Mastering Remote Work and Online Study in U.S. in the post-COVID Era from Coursera

Are you ready for the new, COVID-forced, online learning paradigm? This competency-based, skill-building course will help non-U.S. students, first-generation immigrants, and foreign-born professionals better understand and master American online learning, as well as other U.S. virtual environments, for college and career success. In the post-COVID era, the course can also be very instrumental in assisting U.S.-based institutions in organizing remote learning activities for their current or prospective international students.

The current pandemic has disrupted the world of higher education and work as we know it. Many thousands of international students and professionals can no longer travel internationally at will and must now learn how to effectively study and work remotely. To excel in American online learning and work environments, international students and foreign-born professionals need to know how American universities and companies use the Internet to organize study and work, develop and execute projects, communicate ideas, collaborate, and solve organizational and technical problems. By taking this course, you will learn how to enhance your cultural knowledge and assess potential skill gaps that may hinder your online experience or negatively impact your performance in U.S. virtual learning and work environments. Throughout the course you will systematically review competencies required for online work, come to better understand common barriers for non-native students and professionals, learn how to detect and overcome competency gaps, and develop plans for self-improvement and success. We believe that you will find the course useful and gain new knowledge and skills to become more successful in your remote study/work in the U.S.

The course was previously offered as iMOOC101 and iMOOC102 "Mastering American e-Learning". We have updated it to reflect the new realities of the Post (well, not yet!)-COVID era. We will be glad if you could share your own experiences in navigating the new world of remote teaching, learning, and work.

What's inside

Syllabus

International learners in U.S. online education

In this introductory module, we explain why many international online learners and foreign-born professionals experience problems in American e-learning environments and how they can use a competency-based approach to overcome barriers and become fully proficient for college and career success. Your instructors for this week are Dr. Valeri Chukhlomin, Dr. Dana Gliserman-Kopans, Dr. Michele Forte, and Amy Giaculli. Guest lecturers are Prof. Xenia Coulter and Lorette Pellettiere Calix.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Guides international learners and foreign-born professionals through U.S. online learning practices

Provides strategies for overcoming barriers of technology, language, and culture in online learning

Covers essential communication and culture skills for success in online academic environments

Examines employability skills and professional contexts in U.S. work environments

Requires completion of a capstone project to demonstrate understanding and application of concepts

Suitable for non-U.S. students, first-generation immigrants, and foreign-born professionals seeking to enhance their online learning skills in U.S. settings

Reviews summary

Navigating u.s. online study and work

According to learners, this course is incredibly helpful and a lifesaver for international students and foreign-born professionals adapting to U.S. virtual environments. Students widely praise the practical insights provided, particularly in modules covering cultural differences, academic communication, and professional contexts like teamwork and communication styles. The structure is logical, and the self-assessment and competency gap focus are highlighted as unique and beneficial. While many find it provides a solid foundation, a few reviewers noted that parts, such as the technology section, felt basic or outdated, suggesting the course might be best suited for complete beginners.

Might be most beneficial for individuals new to U.S. online/remote settings.

"It might be more suited for complete beginners."

"As someone completely new to online learning and the US education system, this course was a lifesaver."

"While the course covers relevant topics, some of the content felt a bit basic..."

Capstone project helps apply learning to personal situations.

"The Capstone project allowed me to apply what I learned directly to my own situation."

"The Capstone project was a good way to consolidate learning."

"In this week, you will submit a Capstone Project. This project will ask you to identify a barrier you might face..."

Offers practical advice and strategies for success.

"The examples provided were practical and easy to understand."

"Excellent course! Provided practical strategies for succeeding in remote US work environments."

"The module on professional contexts, including teamwork and communication styles, was very valuable."

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

Provides valuable insights into U.S. culture, communication, and the academic system.

"I found the modules on cultural differences and academic communication particularly insightful."

"The section on navigating the academic system was particularly useful for me as a prospective student."

"Insightful and well-structured. It addresses key cultural and communication differences effectively."

"The practical advice on academic integrity, communication, and adapting to US teaching styles was spot on."

Excellent resource for international students/professionals new to U.S. virtual settings.

"This course was incredibly helpful for navigating the complexities of online study in the US. As an international student, I found..."

"As someone completely new to online learning and the US education system, this course was a lifesaver."

"A solid foundation course. It touches on many important aspects for international individuals in US virtual settings."

"Fantastic course! It directly addresses the challenges international learners face."

Some reviewers felt the technology content was basic or outdated.

"Some of the content felt a bit basic, especially the technology part."

"The technology section was outdated. It felt like it needed more updates for the current environment."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Mastering Remote Work and Online Study in U.S. in the post-COVID Era with these activities:

Watch online tutorials on American higher education system

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This course will be navigating the American higher education system, so it's a good idea to prepare beforehand by familiarizing yourself with the system through online tutorials.

Browse courses on Higher Education

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Search for online tutorials on the American higher education system
Watch several tutorials to get a general overview

Review your knowledge of basic computer skills

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This online course requires basic computer skills. By reviewing these skills ahead of time, you can ensure a smoother learning experience.

