Online Student Survival Guide

WGU on July 28, 2010 | Category: Adjusting to Online Learning, Productivity

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With summer in full swing, it may be tempting to trade your workspace for a lawn chair by the pool. Don’t let the sunshine diminish your motivation to achieve your goal of earning an online degree. Resist the urge to slow your pace with the following tips:

Discuss your studies. Finding the time and energy to study for your online degree can be challenging, but a supportive family can help. If your study time is scheduled after dinner, get yourself excited by talking about it with your family over a meal. Discuss what you have learned and what you’re going to learn. If you need some help with an assignment, ask them for their insights and opinions. Including others in your work will keep your family close and give you a sense of accomplishment as you cross assignments off your list.

Track your progress. Skipping study sessions can become a bad habit one it has begun, so make sure to keep the “I’ll do it later” mentality in check. A shrinking to-do list is a great motivational tool, and one you should definitely have as an online university student. Print out your study schedule and a list of goals for each session. Print another list of goals for the week. Finally, print a third list of monthly goals. Chances are that many of the items will appear on more than one list. By completing tasks each day, you will also be contributing to your progress for the week and month. Viewing each study session as a portion of the larger goal will help you see the big picture.

Reward yourself. Everyone enjoys a pat on the back for a job well done, so why not do the same for yourself? Go out to dinner to celebrate a completed assignment, or see a movie after a long week of work and studying. By deserving your reward, you will value your productivity more and continue to achieve better results.

Implement what you learn. Many students seeking an online degree are doing so to further their current career. Well, there’s no rule that says you have to wait to implement what you learn. Talk about your studies with co-workers and managers. Suggest ideas you’ve learned to help your employer now rather than later.

Schedule downtime. While you are not running from class to class while attending an online university, balancing life and studies can sometimes be draining. Stay on track to achieve your goals, but avoid a study burn-out by making time for yourself. If you have studied all week, take an evening off to be with family or friends and let your brain rest. Working too hard and too long will affect your future studies and may impact your grades. Don’t feel guilty about taking a break; consider it a step to earning your online degree.

For those who can study effectively by the pool, don’t forget the sunscreen. For the rest of you, use the time at your desk wisely and maintain a positive outlook about your online degree.

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