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Takeaway #1

While prior to this class I had a good foundation of knowledge on online resources, that was developed much further through this course. I really enjoyed having “Technology Tryouts” every week because I was able to learn how to utilize tools that can increase my proficiency and speed in an online learning environment. I wish that I had known about some of these sooner, as I am graduating soon! It came as a surprise to me that some of these resources were provided by OSU. For example, I was completely unaware that UOSU and Carmen Connect existed. How did none of my previous professors not mention these resources? I also think I can utilize some resources outside of class as well. Trello was a great organizational tool that doesn’t need to be solely for academic purposes. I see a lot of potential in time and task management of my future with this tool.

Takeaway #2

Time management is key. In an online course setting, there are no lectures where the professor reminds you of upcoming deadlines. This responsibility lies solely on the student. I can easily see how for some this can come as a struggle. It is incredibly important to start each week aware of upcoming assignments. I also learned that it helps to look ahead one week, so I can plan my schedule accordingly. Time management is always important, but I think it is even more important in an online setting.

Takeaway #3

I learned that there are many reasons to take an online course. I was naive to the different reasons when I signed up for this course. I assumed that most students taking online courses were like me: “college-aged”, living in Columbus but just taking online classes instead of on-campus. The beauty of online courses is that you don’t have to fit this narrative. Old or young, you could be living anywhere on the globe and taking online courses at Ohio State. I really love the flexibility that comes with this. Personally, I think it is much easier to balance a life outside of school when taking online courses. During the day, instead of being at lectures, I can spend my time working or being involved in other things on campus. Some people may be starting families and trying to simultaneously get their degree. The opportunities are endless, which I love.

I could fill this entire post with motivational quotes, motivational songs, and motivational speeches. While some of that aids motivation, it is all about mindset.

Everyone loses motivation from time-to-time. This is called burnout. I hear this term a lot in my job as an RA. We are taught how to detect “RA Burnout” and regain our motivation. After reading an article by the Harvard Business Review, the biggest takeaway I had was to reflect on why what you are doing matters. Why did you undertake the task in the first place? Why did you join that club? Why did you sign up for that class? Ask why. If you can remind yourself why, it can almost immediately get you back on track if it is important.

It is also really important to manage your environment in order to stay motivated. Put away the distractions. Turn your cell phone off, turn the TV off, etc. Create an environment that helps you stay focused. Personally, I like to listen to music as I do my work. For some, this may be a distraction. Everyone has their own style. Work with that, and build the foundations to staying motivated.

Sometimes though, motivation DOES require those songs and quotes I mentioned before. So here’s some of those:

Songs:

• Eye of the Tiger–Survivor
• Livin’ on a Prayer–Bon Jovi
• Don’t Stop Believin’-Journey
• Wake Me Up When September Ends–Green Day
• Hungry Like the Wolf–Duran Duran
• We Are The Champions–Queen
• No Sleep Till Brooklyn–Beastie Boys

Quotes:

• “If you can dream it, you can do it.” —Walt Disney
• “Where there is a will, there is a way. If there is a chance in a million that you can do something, anything, to keep what you want from ending, do it. Pry the door open or, if need be, wedge your foot in that door and keep it open.” —Pauline Kael
• “Press forward. Do not stop, do not linger in your journey, but strive for the mark set before you.” —George Whitefield
• “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
• “There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, there are no limits.” —Michael Phelps

Procrastination often comes as a common trait amongst college students. While everyone procrastinates, we are very aware of the consequences.

So why do we still procrastinate?

According to the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, there are 5 main reasons that people tend to procrastinate:

Because We Are Afraid: Afraid of what? Some common fears include fear of failure, of losing autonomy, fear of being alone, and fear of attachment. Sometimes, even fear of success and turning into a workaholic.

Because We Expect Ourselves To Be Perfect: A common misperception about people who procrastinate is that they are lazy. When in fact, most procrastinators are perfectionists. When you expect so much of yourself, you may begin to fear that you cannot meet those high standards.

Because We Don’t Like Our Writing: After completing an assignment, you may be so insecure about your work that you don’t want to read it. This can lead to the mentality of why even do it?

Because We’re Too Busy: We all have lives. Sometimes life gets in the way.

Because It Works: This is the most dangerous one of them all. If you procrastinate, yet still get a good grade and compels us to continue this method. This leads to a cycle of procrastination and can trickle into other parts of your life.

If you are a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. This is not a healthy habit.

Good news is that there are ways to stop procrastinating. Time management is key. If you’d like to hear more about about how you can learn to stop procrastinating, check out this YouTube video by CrashCourse.