I possess strengths of motivation and organization that will help me succeed in online learning at OSU. However, in some classes I tend to procrastinate, which for me is a result of indecisiveness over which task to complete first. The less urgent tasks are set aside for more urgent tasks. Eventually the non-urgent become urgent as deadlines approach, in which case everything becomes urgent! I believe motivation and procrastination are not mutually exclusive tendencies, however one does hinder the other. To avoid this conflict in the future I plan on using the SMART goals model. This model promotes accountability to one’s self and helps avoid procrastination.

Tools that I can use with my learning style include OSU’s Table Top study groups for math and science, Khan Academy (I created an account and have been working through videos and practice problems), and drawing more diagrams, tables, and charts to help with the retention of the materials I am studying.

As mentioned above, I plan to use the Table Top study sessions on campus. In addition, through the Academic Success Center I can have access to academic coaches who can help with goals setting and attainment, as well directing me to other University resources I may be unaware of. I am drawn to these resources because they allow for personal and casual interaction. Each resource has a specific mission so it is nice to know where to turn when I need help in a particular area.

In the Smart Goal exercise for this week I outlined short and long term goals. One was related to a single class, and one was related to preparing for graduate school. To help me set these goals this term I spent time evaluating my interests and desires while balancing them with reality. Due to my work schedule and family dynamics (busy middle-schoolers and a partner who is in a career transition herself), I decided smaller steps are needed as I work towards my goals. The time to completion will be a bit longer, but smaller steps will assure that I arrive successfully.

This is my first blog as well.  I have followed some blogs in the past, but I don’t read any on a regular basis. I’ll be interested to see how this format differs from the discussion board.

In working through the assessments I was initially surprised to find that I am a multi-modal learner, although it makes sense to me now that I have thought about it.  I had always considered myself a kinesthetic learner, which is true, but I process a lot of information through reading/writing and through visual media. My scores for kinesthetic, reading/writing, and visual were pretty much even, which was the big surprise. According to the assessments I am not an aural learner which comes as no surprise. I often day-dream and am easily distracted when I listen. It’s very hard to stay focused and be present when I’m listening to a lecture, or when I’m listening to a friend or family member for that matter.

As I mentioned in the discussion board, time management will be the biggest hurdle. Like many here, I am a non-traditional student with kids, work, and other obligations. Finding time to juggle everything can be difficult. I say juggle rather than balance because truly there is no balancing everything that has to be done. There is no way to give all things equal time. Some things simply require more time and energy than others, and some things won’t get the attention they need. So instead of balancing I try to prioritize and then juggle the priorities, spending more time on some things then trying to make up the difference with other things later on.

Another challenge with online learning is the fact that it is so convenient. Knowing that my classes are always there to work on when I want makes it easy to do other things and put off classwork BECAUSE it is always there. It can be easy to be misled by the convenience.