Things to consider before registering for this course.

SIDE BENEFITS: The side benefits are huge, particularly if you have never used an on-line chat room, messenge board, real-time on-line conference call or done on-line tests before.

Some Internet courses use the WEB-CT system which is fine, but when the course ends, that's it. You get cut off. For this course, when it ends, you get to keep your e-mail accounts and, as noted above, are in a position to create and use all the free services used here.

Our class platform (server) at Thinkwell IS your electronic classroom which is open 7-days a week, 24-hours a day, and all announcements, results of your weekly tests are right there from day one. Thus, nobody gets left out and, more importantly, you can keep track of your cumulative weekly quiz results instantly -- even folks who join the class late or forget to log-in for a day or so!

ON THE OTHER HAND ... Having noted the above, we still have to recognize that some folks are not yet ready to tackle the Internet because they are "dependent learners" as opposed to "independent learners." Major double-blind (very thorough) evaluation of on-line courses reveal that independent learners generally do very well but that dependent learners have difficulties.

Teaching professionals use these terms in categorizing students, and we hasten to add that the terms are not normative, i.e. it is OK to be a dependent learner and it is OK to be an independent learner. If you are not sure what category is your tendency, go to any Learning Center and ask a counselor for an assessment. Big Island students should phone 974-7741 to make an appointment with a counselor. Also, of course, take the self-test noted earlier.

Internet-based courses are for independent learners. Dependent learners are advised not to take this course.

Do NOT register for this course if you know that you are a dependent learner.

Remember, the vast MAJORITY of students at the University of Hawaii do NOT take Internet courses. Some are independent leaners, and some are dependent learners. They prefer to drive to the campus, fight for parking space, look for classrooms, do the usual classroom routine and have the opportunity to meet their professors face-to-face every week. This is admirable and fine. Also, if you have never taken an internet-based course before, here ARE some things you need to know before you sign up:

Internet courses favor self-motivated folks who are not afraid to take appropriate initiatives where warranted. Internet courses favor folks with the ability to pay close attention to details, in particular, the ability to read, understand and carry out instructions without constant handholding. Repeat: The ability to read, understand and follow instructions is critical. Internet-based courses favor folks who have the discipline to do the assignments on time, every week without reminders. Internet-based courses favor folks who understand that consistency in logging into the course WEB site (daily is recommended) is crucial for a successful experience.

Finally, and perhaps most crucial for you to know is that Internet courses favor individuals with calm, unexcitable demeanors because there WILL be technical glitches from time to time. We mention this because we've had folks who have gone to pieces when they encounter the occasional technical hiccups. (If you are the type of person who is easily upset, maybe Internet courses are not for you at this time.)* In fact, if the previous sentence upsets you, that may be a sign that perhaps this kind of course is something to think about in the future but not now ... please pardon the "straight talk" here and don't take anything personally.

TAKE THIS SELF TEST NOW <------<<<>

Please also note the Zero Tolerance policy for assignments, and that you will be required to take a proctored mid-term and final exam. This means that if you are employed, you have to make arrangements to physically go to a campus to take the exam or exams on the date or dates noted in the class calendar.

Have you read and understand everything noted above? Good! Now, if you feel ready for this new adventure, go to the nearest community college Registrar's Office on your island and sign-up! We welcome your participation in this continuing effort to push the distance learning envelop to new and ever higher standards. Me ke aloha pumehana. A hui hou!




* True Story: Several years ago, at the UH Manoa campus on Oahu, someone went into one of the computer rooms at night with a revolver and shot up a whole bunch of PC terminals. Obviously, if the person was a frustrated Internet student, that type of person should NOT have signed up for an Internet course in the first place!