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Writing papers is a very common and sometimes challenging task in college. Which means searching and researching is an important skill to possess in college.  You should have learned many tips about searching and researching in high school, but there is always more and better ways to do your research.

I think it is important to note the difference between searching and researching, which is something I believed had no difference before this module.  Searching usually means looking for a specific answer about a particular question, whereas research is looking for information that has no right or wrong answer, but instead is subjective rather than objective.

Something from this module they I have already put to use would be prancing source credibility and quality.  This means that the sources you are using have trustworthy information and is written by someone who has done proper research on the topic.  There are a few signs to help you identify if a source is credible or not.  When finding a resource to use, ask yourself is this source written by someone who has a PhD, MS, or Dr.?  It is a reputable resource? Is the content up to date?  Has it been peer reviewed?

Side note:  I have had professors who find it okay to use Wikipedia as resources, but I have also had professors who do not like Wikipedia.  So another useful tip when doing research is to ask your professor what kind of resources they find acceptable.

Online resources might be one of the most essential tools for a new student to find success.  Of course it is important to find what strategies work for you, but online resources could be just the strategy you need.

It is quite evident that you are now responsible for your learning.  Nobody is going to make sure you are showing up to class, or are getting your assignments done.  One thing that I have already done to tackle these academic demands is by using online resources to keep pace with in class notes.  I sometimes take notes on an online resource called notability.  It is a great place to store all your notes for any class (and it saves paper). This will keep you focused and listening in class, and keep you in pace with your course materials.

One online strategy I have looked into at least a little bit would be seeking out online resources.  If I am missing a formula for math problem, or a definition for a term, I use google just like everybody else.  But, one thing I would like to introduce into my academics more would be seeking out separate, online lessons on the same topics I am currently covering in my classes.  This could possibly offer a new or a refreshing  piece of information for your current academic lessons

Believe it or not, reading is sometimes the last thing on many students minds.  Most of the time they are looking to just complete the assignments as fast as possible without taking the time to read.  This might be especially true in an online class.  But without reading, it makes the assignments and studying harder than it needs to be.  Here are some strategies to help combat the desire to skip over your regular class readings.

Instead of using your electronic screen as a distraction from your reading, use it to enhance your reading.  The internet is chalked full of useful information that you can use no matter what topic you are reading about.  An easy way to stay on task is to interact with your reading.  You can do this by simply highlighting information in your reading that you find important (Slide 6).  I think that is a helpful strategy that I would like to implement into my study skills.  Something that I have found that helps when reading or studying is to not try and multitask.  Many college students think they are pro at it, and maybe you are, but I almost guarantee you will not retain as much information as you would have if you just focused all your attention into one study task at a time (Slide 17).

Remember, we are in the 21st century and we have tools created for the soul purpose of aiding our study habits.  Take advantage of them and make life a little bit easier on yourself (Slide 22).

Online classes have become the new norm.  The first word I think of when I hear the phrase “online classes” would probably flexibility.  Sure, you may have the ability to work within your own schedule and complete assignments at your own pace, but this could come at a cost.  That cost is procrastination.  With that much freedom, it becomes easier to cut corners or create excused to put off work.  Here are some important things I’ve learned about while juggling online classes.

One of the biggest take always in this module was having the ability to just get started.  I have had multiple weeks this semester where I look at my carmen to do list and its 20+ assignments long.  So the tip of just getting started will make it leases daunting and might be easier than you expected.  One thing I already try to do is start with the easier assignments first. That makes it mush easier to start more assignments when you have less to do.  It is important to finish one thing before starting another as well.  That way you aren’t trying to do more than you can handle all at the same time.

So I guess the main takeaways from this post would be to just get started.  It may seem challenging at first, but it will more than likely be easier than you think.  Also, start with the easier things first to get the ball rolling.  The more you do the happier  and more stress free you will be.

In this weeks blog post I will be writing about the importance of virtual communication.  When you think of the college experience you usually do not think about students sitting behind a computer alone by themselves all day.  I believe that is why it is important to try and maintain helpful and healthy communication during this pandemic while all students are forced to be apart.  As I near the end of my sophomore year at OSU, I already believe I have some helpful tips on how to communicate during college, even if it is being taught from a distance.

First and foremost, I believe it is important to project a friendly appearance, while being professional.  It is easier to communicate with others, when you are easy to communicate with. That goes for other students and professors alike.  Given our current situation, many of your interactions will be via email.  It is important to use your email professionally.  Here are some tips that enhance your communication skills while using email; a subject line, a greeting, context of your message, and closing with your full name (Slide 8). Other sources of online collaboration tools you may run into, or want to use could be one drive group me, or google drive. I highly suggest looking into google drive, as I have used it for my online classes and found it quite proficient. It works great for online projects with other group members.  Group me is also a great way to message fellow classmates about possible homework or class questions.

In person schooling is difficult, and learning the same things online does not make it any easier.  But, if you use these resources and utilize them correctly, it might give you the tools you need to succeed.