating Clearly Online 199
Chapter 12: Developing Good Study Habits for Online Courses 217
Chapter 13: Getting a Handle on Group Dynamics 239
Chapter 14: Recognizing We Are Global 255
Chapter 15: Understanding Netiquette and Ethical Behavior 265
Chapter 16: Finishing and Submitting Your Assignments 279
Chapter 17: Building a Portfolio of Work 301
Part 4: Special Considerations in Online Learning 317
Chapter 18: Educating Students from Kindergarten through High School 319
Chapter 19: Accessibility in Online Education 337
Part 5: The Part of Tens 353
Chapter 20: Ten Myths about Online Learning 355
Chapter 21: Ten Best Practices for Online Learners -- Including Self-Care 363
Index 369