In the beginning, there was a lot of work… Life as a Freshman Online Student
Posted by Jennifer Buchholz on January 24th, 2009
Capella does a great job getting their students started with the online degree program. There was a course for professional development that really helped me plan out my strategy for degree completion. The class really delved deep into getting the students ready for the intensity of an online PhD program.
First, we developed a Degree Completion Plan. We looked at all the requirements for the degree program including the coursework, residencies, and other requirements. Then we considered our lives and work schedules and came up with an anticipated timeline for completion. This created a master plan that we could work from.
Then we figured out the support we’d need to be successful. This was our chance to look at the personal, professional, and academic support network that existed and to identify any gaps. This process also encouraged dialogue with those resources to help “rally the troops” when it was necessary.
Finally, we worked with an advisor/instructor who has been through the coursework and who could provide relevant insight into the demands of the program. We were encouraged to become committed and dedicated to the process to ensure we were able to complete it successfully.
In my experience, many schools have some such “getting started” first course. It’s more intense than an orientation, but more personal than traditional coursework.
The steps we took in this course were helpful, essential really to any new student to work through. Identify a plan. Set realistic goals. Evaluate the support network. Be open to help. Identify study strategies and techniques that will work best for your learning style and available time. Create a disciplined approach to your studies. Getting off on the right track from the beginning is essential to long term success.
Read more of Jennifer Buchholz's blog.
This entry was posted on Saturday, January 24th, 2009 at 5:00 am and is filed under Life as a Freshman Online Learner, Student Voices. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