Browse courses on Basic Computer Skills

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Go over basic computer operations
Review common software applications
Practice using online communication tools

Read 'American Etiquette Guide' by Elaine Swann

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This book will help you understand the cultural norms and social customs of the United States, which will be helpful for navigating online interactions in this course.

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read the book thoroughly
Make notes of any important concepts or tips

Six other activities

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Organize your notes and materials

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Staying organized is absolutely essential to succeeding in this online course. Give yourself time before your first class to set up a system to keep track of your notes and course materials.

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Create a dedicated workspace
Set up a filing system for your notes and materials
Back up your work regularly

Practice online group discussion etiquette

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As this online course is taught through the internet, practicing online discussion etiquette will ensure your success in this course.

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Research online forum netiquette rules
Compose a follow-up post to a peer's response
Respond to several peers' responses

Practice timed online quizzes

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This online course includes timed quizzes which test you on the materials you've studied. These drills will help you feel prepared and confident before taking the real quizzes.

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Access the online quizzing platform
Take a practice quiz and time yourself
Review your results and identify areas for improvement

Form a study group with fellow students

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This course is intended to be hands-on and collaborative. A study group can help you brainstorm and learn from other students.

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Reach out to other students in the course
Set up a regular meeting schedule
Discuss the course material and work on assignments together
Quiz each other to test your understanding

Create a cheat sheet of important terms

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Creating a cheat sheet will help you summarize all the important terms in a single document, which is very useful for studying for the final exam.

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Review your notes from each module
Identify the most important terms
Define each term concisely
Categorize the terms (e.g., by module)

Create a presentation on a topic related to the course

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Creating a presentation is a great way to synthesize your understanding of the course material, while also practicing your communication skills.

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Choose a topic that you are interested in and that is relevant to the course
Research your topic thoroughly
Create a presentation outline
Develop your presentation slides
Practice your presentation
Deliver your presentation to your classmates or instructor

Career center

Learners who complete Mastering Remote Work and Online Study in U.S. in the post-COVID Era will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

E-Learning Specialist

E-Learning Specialists design and develop online learning programs. They may also provide technical support to students and faculty. This course may be useful for understanding the principles of online learning and for developing the skills needed to succeed in online courses.

See salaries and explore the career path for E-Learning Specialist

Online Teacher

Online Teachers teach courses online. They may develop and deliver course content, and they may also provide feedback to students. This course may be useful for understanding the principles of online teaching and for developing the skills needed to teach online courses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Online Teacher

Remote Work Consultant

Remote Work Consultants help organizations transition to remote work. They may provide advice on technology, policies, and best practices. This course may be useful for understanding the challenges and opportunities of remote work and for developing strategies to successfully implement remote work in an organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Remote Work Consultant

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers develop and implement educational programs. They may work with teachers and other educators to create engaging and effective learning experiences. This course may be useful for understanding the principles of instructional design and for developing the skills needed to create online learning courses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain documentation for technical products and services. They may work on a variety of projects, from user manuals to software documentation. This course may be useful for understanding the principles of technical writing and for developing the skills needed to create clear and concise technical documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Trainer

Trainers develop and deliver training programs. They may work with employees at all levels of an organization, from entry-level employees to senior managers. This course may be useful for understanding the principles of training and for developing the skills needed to create and deliver effective training programs in a remote work environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Trainer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal websites to large enterprise websites. This course may be useful for understanding the technical skills needed to succeed as a Web Developer and for developing the skills needed to work remotely.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including marketing, advertising, and journalism. This course may be useful for understanding the principles of writing and for developing the skills needed to create clear and concise written content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations improve their business processes. They may work on a variety of projects, from process improvement to software development. This course may be useful for understanding the principles of business analysis and for developing the skills needed to succeed as a Business Analyst in a remote work environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Academic Advisor

Academic Advisors may assist students with managing time, adjusting to school, and exploring career goals. As part of this, they often assist with selecting educational programs, registering for classes, and strategizing for successful completion. This course may be useful for exploring these topics in the context of remote study and work environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Academic Advisor

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal projects to large enterprise projects. This course may be useful for understanding the principles of project management and for developing the skills needed to succeed as a Project Manager in a remote work environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Career Counselor

Career Counselors help people make career decisions and plan their career paths. They may provide advice on job hunting, resume writing, and interviewing skills. This course may be useful for exploring these topics and developing a plan for career success in a remote work environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Career Counselor

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee all aspects of human resources, including recruiting, hiring, training, and employee relations. This course may be useful for understanding the human resources challenges of remote work and for developing strategies to address them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Learning and Development Manager

Learning and Development Managers oversee the training and development of employees. They may develop and implement training programs, and they may also work with managers to identify training needs. This course may be useful for understanding the principles of learning and development and for developing the skills needed to create and manage training programs in a remote work environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Learning and Development Manager

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal projects to large enterprise systems. This course may be useful for understanding the technical skills needed to succeed as a Software Engineer and for developing the skills needed to work remotely.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer