90223 Dimensions Winter 10:Layout 1 - Southern Early Childhood ...

Table 1. Questions to ask oneself about whether online professional
development is a good fit
Factors Related
to Success
Questions to Ask
Computer Capabilities & Internet Attitudes
Course Quality
Accessible Instructor
Networking Opportunities
1. Do I feel comfortable using a computer and the
Internet?
2. Do I feel comfortable downloading a program?
3. Does the instructor inform learners about the
software needed and what happens if the
network is down?
4. Am I an active learner?
5. Am I self-disciplined enough to read and turn in
assignments on time?
6. Does the course provide college credit,
certificates of completion, CEUs, or other credit
that applies to my state or program
requirements?
7. Does the instructor communicate learning
objectives for the course?
8. Am I willing to ask if the instructor is available to
answer questions?
What the answers mean
9. Is it easy for me to contact the instructor with
questions?
10. Will the instructor answer my questions?
11. Am I willing to ask the instructor if the course
requires networking opportunities?
12. Am I willing to listen, think about, and learn from
what my colleagues write?
13. Does the instructor create a safe environment
for us to communicate?
Yes/No
• Yes answers to 11 or more of these questions indicate that
online learning is likely to be a suitable choice.
• Yes answers to 8 to 10 questions indicate that personal
preparation may be required before enrolling or extra effort
may be required to participate. Another type of program may
be a better match.
• Yes answers to 5 to 7 questions indicate that additional skills
are needed before online learning could be a successful
experience.
• Yes answers to fewer than 5 of these questions reveal that a
traditional classroom is probably a better choice.
computers. Find out what options are
available.
Potential online learners also need
to know what types of software
(computer programs) are needed to
access the course. Well-prepared
instructors have guidelines and
handouts that explain types of
software or programs to install on the
computer. Many software programs
have Web sites for further information.
Technical problems frustrate
learners, so find out what to do if
there are issues with the equipment or
connections. Write down on paper
how to communicate with the instructor
if the computer or network is
down. If an instructor cannot answer
technical questions, consider investigating
another course or find an
additional outside resource.
Course Quality
Any online professional development
course must be relevant to the
learner’s career goals and professional
requirements. Course content should
be directly linked to the professional
knowledge base about current, highquality
early childhood programs and
state requirements.
Check out how each online course
is organized. Is it clear what the course
has to offer? Learning objectives should
be clearly written. Prospective learners
deserve to know how the course will be
organized and how information will be
delivered. Know exactly what is
expected before the course begins
(Shea-Schultz & Fogarty, 2002).
Accessible Instructors
The best instructors are available to
answer questions, provide additional
information, and enhance the learning
experience for all participants.
Winter 2010 DIMENSIONS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD Volume 38, Number 1 15