This term was a bit of a rough ride for me. I was 1 week post op from a major surgery and then at about 5 weeks in, I had to have another surgery. The fact that I was able to keep up (with a single exception) with two classes , work and home must be partly attributed to better utilization of tools available to me and improved time management.

I was seriously beginning to think that although my learning styles should support an ecampus approach, that I wasn’t cut out for it, but I am doing quite well this term. Using Canvas was a big part of that – I especially liked the calendar function for assignments. And for anyone that didn’t realize, there is a Smart phone app for Canvas that helped me keep track on the go too. I used to just schedule in my calendar but would inevitably miss something – this tool made sure that I didn’t. But as with most things, you have to use it for it to work! I did and it did!

This course really helped me realize there is a lot more available to me at OSU too. The library services presentation was very good. I had something similar in my Masters program at PSU – in person. Having the online resources so readily available was something I didn’t realize. This should be particularly helpful in any future writing intensive courses. I also had no idea about the support services for e campus students. I imagine I will continue to visit these sites into the future.

The biggest change over the term is that I decided to quit taking courses randomly and without purpose. I’ve already started the process of post bacc admission. I only wish I had done it sooner!

I took this course because I had struggled in previous online courses and thought it would help. I’m actually glad now for that struggle because I think it will improve my online course journey. Thanks Brandi! I also want to thank my fellow students. Everyone was very supportive and kind. It seems we lost a few students, but the ones that hung in there – thanks!

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