TECHNOLOGY & ONLINE RESOURCES

This class has helped me become much more adept at maneuvering the internet to find useful study tools. Before this class I did not use the internet to study and did not realize all the useful web-based tools that were available to use! Not only have I learned new methods of finding study tools, but I can create them online myself. Before this class, I had never even seen a mind map before and I had no idea there were ways to create animations and timelines online. These will be super helpful in my future classes!

The last module addressed a huge issue I struggle with: maintaining motivation throughout the semester. Before semesters, I did not have trouble keeping up my motivation in classes. Quarters were only ten weeks and in one month, you were already halfway done with the course! Semesters seem to drag on to me and some of the instructor’s tips were very helpful for me to consider in the future:

• Linking ideas to real world situations – This will help you remember topics better for tests when you can relate them to real life situations.
• Linking topics to personal interests – This works just like the tip above. You’ll remember things better if you link them to something you like.
• Focus on how your performance in this class will affect your long term goals – This helps to put things in perspective if you’re having an “off” day. For example, if you don’t do this assignment, you could fail your class, bring your GPA down and have a hard time finding a job when you graduate.
• Remember bite size pieces: think about how your daily and weekly goals relate to your long term goals – Think about things in smaller chunks. Divide up your goals into daily goals (things you can complete today) and weekly goals (things you can finish by the end of the week).
• Reinforce your goals by creating incentives – I find this really helpful for long days of homework and studying. I set myself up with a short term goal of completing one assignment and then rewarding myself with watching 30 minutes of TV or getting a snack.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED ABOUT MYSELF

When I started this class I wasn’t very good at online courses and I was a HUGE procrastinator. I feel so much more comfortable taking online classes in the future now! I was worried I wouldn’t learn the material as well without an instructor verbally telling me the course information and that I wouldn’t leave enough time in the week to complete my assignments since I didn’t have a regular class time to worry about. I wouldn’t hesitate to sign up for another online course in the future.

MOST MEANINGFUL COURSE EXPERIENCE

The best experience in this class is learning how to use Googledocs. I have been in previous classes that discussed using Googledocs as an option for group projects but I didn’t know how to use it so I couldn’t utilize this tool. Thanks to the informative videos, I feel confident I could use Googledocs again in another class or for personal use. In future classes, I think students would really benefit from learning even more in-depth how to use this great online tool.

My favorite assignment in this course was the Time Management Tracker. It helped me realize how much time I waste every day when I could be doing homework. I have since changed my procrastinator ways and used this tool to schedule out my week so I know when I have to do homework and when I can do personal activities I enjoy. It has de-stressed my life considerably and I would recommend any student try using it!

APPLYING THIS CLASS TO THE FUTURE 

This is one of few classes I can recommend to other students that will truly help them be more effective in school. I will use the online tools I learned in future classes for studying and completing projects, as well as in my future career. I have already used Googledocs in one of my other classes for a group assignment and plan to use the other online study tools in my classes this fall. I am so glad I signed up for this class – it really will help you throughout college!