Online Resources for New Distance Learners

Discussion Forums Online Research Writing Labs

RSS Feeds Skype Resources

Discussion Forums

Discussion forums are the equivalent of traditional classroom discussions but are designed to build online communication between people within the same class or people with similar interests. These discussions allow members to respond to the initial discussion on their own time. Always remember to use netiquette when communicating online.

The online resource What is the Difference Between IM, Discussion Forms and Chat? describes the differences between these three types of online communication. The author states that each form of communication “has a different flavor” so it is best to try them all and then decided which one is best for you.

This article can be found at: http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/blogchatinstantmessaging/f/email_vs_im.htm

(Gil, 2012)

Online Research

Online research is something that is a resource that everyone uses whether they know it or not. Guess what when you enter a topic into a search engine, such as Google, Bling, Yahoo!, etc., you have performed online research. As you go through middle school, high school and college, you will be using online research for many things. However, finding the information you are looking for may be tricky.

The online resource Seven Habits of Highly Effective Web Searchers lists seven different strategies that you can use to become a more effective researcher. Using these strategies and accessing the other informative links in this article will help you hone your research skills and help you discover many new things on the World Wide Web.

This article can be found at: http://websearch.about.com/od/searchingtheweb/a/sevenhabits.htm

(Boswell, 2012)

Writing Labs

Writing centers are a resource that all learners should utilize. There are many online writing centers can be accessed by online learners as well as those in a traditional classroom setting. Accessing information at an online writing center is very beneficial because you can work on your own time and by using the appropriate link, you can focus in on your specific problem. Some of the services offered by an online writing center are general writing guidelines, citing sources correctly, and tutors are available if you should need them.

The online resource The 25 Absolute Best Web Resources for Writers offers different links to various sites geared to helping out any learner who needs help. By using these links you will be on your way to writing an interesting, informative and correctly cited paper.

This article can be found at: http://distancelearn.about.com/od/onlineresources/a/25WriteSites.htm

(Littlefield, 2013)

RSS Feeds

A RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed allows learners who frequently surf the web to stay informed in one central location. A RSS feed allows you to stay informed by retrieving information from the sites that you are interested in. This will save you time by not having to visit each site on a regular basis. Just think – all of your favorite sources all in one place. Nice, huh?

The online resource RSS – What is RSS? describes how an RSS is used and gives examples on how a learner might use an RSS. It also offers links to different RSS readers and feed sources. There is also a link for a beginners tutorial on how to use a RSS feed. This resource also contains different links to popular articles such as 10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do With RSS. Utilizing this article and related links will help you become more comfortable with using a RSS feed.

This article can be found at: http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/rssandlivewebfeeds/f/rss.htm

(Gil, 2013)

Skype

Skype is a software that enables learners to communicate via the Internet. Skype is a free and allows you to utilize features such as video calling and conference calling. It also allows you to call a single person, logs your calls, and allows you to send and receive big files easily. This is also an easy way for learners and instructors to communicate. Just think, you can call anyone, anywhere and it’s all free.

The online resource Skype 101 is a user-friendly step-by-step instructional guide on how to use and set up your Skype account. Once you set up your Skype account, your are in business and ready to make your first online call. This website also offers many related articles that can be easily accessed by clicking on the links.

This article can be found at: http://websearch.about.com/od/freedownloads/ig/Skype/

(Boswell, 2013)

Resources

Making sure you cite your sources is critical when completing an assignment. Plagiarism is claiming someone else’s work as your own. Whether it is an entire quote or a single fact. Citing your sources is a way for you to “give credit where credit is due” and helps you to avoid plagiarism in your work (Information Literacy 101, 2013).

The following sources were used in creating this matrix:

Boswell, W. (2013, July). About.com. Seven Habits of Highly Effective Web Searchers. Retrieved from: http://websearch.about.com/od/searchingtheweb/a/sevenhabits.htm

Boswell. W. (2013). About.com. Skype 101. Retrieved from: http://websearch.about.com/od/freedownloads/ig/Skype/

Gil, P. (2013). About.Com. Internet for Beginners: What is the Difference Between IM, Discussion Forums and Chat? Retrieved from: http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/blogchatinstantmessaging/f/email_vs_im.htm

Gil, P. (2013). About.com. RSS – What is RSS? Retrieved from: http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/rssandlivewebfeeds/f/rss.htm

Information Literacy 101 (2013). Indian River State College Libraries. Retrieved from: http://faculty.irsc.edu/FACULTY/BRodriguez/tutorial/MLA_MF/MLA1.htm

Littlefield, J. (2013). About.com. The 25 Absolute Best Web Resources for Writers. Retrieved from: http://distancelearn.about.com/od/onlineresources/a/25WriteSites.htm