Its Online, but Is It on Target? Part 2

Research with Attitude

Conduct your research with the attitude of a skeptic. As you examine websites for clues that they’re trustworthy, ask these questions:

v Who wrote the Web page? If you can’t identify the individual or organization responsible for the information, don’t use it.

v What is the author’s qualification for writing on the subject?

v Has the article passes through an editorial process designed to endure quality and accuracy?

v Whats the websites purpose? Look for motives – like selling products or winning votes- that could result in biased or incomplete info.

v Is the info accurate? Is it up-to-date? Where did the author get his info?

Its Online, but Is it on Target? Part 1

Thanks to the Web, information is easy to find. However, it’s also easy to post something online. Anyone can do it.
You’ve probably used the Internet to do research for a paper, to help you decide which product to buy, or to form an opinion about current events. Looking up information online is fast and convenient. But when you do online research, its important to find sites you can trust.

Many websites claim to have the facts, but are full of errors. Others present information in a biased way- they only give one side of an argument. How can you tell reliable source from an unreliable one? Also, its critical that you post online only that which is descent and appropriate, never anything pornographic, vulgar, indecent, out of taste untruthful, or obscene. Post those things that will make a good name for you and your organization, that will promote goodwill & be of benefit to the world.

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You? Part 3

Challenging Aspects of Distance Education

vLack of in-person interaction: Some educators argue that both teacher-student & student-student contact are essential to learning. In a distance-learning classroom, you may be able to participate in class discussions  in chat rooms, message boards or Web conferences – but its not the same as being with other students in a classroom.

v Different levels of quality: Many distance-education programs supply an excellent learning experience, but others may not. Researcher any program before signing on to make sure its rigorous enough. If you are choosing your own program, look into its accreditation before enrolling.

v The need to self-start: Distance education lets you make your own schedules. If you have a hard time getting motivated, this might not be the idea educational setting for you