"100 Things Every Online Student Ought to Know"

Online Preparation
Point #31

Is it important that your computer meets the hardware and software configuration standards set by your college?

This is extremely important. If your computer is short of memory, lacking the proper software applications, or a browser that is not complimentary to the needs of the application bein used you will have a challenge in front of you to be successful in your course. Most sites, these days, have a "Technology Requirement" button on the main page of the site. You can test your computer's readiness by accessing and running the test. If there are any applications missing or memory issues the test results will reflect this. If it is a software issue the site usually has a link to the download site for the needed software. If it is a memory issue you will need to have an upgrade done.

"100 Things Every Online Student Ought to Know"

Online Preparation

Point #30

Is it important to be a "motivated self-learner" as an online student?

The more motivated the better. :-) You are responsible for your success. You must take action or you will not pass the course/s. Set a schedule and follow it. If you need to set an alarm to get you to turn on our computer and log into your courses. As the Nike shoe company says, "JUST DO IT!!!!!"

At Christina International High School your counselor and teacher will allow you to determine your schedule of success and submit it. They will approve it and expect you to follow it and contact them when you can't. Learn time can be flexible.

"100 Things Every Online Student Ought to Know"

Online Preparation
Point #29

Is it really important to complete an orientation before you take you first online course?

Many school campuses that offer courses online will usually have an orientation so that you will understand what is required of you and how to use the course/management learning system. As you may already know there are several systems and the group is growing. Your school may use Education2020, WebCT, eCollege, Blackboard, Moodle or some other. It is to your advantage to attend this orientation whether it is online or on campus. This can add to your success in your online courses.

If you choose Christina Internaional High School, the tec officer will contact you for a walk through of the LMS and the 21 century education application called Education2020. This system is the next best thing to the classroom. Please visit: http://christinainternationalhs.com to learn more.

"100 Things Every Online Student Ought to Know"

Part 3 - Online Preparation
Point #27

Is it important to take a pre-assessment for online learning to may sure that you are ready for the distance learning environment?

Absolutely!!!. Even if you have self-motivation,self-discipline and outstanding management skills, you may have a computer that is not capable of running the programs your online courses use, you may find that you need to take a computer course to hone your computer skills, such as knowing how to "upload a file" and understanding "computerESE". If you feel you may be weak on these skills you can always take a course called "Online learner readiness" with Christina International High School - http://www.christinainternationalhs.com. This course will make sure that you are ready to be successful in the cyber education environment.

"100 Things Every Online Student Ought to Know"

Point #27

"Can a browser prevent you from acessing your online course????"


Yes in deed!! Even the version of the browser can cause a problem and stop access to your online courses. Browsers such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla/Firefox, Pearl and others are created to interface with various applications. Some even need plug-ins (Mozilla/Firefox) to work correctly. And if you are using Netscape Navigator please know that as of March 2008 there is no longer support for this browser and you will need to know an NN expert to keep you up-to-date. Note that AOL is also a browser, a very controlling browser that wants all applications to march to the tune of the AOL drummer. This browser has been known to stop many an application from appearing properly if at all. So if your Internet service provider is AOL, start it up to connect to the Internet, then minimize it and open Internet Explorer to access your online course.

System Requirements--- Most school websites will have this information posted and the ability to run tests on your computer to make sure you have all the applications you need in order to run their programs successfully. Find it, run it and then tweak it (your computer) so that you're ready success in your courses.

Next time - "Online Preparation"

"100 Things Every Online Student Ought to Know"

Point #26

Is it your responsibility to access your online course???

ABSOLUTLEY!!!! Even though you may not be required to log into your course on a certain date at a certain time, it is very important the you access your course. If you don't you would not know what to do. THUS - not credit for the course. Please remember that I mentioned in an earlier post what can happen if you are not attentative to the issues of registering and completing the course.

"100 Things Every Online Student Ought to Know"

Point #25

Did you know that you will receive a username and password when you register for your online class?

