Considerations for Distance-Learning Math Students Source: Winning at Math, Your Guide to Learning Mathematics Through Successful Study Skills, 4 th edition. Paul Nolting, Ph.D. Learning Specialist

It’s Not For Everyone!! Students taking distance-learning math classes have a special challenge in order to be successful. Students taking distance-learning math classes have a special challenge in order to be successful. If you struggle with math, a distance-learning course should be your LAST option! If you struggle with math, a distance-learning course should be your LAST option! In order to be successful, you will need additional math study skills, better resources and excellent time management skills. In order to be successful, you will need additional math study skills, better resources and excellent time management skills. You must be able to become an INDEPENDENT LEARNER!!! You must be able to become an INDEPENDENT LEARNER!!!

Myth: Distance Learning Classes Are Easier. Distance learning courses are NOT easier; it is just more convenient. You will put MORE time into an online course, so be realistic about your learning style and study habits/skills when you make the decision to take this type of course.

Characteristics of Successful Learners In order to be successful, you must have: Easy access to the required computer equipment, software, and . This includes high-speed internet access in order to avoid being bumped off line. Easy access to the required computer equipment, software, and . This includes high-speed internet access in order to avoid being bumped off line. Necessary level of skills to use the above. Necessary level of skills to use the above. High motivation to complete the course. High motivation to complete the course. Excellent time management skills. Excellent time management skills. Ability to take responsibility to study without being reminded. Ability to take responsibility to study without being reminded. Good reading skills. Good reading skills. A supporting family. A supporting family.

Characteristics of Successful Learners In order to be successful, you must: Be a good independent learner, able to learn by yourself with little interaction from the instructor. Be a good independent learner, able to learn by yourself with little interaction from the instructor. Be a good visual learner, able to learn by seeing the information. Be a good visual learner, able to learn by seeing the information. Be a good abstract learner, able to learn by understanding concepts without asking many questions. Be a good abstract learner, able to learn by understanding concepts without asking many questions. Have access to additional resources to enhance your learning. Have access to additional resources to enhance your learning.

So, Are You Ready? Answer each of the following questions with “YES”, “NO”, or “I DON’T KNOW” to help give you a good idea about your readiness to take a distance-learning course. Answer each of the following questions with “YES”, “NO”, or “I DON’T KNOW” to help give you a good idea about your readiness to take a distance-learning course. BE HONEST!

Question 1 I have the computer, software, , and internet services necessary to be an online learner.

Question 2 I can motivate myself to learn.

Question 3 I can dedicate several hours a day for 5 days a week to do my distance learning.

Question 4 I know that most of the time distance-learning classes are more difficult than regular classroom courses.

Question 5 I can learn from books instead of talking to people.

Question 6 I like learning by myself.

Question 7 I have outside resources to aid in my learning.

Question 8 I will be able to arrange my schedule in order to accommodate the testing schedule.

Question 9 I have excellent reading skills.

Question 10 I have a separate study area with ample workspace.

Evaluate Your Responses Count the number of times you responded “YES”. Count the number of times you responded “YES”. Eight or more : Probably Ready Eight or more : Probably Ready Five to seven: May Be Ready Five to seven: May Be Ready Five or less: You May Have Extreme Difficulty Five or less: You May Have Extreme Difficulty

Tips for Success Read the Syllabus – It is your boss! Remember that the syllabus is your contract with the institution, and you must abide by it and follow it to the letter. Read the Syllabus – It is your boss! Remember that the syllabus is your contract with the institution, and you must abide by it and follow it to the letter. Treat this like a regular course. Set a specific time of day to learn the lessons, study, and do homework. It is recommended that you schedule eight to ten hours a week to study math just like a regular class. Treat this like a regular course. Set a specific time of day to learn the lessons, study, and do homework. It is recommended that you schedule eight to ten hours a week to study math just like a regular class.

Tips for Success Communicate with your instructor. Students must take more initiative to talk with instructors in distance-learning courses. Communicate with your instructor. Students must take more initiative to talk with instructors in distance-learning courses. Send a “test” to make sure your systems are compatible. The instructor expects your s and will answer them. Send a “test” to make sure your systems are compatible. The instructor expects your s and will answer them. Call your instructor if you have detailed questions that can’t be easily answered online. Call your instructor if you have detailed questions that can’t be easily answered online.

Tips for Success Build up your personal resources before you need them. Know what learning resources you have available and be prepared to use them. Build up your personal resources before you need them. Know what learning resources you have available and be prepared to use them. Places to look for resources: Places to look for resources: Shelton State Community College Shelton State Community College County libraries County libraries Commercial tutor centers Commercial tutor centers Private tutoring Private tutoring

Web Resources Online mini-lessons, algebra models and worksheets are at certain websites. Some are free while others require registration with a fee. Some sites to visit: Online mini-lessons, algebra models and worksheets are at certain websites. Some are free while others require registration with a fee. Some sites to visit:

Web Resources (continued)

Some Final Words Seek help when you need it. Don’t get behind. Study hard. Practice, practice, practice! GOOD LUCK!