This term really seems to be flying by. Here we are nearing the end of week 3 and I still feel like this term just started. Although it is moving fast, I have already learned a significant amount about my-self in regards to how I learn and more specifically how I learn in an online learning environment.

I have taken online classes before and with those classes, I quickly came to the realization that online learning can be significantly more challenging then a physical campus environment. Some of the challenges that I have faced in the past with online learning is self-motivation and maintaining good study habits. Over the course of the last three weeks, I not only discovered more about my learning style, but I learned how to leverage it in order to improve the way I learn. My learning style is multimodal, meaning that I learn from a series of methods, but that also doesn’t mean that I can be successful by selecting and using just one. Multimodal learners tend to learn best by utilizing the full spectrum of their learning styles.  In the past, I have always believed that I was mostly a visual learner; I tend to use charts, diagrams, pictures, and examples to learn best. After taking the surveys for learning styles, I can actually say that I was surprised by the results and wasn’t sure as to the accuracy, however after reflecting on past classes, personal habits and techniques that I found to work for me, I decided that not only were the survey results a good fit, but they really explained a lot about how I learn. For example, I discovered that I am left brained; I like things to be neat and organized and perform best in such an environment.

After completing my second degree, it has been about five years since I have taken any classes at all, and this time around I am facing an abundance of new challenges that I didn’t have to worry about in the past. I work full-time in the semiconductor industry which is sponsoring my education, but only if I maintain good academic standing. I am a father, and a husband. In addition to family and work I have other commitments such as maintaining my property, vehicles, and financial responsibilities. In the short period of time that I have been back in school, I have found that these things can really have a profound effect on the way I manage my time and approach my education. My biggest challenge this term and through the remainder of the program, will be balancing the time I spend with my family and the time I spend with everything else. So far I am finding that this class was just the tool I needed in order to help me maintain that balance which will ultimately help me to achieve my goals.