Yes, this is true. - Once you have logged into the learning site where your course is located you will be able to acces an "Information" or "Profile" area. There you will be able to change your password to something more meaningful to you. I do suggest that you use a mixture of characters to create your password. It's recommended that special characters (!@#$%^&*()_+), numeric (1234567890) and upper and lower case characters been used in this combination. It will make it very hard for someone to acess your course. And of course, do NOT share your password with others. That's the best way to keep it safe.

"100 Things Every Online Student Ought to Know"

Point #24

Should you know if your school offers online registration and administrative support?

Of course you should. ;-) As an online learner you will need as much support as you can collect. And I mean collect! Collect the email addresses and phone numbers of your counselor, instructors, tech support, etc. I suggest you print them out in case you can't view them on your computer.

Now, if you are a middle school, high school, or an adult who needs a high school diploma - keep Christina International High School in mind. This is a school for students who need mobility, and customization of your learning program. CIHS is accessible from anywhere in the world. With the support of the most amazing 21st century education platform - Education2020. Visit http://www.christinainterantionalhs.com

"100 Things Every Online Student Ought to Know"

Point #23

Could there be specific academic counselors or advisors for online students?

Absolutely! I was one for a business school in Minnesota. As the online coordinator it was my responsibility to provide software and procedure orientation for any student who wished to take an online class. Then I would chart their progress and track their attendance. If necessary I would call students who did not log in to their courses once a week as required by the school.

At Christina International High School orientation is done by the CTO for each student. The nice part is the student gets to create their own learning plan that must be approved by the school counselor. If the student can't meet the due days it is suggested that the student revisit this plan with their isntructor and submit a new plan.

"100 Things Every Online Student Ought to Know"

Point #22

Is it true that any course you think about taking online for credit at an institution different for the one for which you are in enrolled must be approved by the department head or the academic advisor?

Yes - It's true. Knowing this piece of information can save you time and money as some schools only allow a certain number of credits to be transferred in from another school. So it's best to research this idea and when the acceptance of these credits are approved --- get it in writing.

Christina International High School is more than have to accept your transferred credits from your previous school. http://www.christinainternationalhs.com

"100 Things Every Online Student Ought to Know"

Point #21

Can you search for specific accredited online programs or online courses offered by many different learning institutions?

Absolutely!! The growth of online programs for most ages has become very competitive. You can search by course or program that best fits your life style and career path.

If you are in search of a middle school, high school, or adult high school equivalency program that will provide flexitiblity in scheduling a person attention please look at Christina International High School. It is a school for the 21st century learner. All programs are online, but you will still receive the person touch when it comes to your educational needs and career objective. You can call the school at 877 211 4870 or email them at info@christinainternationalhs.com

"100 Things Every Online Student Ought to Know"

Point #20

This is a direct quote from the book "100 Things Every Online Student Ought to Know"

"that your online courses and online degree program are of great value. Pursuing your education and completing a degree will increase your quality of life. The Distance Education and Training Council (DTEC) conducted a survey of 1,300 distance learning graduates from 21 online schools and reported that 54% of them received an increase in pay due to their online degree. 50% of the graduates received a job promotion or had a career change. The value of education is without question. Being able to take online courses or pursue an online degree enables you to stay in your locale and keep working as you move towards your academic goals."

"100 Things Every Online Student Ought to Know"

Is it true that your LMS/CMS can cause a learing curve?

Yep!! This true. As you know there are many learning managment systems available. Depending on the needs of the institution (and their finances) your learning or course management system could be Education2020, eCollege, Jonesknowledge, Desire2Learn, Moodle, Aventalearning, Plato and so on.

It is always, always good to attend an orientation in person or log into a lecture about the software. If you are fortunate enough to attent an online school like Christina International High School, the CTO will give you a remote-log-in training session of your courses and show you exactly how the software works. http://christinainternationalhs.com.



Point #19


This school has open enrollment and open start date. You will not lose a beat in learning when it comes to Christina International High School.