Convenient, not flexible…

Posted by Jennifer Buchholz on March 2nd, 2009

I know myself. I know that I need deadlines in order to get things done. I know that if I were left to my own devices, to complete the work at my own pace, I would not finish. So when I chose Capella, one of the features I was looking for was structured courses and deadlines.

The coursework I completed was generally done on a set schedule. There were discussion questions and participation due each week. There were required readings for each week. But, within these timeframes, I could do my work at any time of day and often on any day during the week. That was very convenient for me. I found that I would often check my online class during my lunch hour so I would know what was going on, and then spend some dedicated time on a few nights during the week to finish up the work. I found that the asynchronous environment worked best for me. I could do the work at any point in time during the day.

For the most part, in the PhD. program, I only found that there were major assignments due at the end of the term. Due to my nature to procrastinate, I did often have to take 1-2 days off work to finish the major papers (often 30 pages long) in order to finish the work for the class in a timely manner. But otherwise, I was able to keep up with the classwork without much time off work.

I also found that I have been able to have a life while attending classes. By being able to attend class at a convenient time, I have been able to find and maintain balance.

FINALLY - I will share that now that I’m in the self-paced part of my program, I am struggling. I still procrastinate, and that is really hurting my overall progress. I do use self-imposed deadlines, but then I ignore thme. SO, if you are a natural procrastinator, do consider a program that has more deadlines so you can continue to make progress!