Posts

S.M.A.R.T. Goals

Over the course of the semester I learned to set S.M.A.R.T. Goals. In order to set the goals, I have to make sure my goal is a specific. I ask myself questions like what do I want to achieve? Why do I want to accomplish this goal? Then I need to make sure my goal is measurable. I ensure that I am able to track my progress towards my achieving my goal. Next, my goal must be achievable.  My goal must be realistic and attainable.  When I consider this aspect of my goal, I need to think of how I can accomplish my goal. I also need to make sure my goal is relevant. It is important to work towards goals that are worthwhile. Finally my goals need to be time-bound. I must set deadlines to make sure I finish my goal.

Web Search Strategies

One of the biggest things I have learned this semester is how to better my use of search engines. Learning how to use operators to more effectively find what I am searching for will be very useful in the future. We learned to use targeted phrases and limit how long we use that phrase in our search before trying another phrase.

Time, Task, and Environment Management

Another one of my big takeaways from ESL Tech 2011 is time, task, and environment management. I talked about time management in a recent post so I will only focus on task and environment management here. I learned to keep a conducive environment to working while studying or completing other tasks. This could be anything ranging from making sure I have good lighting, a comfortable place to sit, room to spread out, etc. I also learned how to manage my tasks. For example, I can arrange my tasks so I complete less pleasant or difficult tasks first or alternate subject so I don’t lose interest.

In any stage of life, time management is crucial skill to have. Oftentimes we need to balance work, school, extracurricular activities, and our social and home life. Here are some tips to improve managing your time:

Set aside time to plan

Devote some time at the beginning of the week to plan out the rest of the week. Use this time to look over assignments and your syllabi. You should decide how much time it will take you to complete all of your tasks and when you plan to complete it.

Find a planning system that works for you

Make sure you find a system that works best for you. There are many digital tools to help you keep track of your time such as Trello or Google Calendar. Additionally many smartphones have reminder or calendar apps that may be helpful for you. Of course if you prefer something non-digital, using a paper planner can work just as well. The important thing is to find a system that works for you and stick to it!

Allow time for distractions, study breaks, and free time

It is inevitable that at one point you will get distracted and sometimes emergencies happen. Make sure you allot enough time for these distractions as you plan. You also need to factor in study breaks and free time. If you don’t allow yourself time to rest and step away from everything you need to do, you will eventually get burnt out and slow down in your productivity. Make sure you allow yourself some time to rest and relax in your busy schedule.

Consider when you work best

You know you best. If you are most productive in the mornings, plan your schedule around that. Or if you work better in the evening right after dinner, use that time be productive. Whenever it is, use your time wisely.

Prioritize your tasks

Consider the order in which you complete your tasks. How long it will take you? When must it be done by? How important is it? Think about these questions while your planning out your week so you can make sure everything that must be done gets done.

Ohio State has many resources for its students to help with tech support, access to software, and more. Here a couple links to some useful sites!

The Office of Distance Education and eLearning (ODEE) resource center is a great source for OSU students. It is a help resource for many of the online technologies used here at Ohio State.

The page is for the Buckeye Bar at Ohio State University. The Buckeye Bar provides face-to-face consultation for electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The page provides details as to the Buckeye Bar’s location and hours.

The link takes you to the self-service IT page of the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). It can direct you towards tech support as well as how to download student software.