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.
Posted by Jen Zeman on January 23rd, 2009
It would be less than honest if I did not say that being a freshman online student was a little scary. I knew that the course requirements at the bachelor level would be more stringent than at the community college level, but I wasn’t sure just how much. It was a lot more. However, I had prepped myself enough before classes so that it wasn’t overwhelming. In fact, it was quite exciting!
Some words of encouragement to those “freshmen” just starting out:
- Take the time to get organized. Being organized reduces the chances of missing course requirements and helps you to stay on top of assignments.
- Don’t overload your schedule. If you work full-time I would recommend taking no more than two courses a semester. I was taking three and while it worked for me, it meant that my life was work and school – nothing more. I would also recommend reducing the number of extra-curricular activities you participate in. If you start to have too many things competing for your attention, your school work will suffer. Make school your priority!
- Check in with the online classroom at least once a day. Most programs require participation in weekly discussion questions. There is also usually a place to post online questions to the instructor so it’s good to check that out regularly (if you have a question on something, most likely someone else will have the same question).
- Allot plenty of time to get the course required assignments and readings completed on time. Remember that even though you are not physically sitting in a classroom three hours a week, the required readings will more than make up for it (i.e. the readings take the place of the lecture).
- If you work full-time, schedule strategic days off during the semester. Use these days to complete term papers or additional assignments. This will reduce the stress of trying to beat a deadline at the eleventh hour.
- Schedule time for yourself! Even if it’s just an hour a week, use it doing something fun and refocus your mind.
Above all else, stay positive and focus on your end goal – a college degree. By maintaining a positive focus, all things are possible.
