Technology is typically the conduit for information and communication flow. Until the teacher and students become comfortable with the technical delivery system, communication will be inhibited.

As a result, it will be necessary for me to use study habits that are more applicable to distant learning. The SQ3R reading method developed by Robinson (1970), for example, could be a helpful approach. It consists of five steps of learning: Survey the chapter, question what you are surveying, when you begin to read, recite after you read a section and review: an ongoing process. Of course, this is only one of many different approaches and I have to find the one that is best suited to the way I study. Western Illinois University's Department of Academic Services could also be helpful if I require additional support.

4) Time is of the essence.

Because my life is involved with so many other activities in addition to distance learning, I will have to be methodical and make every minute of my time spent online and doing the coursework count to its maximum. Time management is difficult, especially when I am trying to do more than I possibly can in a day and night. Setting priorities is a very important aspect. I cannot lose sight of any of the other important aspects of my life, such as friends, family and work, because of my increased academic responsibilities.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN a and BE COURSES (? I could not find).

Again, the University offers tips that will help with my time management skills. For example, the WIU "Study Habits" website page for online students located at http://www.wiu.edu/SES/BOT/orientation/studyhabits.shtml. offers this check list:

Begin studying the first day

Get organized. Set deadlines for completion of assignments. Follow the deadlines.

Establish a schedule of specific times for studying. Follow the schedule.

Train yourself to think and plan ahead. If anticipated events are likely to disrupt your study schedule, adjust your study times prior to the event - it's better to work ahead than to let yourself fall behind.

Communicate...

Don't hesitate to ask questions to clarify course information. Contact the instructor immediately if you find yourself struggling with a course.
Participate in all opportunities for class discussions

If possible form or join a study/support group

5) Never forget the end goals

It is also very easy to get so involved with the day-to-day stressors that the overall goals in one's life are overlooked. I will need to continually reassess my use of time and priorities to make sure that they align with my personal goals. I am sure that I will become very frustrated at times because I will not be able to do everything I want to. Other people in my life will also be impacted, so I have to constantly keep them in mind as well.

I will need to develop a long- and short-term planning statement. It will also be helpful to keep a journal of my goal-oriented activities. One of the reasons for study problems such as procrastination, poor concentration and little motivation is lack of clear goals. Without aims that are clearly defined and written down, I will not meet my personal objectives or do well in my coursework. Setting realistic expectations is most important. I cannot expect to be a god and accomplish everything, nor set my goals so low that I do not feel I have accomplished anything of worth. Lastly, I have to remember to enjoy my life. When things become too much of a burden and I no longer enjoy the challenges, it is time to rethink where I am at.

References

Investor's Business Daily (2004). Need to do research? go further than Google.

October 4, A04

Robinson, F.P. (1970) Effective study (4th ed.). New York: Harper & Row.

Schuemer, R. (1993). Some psychological aspects of distance education. Hagen, Germany: Institute for Research into Distance Education.

Vine, R. (2004). Going beyond Google for faster and smarter web searching. Teacher Librarian, 32(1), 19-23

Western Illinois University. Student Academic Integrity Policy. Website Retrieved 4, July, http://www.wiu.edu/VPAS/handbook/policies/acintegrity.shtml