Discussion: Strategies for Addressing Questions

Week 2 Discussion

There are many challenges for the online learning programs, such as isolation, technical difficulties, missing due dates, time management especially when the student works a full-time job, has family, etc. that does not mean the face-to-face learning model doesn’t have similar challenges. Online learning may not be appropriate for every student (Kauffman, 2015). Each student needs to know if he or she is a good fit for the online learning model before starting it by doing research and knowing what it takes to be successful and what causes failure in such a model.

My main concern or question is how to communicate with other classmates in a collaborative way to achieve success throughout the online learning journey for 2 years? This is not my first experience with the online learning model, however, in my previous programs I had many friends with me and we used to study together, remind each other with due dates or new updates that we need to pay attention to, taking into consideration we all had jobs and families so I found that very helpful and make the experience very pleasant and I achieved success at the end.

My second concern is time management, how to balance between work (with increased responsibilities), family, life, and learning? How I did that in the past with online learning was to split the time for work and school only. Now, I find that hard and unfair to the family especially with MSN it’s for two years. My biggest fear especially with the pandemic is that I will miss a valuable time with family that I will not be able to return or make it up. I know that achieving higher education requires sacrifices, hard work, commitment, and consistency to achieve the goal, but I wanted to know from other students how they manage their lives and yet succeed in their learning journey.

Reading through the 10 traits of a successful online learner was an eye-opener to many of the foundation component that I already had from my previous online learning experience and also I learned that I need to write down my own goals from this degree and what I want to achieve at the end, that will help me stay motivated to achieve the goals listed and utilize self-direction and self-efficiency is definitely a key (Online Colleges, 2018).

References

Kauffman, H. (2015). A review of predictive factors of student success in and satisfaction with online learning. Research in Learning Technology, 23, 1–13. Retrieved from https://journal.alt.ac.uk/index.php/rlt/article/view/1648/pdf_13

Online Colleges. (2018, November 14). (n.d.). 10 traits of a successful online learner. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://www.onlinecollege.org/2011/07/14/10-traits-of-a-successful-online-learner/

sample response

Thank you for opening up and sharing your concerns regarding online learning along with balancing with time management. You are not alone with the struggles of time management, as myself are having a difficult time finding that balance and decreasing the “guilt” feeling. We know the long hours of study will be worth it in the end as you receive your NP, but getting there can the toughest moments. Learning to balance this and be driven, adapting to change, and focusing on professional and personal goals (10 traits of a Successful Online Learner, 2021).

In regards to another one of your concerns about being in contact and communicate with other classmates. I can say as I have been in Walden University for over a year, and there is great communication from professor to fellow students. I have seen not only through Walden University itself with discussions, emails, and the class cafe. I also recommend if you are a part of social media to request to join different Walden University Groups. I belong to advanced patho and a few others, and I can not only comment, but also see other Walden students communicate with each other regarding assignments, clarifications , and even forming study groups despite the distance.

Keep strong and we are all in this together as a team

References:

 10 Traits of a Successful Online Learner. (2021). Online College.org. Retrieved March 10, 2021, from https://www.onlinecollege.org/2011/07/14/10-traits-of-a-successful-online-learner/.