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Module 7: Keys to Motivation for Online Learning

The most useful thing I learned in this module is to avoid distraction using different strategies. I believe every one of us is struggling on how to stay focused. After watching the video on how to avoid distractions and stay focused while studying, I learned the 5 tips which include using time management and productivity apps, using two accounts on computer, clearing space by only have the necessary things on the desk, putting thought on paper, and listening to music to block out other distractions. I am most interested to try out the second tip, which is to create two separate accounts, one is for study or work, and the other would be for my free time entertainment. I think this can help me better in focusing so that I can avoid multitasking when studying. For instance, I would disable all social media platforms such as Youtube, Facebook, and Tweeter on the study account. This can prevent me from having social media distractions as I tend to scroll on social media every ten minutes whenever I study. In my personal opinion, I think listening to music may not be a good tip for me in concentrating because I tend to get distracted very easily even with a calm background music.

Module 6: Searching and Researching: The Foundations of Academic Writing

The most useful thing I learned in this week’s Module is the difference between searching and researching. I always thought that I was researching a topic by typing my questions on Google search, but that was just not it. And I believe I am not the only one who thinks that way. After reading slides 12, I learned that the main difference between searching and researching. Searching a regular question has a right or wrong answer. However, there is actually no right or wrong answer for researching question. Moreover, searching questions only takes up to a few minutes but researching is pretty time consuming. Researching requires a lot of research in order to support the statements and answers that we want to propose. On the other hand, as a student who always need to do references and bibliographics on my assignments, I also learned some ways and techniques to cite my sources. Some useful and efficient bibliographic managers include EasyBib, CiteULike, Mendeley, Zotero, EndNOte, and RefWorks. These management programs help students to save their time on doing citations and they even provide multiple citation styles for students to choose from. I have been using RefWorks since it is the only program that is available through the library website and I find it very helpful so far. I would like to try out some other management programs to compare their effectiveness in the future.

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Module 5: Web-Enhanced Listening and Viewing Strategies

The most useful thing I learned in Module 5 is the importance of taking notes. From what I have observed during lectures, I noticed that many people do not have the habit of taking notes. After watching the video about ways to get the most out of studying by Dr. Stephen Chew, a professor who teaches psychology in Stanford University, I learned the three benefits of taking notes which are creating a set of memory cues, providing a key summary, and engaging in the class. Moreover, I also noticed that most people prefer to take notes using their laptops in class. Personally, I prefer to take notes by hand because I am able to process the information at a deeper level. Although taking notes on laptops can record more information as people tend to type faster than they write, but there are more flexibility in the format of taking notes by hands. Another con about taking notes using laptops is the temptation to browse the internet and check on social media during lecture. This will not only reduce the productivity of learning but also create a distraction to other students. For instance, when I see my friend check on her Instagram during lecture, I tend to lose focus in class and go on my social media websites too. This distraction will make me miss the vital information and lose track of lectures.

Module 4: Web-Enhanced Reading and Study Strategies

The most useful thing I learned in this module is to work on one assignment or activity at a time. I believe that many of us like to multitask instead on focusing on one work. For instance, I would always listen to music and go on social media sites like Instagram and Facebook whenever I do my assignments. From what I have observed on people who multitask, I realized that they take longer time to complete their work because they would go back and forth between their tasks. After reading the lesson about techniques to focus my attention on slide 19, I learned the three tips which include plan the study time, close the web browser when studying or taking notes in class, turn off cell phone and email when writing a term paper or studying for a test. I think I am most interested in the first technique, which is planning my study time. I will practice this tip by noting how long will I study, when I will work on different assignments, and how often I will take breaks. Moreover, I think the one thing that distracts me from focusing on one task is the environment. Therefore, I will also find a quiet place to study and work on my assignments in the future.

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Module 3: Efficiency in the Digital Age

The most useful thing I learned in Module 3 is how to deal with procrastination. I think procrastination is one of the most difficult time management skills that every person has trouble with, no matter how old or young the person is. After watching the video about techniques to beat procrastination on slide 7 , I learned the three simple solutions which are The Ten Minutes Rule, The Three Magical Questions, and Ultimate Goal Versus Immediate Desire. I have always heard of the first technique, which is the Ten Minutes Rule. I have been using it for about two years now and I did see an improvement in how I manage my time. I used to be the one who always do my work at the very last minute but The Ten Minute Rule helped me to disburden myself and I was able to submit my assignments on time without stressing out. I am very interested in trying out the Three Magical Question technique which include questions such as where am I, what do I want to do, and how will I feel after doing it. I think this is the ideal technique that can prevent myself from finding excuses when I need to start getting my work and assignments done. I will try my best to beat procrastination with the techniques that I learned from the video below, and I hope that I can overcome this problem in the future.

Module 2: Communicating and Collaborating

The most useful thing I learned in this module is dealing with unresponsive, uncooperative, or lazy group members who are not contributing to group projects. I believe that almost everyone of us has encountered this problem when it comes up project assignment in groups. After watching the video on how to deal with group members who are not fully participating by College Info Geek, I learned the five tips which include communicate with the professor, do the work for them, use tools that are specifically designed for group projects, pay very close attention to dead lines, and maybe it is just a communication problem between members. Personally, I think the most vital thing in group projects is communication issue. Thus, it is very essential to utilize the opportunity to communicate during the first class. Roles and tasks assignment should be done and group members should be clear on what they are contributing to the project. Sharing phone number, email address, or using GroupMe is important just in case something comes up. I think the another thing that the group leader can do is to set up mini-deadlines in group so that group members do not have to rush in the last minute to get things done.