{"panels":[{"content":{"params":{"text":"

A story about the difficulties of online learning before the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the online learning model has changed for the better (i.e., online lectures and seminars). <\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"CC BY-NC-ND","title":"Untitled Text","authors":[{"name":"LKP99","role":"Author"}],"licenseVersion":"4.0"},"subContentId":"cadbee66-16af-492c-ab60-0bc51a252969"},"title":"Online Decline by Hilary Marshall"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

During my second year of my undergrad, I had to switch a majority of my classes to online learning. This was back in 2017, most online courses did not have a \u2018meet up\u2019 lecture type of component. You could go through the lectures at your own pace, and typically had online discussion posts. For me, it required a lot of focus and drive to keep myself motivated. Which was not a very easy task for me at the time when I transferred to mostly online learning. It was difficult to keep motivated, on task, and to complete things. I would often put it off which sometimes left me cramming and staying up late to get discussion posts done. It contributed to a lot of the stress I was going through at the time, and my grades were starting to suffer from it. It put me in a position that I really did not want to be in. However, after this semester, my compatibility with online classes improved as I came up with some strategies to help.<\/p>\n\n

I think a wicked problem I worry about in the future is if online classes go back to this type of model (i.e., without zoom lectures and seminars that allow for easier connection with others). I am hoping that this type of online class we have adapted for the pandemic changes online courses going forward.<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"0966b372-ab77-44ad-9d4d-849491804303"},"title":"The Wicked Problem"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

I was able to overcome my problem, mostly through focusing on how to better manage my time and how to prioritize tasks. This is not always easy to do.<\/p>\n\n

Some of the strategies I used were around bettering my time management. I got a big white board calendar where I would put down all my due dates and when online discussions were due. Going over the syllabus carefully was also a big help. All the major deadlines are usually outlined in the syllabus; I took all the important due dates and put them both on my big calendar and in my computer calendar. Having them in clear view made it easier to see and be reminded of what I needed to finish. I would also assign each class to a day of the week and set aside a \u2018lecture time\u2019, about three hours that I used to do readings and go over slides. Basically, I assigned a time in the day that would be about the same time as if I were going into class on campus. This helped me keep to my schedule and let each class have a day where it was my focus. Each day during the week I set aside a few hours at the end of the day for readings and what not.<\/p>\n\n

Another thing I did (and I still do around major exam\/paper time) is plan out the week in terms of what needed to be done each day. This gave myself a deadline and allowed me to prioritize tasks that needed to be done first. Being able to scratch things off a list as I completed them also gave me a little burst of serotonin, which was nice to have!<\/p>\n\n

Some things I have learned in my graduate classes this year is the value of making connections with others. For online classes, it can feel pretty isolating and as if it's you and the material for the class only. Other students might be feeling the same way too; some people feel more motivated when they have others they can work with. I think online courses having an electronic meet up once a week would be really beneficial to students. I think something that I want to do in my future online classes is to ask the students in the class if anyone would be interested in a weekly meet up to go over ideas for those that need that.<\/p>\n\n

All these strategies I used I recommend for students who might be struggling with the same things. Time management is hard, and everyone tackles it in a different way. For me, setting out strict guidelines and schedules helped to keep me on track. Online classes are seen as being an environment where you need a lot of discipline to keep on top of everything. However, I think everyone can do it, and can find their own way to have success. I am also hoping that online courses begin to look more similar to how classes have been running during the pandemic; still having that meet up time to connect with other students and going over material. <\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"cf32baf6-d8a1-4e1b-b687-ef63edc2dd8c"},"title":"Finding a Solution"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

Your professors and university administrators want you to succeed. If you're having problems, talking to them and looking for alternative solutions can be very helpful. Understanding is the first step to problem solving.<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"1ab4b57e-cd70-43e7-8db1-4a66385edd37"},"title":"Final Thoughts"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

Marshall, H. (2021, October 15). Online Decline<\/em>. Liberated Learners. <\/span>https:\/\/wicked.liberatedlearner.ca\/learner\/online-decline\/<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"9f09c10e-747f-458f-9306-9b8fb731b37f"},"title":"APA Reference"}],"hTag":"h2"}

Online Decline

Liam Peart