Review: `If you are an adult learner who's new to online learning, this guide's for you.'
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 22, 2012
One of the great opportunities afforded by the digital age is online learning: enabling individual access to learning in virtual rather than actual classrooms.  It's convenient - learning outside formal timetables and designated institutions - but requires some adjustment and self-discipline in order to make the most of the flexibility offered through technology.At the same time as these more flexible learning opportunities become available, many adults are requiring new learning in order to retain (or obtain) employment.  But not all adults are equally comfortable with computers and the internet, and it's easy to be distracted in an online world. So, how to make the most of the opportunities afforded by online learning, and succeed?  If you've recently enrolled in an online course, or are considering it, and you are new to online learning, then this guide may well help you.In six short lessons, Dr Liz Hardy covers the fundamentals:Lesson 1  Who's Afraid of technology?Lesson 2  Too busy to studyLesson 3  How to study when you don't feel like itLesson 4  Can't it wait `til tomorrow?Lesson 5  When deadlines attackLesson 6  Is there anyone out there?All modes of learning require a commitment of time and a degree of self-discipline.  Technology can be daunting at first, but eLearning interfaces are designed to assist and help is often only a phone call or an eMail away.  For many, online learning may seem lonely: no other students to interact with.  Dr Hardy offers some ideas for building your own support network.Online learning can be a lot of fun and very satisfying - but there are challenges, especially for those of us who are easily distracted and prone to episodes of procrastination.  Dr Hardy provides a practical and relevant guide, and I love the dog illustrations that appear on each page.  Cutely relevant: even we old dogs can learn new tricks.Note: I was offered, and accepted, a copy of this manual for review purposes.Jennifer Cameron-Smith