In this course, I have learned many skills and tools that I believe will help me finish my degree as efficiently as possible. I learned the importance of the basic roles of computer operating systems, software programs, and the World Wide Web in effective learning. I’ve learned about the various campus resources, and learned how to make up specific, measurable, and attainable learning goals for completing tasks. I really believe these are all very important things needed to succeed at the college level. The internet is a very powerful resource and mastering it will open many doors if you know how your way around it. I learned a lot about communicating and collaborating online with classmates and how important it can be. There are many instances in life where you will need the help of others and being able to communicate with them effectively is crucial. We spent a good amount of time in this course describing effective strategies for reading, studying and learning online and in-class content, so I became a more efficient note taker and a listener in my lectures with help of different note taking approaches and listening strategies.
I have also learned a lot about myself and how my brain works. This course helped me to realize some of the common reasons why I procrastinate so much and some strategies to limit it. I was able to evaluate my current approach to time management and see what works best for me. I have assessed my personal development of time management and procrastination strategies over the last few weeks and I am seeing a difference in how I act and think when it comes to studying or learning. Distractions like cell phones and social media are some of the major problems I have when it comes to my productivity. Through the motivation strategies I learned, I now give my best effort to make connections with what I am learning and apply it to the real world. Once you think about how things work relatively to things that relate to you, learning a concept or idea becomes much easier. Creating goals and incentives for when I reach each goal is another big thing I have learned how to do. I never put much emphasis on it before, but when I set aside my iPad or my cell phone and force myself to finish my work before I pick them up again, it really helps me focus.
The most meaningful experience I had during the course was assessing my time management and procrastination level. We completed a chart that made you fill out your daily activities for 24 hours over the span of one week. Looking at the chart I realized I was wasting a good amount of my time on unproductive things (over a third of my time was spent watching TV). Although it is summer, there are many things I could be doing than sitting around in my house all day. I learned during the duration of this course that I am a chronic procrastinator and that I am fairly decent when it comes to time management. I know have some flaws when it comes to efficiency, but I believe this course has taught me many skills that I can really use in the real world after college.