What particular challenges do students face in online learning environments?  Explain your preparation strategy to become a successful online student by detailing at least three steps you are taking to manage these challenges.

I believe that there are many challenges that students face in online learning environments. Nevertheless, this does not mean that online learning is unattainable. There are a variety of challenges that vary from one person to another. Lack of organizational skills, time management, and disinterest are some of the most common challenges involved in an online learning environment. It is prudent to realize that distance learning requires self-discipline and intrinsic motivation. I have personally felt some of these challenges when I was in pursuit of my Bachelor’s degree. Being a career Soldier, I have had to complete my education online. Often, I would find myself in strange remote places but all I needed was my perseverance, computer, and internet connection. As a Soldier in Active Duty, I was often required to be pro-active when engaged in online learning. Through my journey, I have been able to acquire certain methods that have helped me accomplish my educational goals. These methods have been proved to be effective despite the different locations of work. Effective use of these strategies can be instrumental in dealing with challenges associated with online studies.

The first strategy that I utilize is being focused and organized. I read the syllabus thoroughly ensuring that I take careful notes of what is required of me, the assignment due dates and requirements for each class. I always have a binder where I store everything that I have printed from the course, to include the syllabus, class calendar, and point of contact information for the instructor. In order to further synchronize my schedule with the class, I add each class assignment dates to my outlook calendar. This serves me as a great tool as I can always reference my computer or phone to remind me of what is coming up on the horizon. By using technology, I can also set reminders to ensure I stay on top of the requirements.

The second strategy that I often utilize is to schedule set study times. I learned this strategy early on when I was taking undergraduate classes when I was faced with scheduling issues with my family and school work. In order to avoid having such conflicts, I made it known to my family that I was only available on certain days of the week. By publishing my schedule to my family, they knew ahead of time that on specific days, I was busy with schoolwork; and hence they would avoid any disturbance. This strategy bolstered the effectiveness of my educational goals, as I was able to focus on my assignments and plan for future workload.

The third strategy that I practice is to be involved and interactive with the online forum. I have found that submerging me within the online course has been very beneficial. For instance, the strategy ensures that I am always up to date with any announcement that the instructor may publish during the course. In addition, I find that by participating with the rest of the class allows me to further enhance my understanding of the material and topic at hand. I enjoy reading interesting thread discussions that peers posts and the rebuttals and answers that others contribute. Therefore, by constantly logging in or staying abreast with what is going on in the online forum I find that the online experience becomes much more rich and rewarding.

Lastly, I believe that in order to be successful in this method of learning you have to have a plan of success and be disciplined enough to follow it. Unlike the conventional method of learning, online learning can become overwhelming if you are not organized and meticulous with the course load. It is also important to be candid with yourself and make an honest assessment of your life, and you must ask yourself if this is physically possible or achievable by taking into consideration the rest of your life’s circumstances. If the answer is yes, then all is left is to honestly apply and submerge yourself into this modern method of learning.

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