Hello to my course mates and to those in the other section. As a reminder, I’m Susan Lee and I’m taking courses post graduate to attain credits in mostly science offerings for a job reclassification. I struggled previously in online Chemistry, so I am taking this course in hopes of improvement.
My learning style is multi-modal, so I think this is generally a strength for online type courses. My learning styles that were weak (aural) aren’t especially useful to online learning, so that is also positive. Having some experience with the blackboard online system provided some exposure for expectations
I continue to struggle with time management. This week is especially a challenge because I’m on travel and using a hotel computer and don’t have all my source material. The material was not made available until I after I left and I failed to anticipate what I might need. As I travel every few weeks, this will continue to be a problem. It also created surprises for me in terms of the requirements (I didn’t get and don’t have my passcode for example). So, instead of being ahead of the curve, I’m behind. This is consistent with starting strong and then getting discouraged.
So, this is a question for others. Do any of you travel a lot and how do you handle this struggle? Do you have any tips for me? Also, any tips about getting discouraged when you hit a bump in the road!
Thanks,
Susan
Hi Susan,
I do not travel much except the occasional football game that I will have to begin traveling on the weekends for so during the week I am not sure how to help with that. I would suggest possibly reviewing ahead on the syllabus to see what assignments will be coming up during the weeks you are traveling. Do you have a laptop that you can take along with you? That may help with having the needed things that can be saved on your personal computer. If not, you can type up needed things and save them to a flash drive that you can take easily with you while you travel. As far as hitting a bump in the road, just look for ways to overcome that bump by reaching out to classmates for any help or emailing the instructor early in the week and they can possibly get you hooked up with information you may be missing. I wish you the best of luck though and safe travels!
Michelle
Good suggestion on the computer. I don’t like to travel with one because I already have a CPAP machine and luggage, so one more thing is just a struggle – but, I think I might have to make that change. Fortunately, my other course has all the weeks open, so I can do extra work ahead of time. This course doesn’t open them up early and that is a challenge.
This is such a great conversation starter Susan! So many people choose online learning BECAUSE of travel due to work or other responsibilities. As you mentioned, it is definitely something that you need to plan for as early as possible.
Regarding the passcode…are you referring to Pearson’s? If you haven’t received that yet, you are able to receive a 2 week temporary access directly through their site (find link to Pearson in Week 3 Module). Let me know if you’d more information or need any assistance!
I was on travel and left the book at home! I didn’t realize the password was inside the shrink wrap (having read the other chapters online). Then, I ended up stranded in the Denver airport due to the snow overnight (that was terrible – I’m way too old to sleep on the floor and all the hotels on the airport property were sold out by the time our flight was cancelled). So, I’m playing catch up at the last moment. But, I got this! Thanks.
The only helpful tip I can offer you is that if you are utilizing a laptop, the Wifi is always better in the hotel lobby. I tried to do Week 1 assignments in a hotel room and was not successful. Also the TV in the room didn’t help. Don’t let the people watching in the lobby get the best of you either.
Good tip on hotel wifi being better in the lobby. I had no idea. This trip, I used the hotel business computer to do part of the assignment. Fortunately, it was away from any tv’s. It was an Apple and that took me back to figure out how to use it! I do have trouble carrying a computer with my other needs (CPAP, Luggage, etc.) so I mostly carry a tablet. It looks like that will have to change, so I will keep that in mind on my next trip!
Hi Susan. Did you receive your Power Up textbook? If so, the passcode is included. Mine was glued to the inside back cover. As far as dealing with discouragement, there are a lot of things that I do throughout the day. I am facing much more discouragement this term than last. Sometimes when I find myself feeling like this is impossible, (I know it sounds silly) I talk to myself. I tell myself “You can do it!” I don’t know what your religious beliefs are, but I also pray. I really feel that God comforts me, and even when I’m about to throw in the towel, He guides me through. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and yoga can also be helpful. They relieve stress, which can cause you to feel overwhelmed. In any case, when you feel discouraged, take a step back. Find something to take your mind off of it… even for 10 minutes. Then when you feel more relaxed and have a clearer mind, get back to your studies. Good luck to you!
I had the password, but didn’t know I’d need it – so I left the book at home on travel! Oops. I won’t do that again. I don’t pray but I do meditate and enjoy yoga. Physiologically, I think it’s the same exercise. And, I agree that it can be very helpful. I will remember that next time I’m feeling stressed! Thanks for the tip!