Posts

The New World of Studying (Module 5)

With all of this new technology comes new ways of learning. From podcasts to voice recording and all of the power of the internet it has revolutionized the way we are able to capture and digest information. Use this to your advantage. We have all of these new tools and methods but we also have traditional processes that have worked for hundreds of years. I personally like to use a combination of both. I take handwritten notes during class. This allows me to have complete freedom to draw pictures, create mind webs, and write in my own language. I don’t stop there though because this creates a little bit of a mess and can be hard to come back and study later. So I sit down later and transfer these notes into a digital format and in doing so I revisit the concepts that we learned in class and get to sort through and re-organize the information in a way that makes sense.

I am not saying that my way is the right way, I am saying to find a way that works for you. There are many tools. processes, and methods to chose from. Start trying them out and seeing what you like best. It is also a good idea to take some of these enhanced listening tools such as videos and mind webs and use them for your presentations because it helps others to see what you see. Some say that you only have really learned something when you can teach it to others. Try using some of these tools to explain new concepts to your friends and roommates. You have all the tools at your fingertips, how you use them is up to you.

Skills vs. Talent (Module 5)

Will Smith’s keys to success:

Will Smith can be seen as one of the most successful people in his field. Now you may not be an actor, but there are some key values that when applied can promote successful behavior no matter what you field of study. One key idea that Mr. Smith draws attention to is the difference between talent and skill. Talent is something you are born with (singing, creativity, etc.) and skill is something that is practiced and learned over time. Coming into your college experience you should be focused on building your skill. He also puts a strong emphasis on the importance of hard work and a good work ethic. Some say that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. Anything worth having is worth working hard for. If we apply this mentality to our academics we will find success on our college campus. Find out what you want to do, and then do it.

This video puts into perspective some great life ideas that are more abstract in nature. Nobody has the answers to life, but we do tend to overthink and complicate things. Hearing this kind of information straight from the source is much more powerful than reading it in some article. Hearing the passion in someones voice can ignite passion in you. This video is motivational and helps us take a step back and re-evaluate our situation and really think about what we want to accomplish. This is the attitude to have when starting your college career.

Research, Research, and then Research! (Module 4)

Whenever I am facing a problem I spend 86% of the time understanding the problem and the remaining 14% solving it. I always encourage students to really spend some quality time understanding the problem that they are trying to solve. The best way to do this is by doing quality research. With all the technology and tools that we have available to us these days there is absolutely no excuse for not doing your research.

Sometimes it is tough to do research. You have an assignment but you just don’t know where to start. You open up google and are faced with that intimidating empty search bar. So start by asking yourself have some questions. Are there any notable people that have done research or work in this field? Are there any significant events surrounding this topic? As you start to answer these questions you will learn more and this will fuel more questions. Sort out the relevant information and ask more and more specific questions. Sometimes you will find that your destination isn’t anywhere near where you started.

Research is the most important stage of any project. Set a great foundation of research for your project and I am sure that you will have much better results.

Team Work Makes the Dream Work (Module 3)

“I did this by myself”. Famous words often said by people proud of something that they have accomplished. The truth is that his statement is a result of misplaced pride. Nobody has ever accomplished anything great entirely on their own. There is always an outside force motivating people to accomplish the things that they do. Whether it be a person, an event, or a life situation, there is always a source where that strength, those ideas, or that motivation comes from. The sooner you recognize this I think the more successful you will be. People often have the misconception that they have to do it on their own. But even those that “did it on their own” were motivated by someone or something.

I encourage you to share your vision with someone else. Even if it is just one other person, they may believe in it just as strongly as you. And even if people don’t want to physically spend their time and effort helping you accomplish your goal there is one thing that people will always offer and that is their opinion. It pays to ask the question “hey what do you think about this”. Collaboration is key and often whatever project it is you are working on will benefit from being exposed to different perspectives. Work with others to accomplish your goals. Team work makes the dream work.

Module 3 | First Piece of Advice

This weeks post is for Module 3 in my online learning strategy class. My first piece of advice for those entering college is to enter with an open mind. College is every bit what you make of it, or don’t make of it. Many students come into college with their own premature vision of what their college experience is supposed to be like. This combined with a fear of stepping out of their comfort zone makes them miss out on a lot of college experiences. Don’t let this by you. Get outside of your dorm. Get involved on campus. Try something you have never tried before. Talk to people different from yourself. Explore a different culture. Travel across the country or even the world if you get the chance with buckeye-serve or the Office of International Affairs.

Do not let your college experience be limited by the fear of the unknown. Now is your time to explore. Learn more about the world around you and you will learn more about yourself. Take every opportunity as it arises and make the best of it. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. At the end of your college career I want you to look back and be able to smile knowing that you had the most fulfilling college experience imaginable.