Being An Online Student

Wow, this is something new to me! I'm not used to blogging this way. I used to blog all of the time on myspace but noone blogs anymore and noone is reading blogs anymore. I think that being an online student has its advantages and it also has disadvantages. As far as anonymity and flexibility goes, being an online student is an advantage. I enjoy the fact that I'm in the comfort of my home and can grab my laptop or get in front of my desktop in my slippers to log into class. If I'm hungry I have the option to eat while I'm working. Another advantage to being an online student is that I can save money and gas because I'm attending class at home. A single mother such as myself can appreciate not having to burn gas and drive to school on campus after working an eight hour day on the job. On the other hand,being an online student requires good time management skills and organization skills and self discipline. It's easy to get so relaxed with the fact that work is being done at home online that you may forget about an assignment or project that is due. During my first semester at Kaplan I experienced this. I had to rearrange things and say "no" to many phone calls, dates, and activities that I used to do before becoming a student. I learned that when I didn't say "no" there was a huge price to pay. My assignments ended up being turned in late and I was retaining little or none of the information that was being taught in class. I basically had to make a decision. Were my activities and dates more important than my dreams? No, they were not. Once I made that decision I learned to manage my time. I created a schedule for my activities and my school work. Things that I could eliminate I did. I also learned how to manage stress. If I felt overwhelmed I would take a walk, or just watch a little t.v. to give my brain some rest. I don't have a problem with interaction with students online. However, there are times that I wish I could actually see and communicate with the Professor. Overall,I'm pleased with being an online student with Kaplan University.