Graduate study very challenging but not impossible HCS 504 September6, 2010 Dale Mueller

INTRODUCTION In the last few decades technology has grown in leaps and bound. The web world is not the “Black Hole” of information lucrative an addictive. Distance learning in the present time is an integral part of learning (Lyons, 2004). This has made it possible for the working adult to pursue continuing education without choosing between his career and putting food on the table for the loved one. The online learning environment is entirely different from the classroom environment. The student has endless access to loads of information; the study is convenient without time constraint. The paper sheds light on three prominent challenges I faced and the strategies I carried out to overcome these challenges. Statistics proves the popularity of online education I the year 2000 the universities in U.S.A. offered more 54,000 online course with 1.6 million student enrollment (Singh .P. & Pan .W. 2004). “Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity” (Bo. B). with an inquisitive mind I carried out strategies to overcome them and obtain expertise. Time Management The key is not in spending time but in investing it (Covey.S.) (Latumahina.D, 2008). The initial week involved enormous amount reading, posting to be done. The stress of work and keeping up with my toddler’s demands also took toll. Returning back to learning was itself was a stressor. The initial days I was online for six to eight hours, sleeping only for four hours in the day, working 12 hours in the night. The third day I was falling apart, my educational counselor suggested techniques of time management that helped me. I genuinely benefitted from the following steps: get organized, avoid procrastination and reading into the questions, prioritize the work to be done, space out my learning throughout the week, set self deadlines, create a “to-do” list. Auditory Learner I identified myself to be an auditory learner during the first weeks learning. Initially it was very difficult to comprehend the materials online. An auditory learner can perceive the meaning of a statement by listening to the words. They need to read it aloud to memorize the given topic. So I started reading the questions, the reading materials aloud. Read the questions in a slow pitched tone for better perception. I also started saying what I was typing. Ensure all auditory distractions like T.V., etc turned off. These steps have helped me to learn better.

Working as a Team The team comprised of members from different time zones, work schedule, experience, and age. With all the individual variations it is difficult for team members to be on a common ground. Learning week two taught me to function as an effective team member. With knowledge of the importance communication skills, listening, patience, respect, coordination I started my team learning. The team charter was very helpful tool in understanding availability of team members. Having a leader and following to the decisions unanimously made team learning easier. The figure given below proves the efficiency of good team:

Conclusion

The online education is difficult but not impossible. The learning atmosphere is different but it is all about getting accustomed to the course of study. It requires more dedication and organization. I have to be focused on studies as nobody is there to will watch my back. Hence it is righteously called adult learning. The tools like time management, team learning, knowing the kind of learner I am, and communication skills, References Fleming, G. Learning by hearing. Retrieved from http://www.homewrktips.about.com Kuther, T. (December 1, 2009). Simple steps to master your own time. Retrieved from http://www.gradschoolabout.com Latumahina, D. (March 8, 2007). Time quotes:66 best time management quotes. Retrieved from http://www.lifeoptimizer.org BO.B. Retrieved from: http//:www.thinkexist.com Lyons, J. F. (2004). Teaching U.S. history online: Problems and prospects. The History Teacher, 37: 447-456. Singh.P. & Pan, W. (2004). Online education: Lessons for administrators and instructors. College Student Journal, 38: 302-308. Team leadership. Retrieved from: http//:www.theoaktongroup.com