Online Learning:
Is it right for you?
A major benefit of online learning with programs such as Hit the Ground Running lies with its flexibility to
allow you to complete the course anytime-anywhere. This is very different from traditional classrooms,
where students are required to come to a specific classroom at a specific time.
For online learning to be successful, however, individuals must take considerable responsibility for
their own learning. To help you successfully complete online learning events, we have developed
several guidelines for you to follow:
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Create An Online Learning Environment
Use the Right Computer
Be Familiar With Basic Web Navigational Skills
Stay Focused
Ask for Help
Create an Online Learning Environment
Now that you can take an online course on your computer, the challenge is going to be to create your
own personal learning environment. Follow these tips:
1. Try to set aside time to take the course when you are least likely to be interrupted. While the time to
complete the various modules contained in Hit the Ground Running varies, most modules will
require 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
2. Put your study time on your schedule; make an appointment with yourself!
3. Communicate with your family and friends and ask for their help in allowing you to complete the
course without being interrupted. If you do get interrupted, you may leave the course and go back
to it at a later time. Online courses provide the flexibility for you to start the course, stop, and then
return to the course at your convenience to pick up where you left off.
4. If you are unable to create an online learning environment at your house, you may schedule time to
come to your local Work4WV Center, Adult Basic Education class, or public library to work on the
course. Any quiet place with a computer and Internet access will work!
Use The Right Computer
To access Hit the Ground Running, your computer must meet a few software requirements. We
recommend that you use Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher as your web browser for this website. You will
need to have MS Word and MS Excel installed on your computer to complete the computer literacy
activities. You will also need to have an email address to send and receive correspondence from your
online instructor.
Be Familiar With Basic Web Navigational Skills
Online courses are accessed through the Internet. You should be familiar with basic web navigation skills
such as clicking once on highlighted text to activate a link, using scrolling commands, and using mouse
rollovers. You will be required to successfully complete a computer readiness exercise at your Work4WV
Center to make sure that you will be able to access and navigate through the course.
Stay Focused
It is easy to get distracted while connected to the Internet! Try to think of the online course as a learning
event, similar to a traditional training class, with a starting and an ending point. Use the navigational keys
to guide you through the course. Remember, you may start an online course, stop, and then return to the
course at your convenience to pick up where you left off.
Ask For Help
Online learning is a new way of learning. It is normal to have questions. Hopefully, your online learning
experience will be positive and without too many challenges! If, however, you experience technical
difficulties, or have any other questions, we are here to support you. An online instructor will stay in touch
with you via email throughout the program.