How do i make it with my online distance education class?

[smith]

I just started school online, after being out of college for 4 years and I'm finding it so hard to focus and stay motivated to complete my classes. Any tips or suggestions you can give me? I've already committed so much money i don't want to drop off.

[ShotoJuku]

....I've already committed so much money I don't want to drop off.

Then Don't.

[motuterry]

I just started school online, after being out of college for 4 years and I'm finding it so hard to focus and stay motivated to complete my classes. Any tips or suggestions you can give me? I've already committed so much money i don't want to drop off.

We all have times when we feel less motivated and maybe a bit burned out. I have found this forum to be a wonderful support and I'd suggest you make well use of it. Attending an on-line school can leave one feeling isolated at times. Not so with those of us who have had the good fortunate to find and join IC forums. Apart from a weath of information, fellow members are eager to offer their suggestions and support!

Hang in there! You'll get past this.

[alleycat]

Just keep your eye on the prize.

[cookderosa]

I just started school online, after being out of college for 4 years and I'm finding it so hard to focus and stay motivated to complete my classes. Any tips or suggestions you can give me? I've already committed so much money i don't want to drop off.

>>

Maybe this isn't something you want bad enough. I'm not sounding cold, but you didn't say that it was a conflict of work -family-other obligations....so it sounds like you have the time and ability, maybe you just are not up to it?

You could test out of a few classes, if that doesn't jump start your fire I don't know what does!!

Really, there is no magic. In my opinion, the difference between those who earn their degree and those who don't is good old fashioned "stick-to-it" determination, nothing else. Read the blue quote in my siggy line and ask yourself if this is your brick wall.

[lmech]

Then Don't.

Well put. I second this advice.

[PatsGirl1]

My advice (which may or may not help) is you just put your head down and plow through it. If you have to do homework in spurts (like 2-3 assignments at a time) to help yourself stay on track then do that. If you need to take a break, then do your homework ahead of time and take a few days to regroup. Study smarter, not longer. Make a point to put your schoolwork first.

There is no magic way that works for everyone. I have put my family, friends, sanity all on the backburner to finish. While not as impressive as some, I’ll have finished 70 credits in a year come this December. Would I recommend it? No. Unless you’re as stubborn as I am.

The only way I’ve done it is just plow through it. Just do it because it needs to be done, and with very few exceptions (the health of my child and husband notwithstanding) my degree has come first before anything in my life because I want it that badly.

This part is my opinion- But honestly? It kind of sucks sometimes. I have no life, I’m exhausted and cranky, all of our spare money is gone, and if I never write another paper in the next ten years it’ll be too soon for me. My house is dirty, laundry never seems to get done on time, and just to be competitive in today’s market I’ll still have to go on to get a Master’s. But you know what? Despite all of that, I still want it, BADLY. I make it work and just do my homework. You have to want it more IMO to do DL and testing out than physically going to class. Online classes are harder- you have to juggle more, you don’t get interaction, no one is “watching” you. YOU have to push yourself. It’s not for everyone. If it’s not for you, it’s ok (my own husband can’t do DL; he needs structured physical classes). Don’t beat yourself over it if it’s not.

[PatsGirl1]

>>

Really, there is no magic. In my opinion, the difference between those who earn their degree and those who don't is good old fashioned "stick-to-it" determination, nothing else. Read the blue quote in my siggy line and ask yourself if this is your brick wall.

I should have saved time and just ditto'ed you

[cookderosa]

I should have saved time and just ditto'ed you

>>

LOL No, I liked your answer. It's real life, and I think sometimes it's easy to think "everyone else" has it easy and only "I" struggle. Everyone here is juggling, everyone here is making sacrifices and working hard.
My son earned his black belt after 8 years, and along the way I told him time and time again, "if it was easy, everyone would have one" and I think that's true for a degree too. I meet more people who dropped out of college than who are graduates.
In my opinion, if you let too much time pass (taking a break) it's MUCH harder to bounce back- so I say double up your credit load and get done in half the time. (I once took 21 classroom credits in a semester hilarious)

[lrgaul]

[SIZE="2"][COLOR="Navy"]Hi Jennifer! I read your mention of the fact that you took 21 classroom credits in 1 semester. Thank God for you!

I am planning to take 24 credits next semester because I feel the same way as you do about plowing through the rest of this so I can just get done. Anyway, I have attempted to illustrate my schedule here. Will you tell me if you think I am totally setting myself up to fail, or if it looks like it will be OK?

Total Quality and Team Development (UL-7 weeks long)
Applied Statistics (UL-7 weeks long)
Human Resource Management (UL-7 weeks long)
Labor and Industrial Relations (UL-7 weeks long)
Intro to International Business (LL-14 weeks long)
Principles of Accounting 1 (LL-14 weeks long)
Physics/Introduction to Astronomy (LL-14 weeks long)
Bowling (LL-6 weeks long)

In reality, I will never be taking more than 5 classes at a time because my upper-level courses run in 7 weeks increments (I am not counting the 1-credit bowling class because that is only 1.5 hours on Friday mornings for 6 weeks). Also, no more than two of the five courses will be "in class" at one time because the rest are available online. However, I am somewhat nervous that I am cramming several really difficult subjects into a short time span. What do you think?


[/COLOR][/SIZE]

>>

LOL No, I liked your answer. It's real life, and I think sometimes it's easy to think "everyone else" has it easy and only "I" struggle. Everyone here is juggling, everyone here is making sacrifices and working hard.
My son earned his black belt after 8 years, and along the way I told him time and time again, "if it was easy, everyone would have one" and I think that's true for a degree too. I meet more people who dropped out of college than who are graduates.
In my opinion, if you let too much time pass (taking a break) it's MUCH harder to bounce back- so I say double up your credit load and get done in half the time. (I once took 21 classroom credits in a semester hilarious)