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.
I LOVE your description of juggling as opposed to balancing! You not only seem to have a really good grasp on how life really is, but you’ve managed to express it really well. I have to remember that there is no balancing, and that whatever is a priority at the moment is what I need to focus on… and that it is okay – goodness knows the other “stuff” is going anywhere:) I think I have a difficult time sometimes doing this when my children want me to play, the dirty dishes are sitting on the counter, an assignment is due soon, and my work deadline is tomorrow – I think deep breaths, and remembering that I can always study while kiddos are sleeping wll be important for me to remember!
I sympathize with all that you have to juggle in a day. Dishes, kids, homework, et.al.
It’s been very difficult to adjust to, but dishes and clutter take a back seat to kids and homework…and the day job of course. I just have to remind myself the dishes will eventually get done (even if I have to wash only what I need at the moment). Organizing chaos is a skill non-traditional students learn very quickly.
I’m thinking of getting a motivational sign made noting the “organized chaos” in my life right now… to remind myself (and others!) that it may look scary, but there’s a lot of good stuff happening behind the scenes (learning, laughing with family….)!! LOL!
Juggling. Perfect. Your post reminds me of a carousel… when one horse is up in the air others are down until it spins a little longer and then the order changes. Prioritizing sometimes looks like this to me!
Glad you’re in the class Darrin… keep up the juggling act!