Congratulations on being accepted into your online program! Now this is where the real journey begins. Distance learning is an awesome way to improve your skillset, career and build your community. There are many ways to go about getting the most out of your experience but you should always have a plan in mind to keep you on track.
Formulate Objectives
If you are the 'get in and get out' type of person, this could still work for you. Obviously, your main goal is obtain a degree but you should also seek to acquire all that you can in the process. What I mean is, aim to have an all-rounded experience that can build your resume and help you in your workplace. When I enroll in online programs, I always keep in mind certain objectives. Some of which include:
To develop a networking system that may exposes you to new opportunities and clients.
To develop communication and leadership skills through interacting with people from various cultures and experience levels. Let's face it, we live in a global world and need more people with high emotional intelligence and cultural diversity experience.
To use your experience and knowledge to help others and enhance your community, economically and technologically.
Become Familiar With Your Learning Environment
Understanding how your student portal works and how to submit assignments is a basic fundamental of online learning. Moodle is your online campus where assignments are and your student portal is for everything else. Your orientation takes place in Moodle so take advantage of that. Orientation can vary from 1-3 weeks before the start of your program. Ensure that you pay close attention to the time zone as you will need to adjust your time to your university in order to meet deadlines.
Please do your due diligence, read and explore. Online studying is self study so you are responsible for your own learning.
Every bit of information you produce is considered academic writing. Therefore, always use credible sources and credit the authors. Peer reviews are subject to change by your instructor. In other words, don't stress yourself about a bad review. Go to your instructor and have him/her review your work.
Take the time to learn the material you are being taught/learning. Review your work always. Make the study process easier on yourself. Be collaborative in group projects and exercise patience. Google Docs is always a great place for easy collaboration.
Ask for clarity from instructors, advisors and peers. It is counterproductive to respond to ambiguity. Be clear in your own communications.
Visit your syllabus repository to see which courses you are expected to do in order to complete your program. It also tells you which courses are prerequisites for others and if a course cannot be taken with others. It will do you well to know which courses you should consider taking together.
Life will get busy and so will you. Find smart ways to manage your time and assignments. Have your articles read to you and digitally record your notes so that you can review on the go.
Take care of yourself and your mental health. Know when to take breaks and trust the process. With each act of self care, you declare to yourself that you are on your side. Do not give up, the rest of us virtual learners are rooting for you!
Check out the experience of other distance learners here. Want to know more about my virtual learning experience? Reach out! Comment, like, share and subscribe!
Join the 7 Day Challenge: Virtual Learning Made Practical . to develop your study habits so that taking exams becomes easier.
Check out the introduction for the upcoming e-course Online Student Prep 101, where we explore the entire distance education process!
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