As an online learner, my ability to work independently, stay on-task, and seek help when needed are all strengths that work in my favor. Although I am a strong reader and able to manage my time pretty effectively (who knew?!), I still need to work on how I take notes and absorb information. I’ve discovered that writing things down with pen and paper works well with my learning style, but also takes a whole lot of time, so that is the main area I want to improve… remembering that even though it takes more time, it is necessary (and saves time when I’m trying to prep for exams)! I don’t think that I would have examined my learning style or what ways I could change my current systems to improve my learning if it weren’t for this class:)
I have also learned that sometimes I need to “revisit” how I’m doing things… I will be checking in with the online study tips each term to be sure I’m doing what I need to and remembering to apply what I’ve learned about my own learning style and preferences.
I will absolutely be using many aspects of the library services for assistance with my academic experience… everything from future research papers to finding online articles for classes! I’m also going to utilize some of the printable calanders next term to help manage my time more efficiently!
I didn’t know how long I had until I could earn my degree or how I was going to balance the different aspects of my life. By thinking about my goals – both long-term and short-term, I was able to prioritize what is really important to me, and what I can change/let go. I’ve also taken steps to determine when I can realistically complete my degree and what I need to do to accomplish that goal! Just having that goal, and a date to look forward to helps to keep me focused and determined!
The tips and discovery of online resources through this course have been so valuable, but I think that the introspective aspects of the class… thinking about my learning style and my goals have had an even bigger impact on me as not just an online student, but as a person!
Author Archives: helms
Adventures in Blogging
I’m actually pretty excited to be writing a blog for class! I have read friend’s and public blogs and have always wondered if it is really diffcult to create. For me, online learning is really not only my best option at this point, but my only option. As a busy mom of three school-aged childen, wife to a hubby who works full-time, employee who works part-time, as well as my many other roles, being able to drive to a campus at a designated time and fit all my needed courses into the time my children are in school (and I’m not working, and nobody has any appts…) would just be impossible! Without a doubt, time-management and organization are my biggest challenges, but I appreciate that I also have some “positives” working on my behalf as well:) I truly value the ability to work on my class work early in the morning before my kiddos are awake, during school hours, or even at night. It makes it possible for me to find times that work best for me (when it is quiet and I can focus) and my family:) The format of my online classes is also beneficial when it comes to my learning style… I am not only reading assigned texts, but have online “lectures”, even online “tours” for one of my classes! I’m able to re-play lectures that were complicated, take or print notes, post questions for teachers and classmates (which seems easier onlne that in-class!), and more! I’m excited to finally be going back to school and working toward a goal I’ve wanted to accomplish for as long as I can remember!