Plan for success....Writing assignment #1

Perhaps one of the most efficient ways to fulfill a general education requirement class such as Introductory English is to complete the course online. Since most of the work in such a class is done using word processing on a computer anyway, it is logical that the online class would facilitate just as much learning as a classroom setting would- possibly even more. Many students, including myself, choose the online route for many classes, and it is imperative that each individual acknowledge the academic characteristics that they’ll need to maintain to do their best in the course. In addition to a familiarity with navigating the internet, I believe a keen grasp on time management, self-motivation, and deterrence from the tendency to procrastinate will be the things I need to succeed in this course.

It has taken me two years, since I began college, to improve the way I prioritize and divide my time, and I still have not perfected it. During an hour that I could complete half of my physics homework, I might still catch myself fooling around on Facebook or checking out the latest sales on Backcountry.com. This semester allows me almost no room to throw away my time out of class. I will be balancing 20 credit hours, officer roles in two clubs, a public service project, undergraduate research, and my job as a chemistry tutor. And of course, in an effort not to become a complete hermit, I will make time to have a somewhat decent social life. I have constructed a “life” schedule of sorts to help me stay on track and get what I need to get done. This might sound a little crazy, but it’s the type of structure that will help me to not go insane and still have a successful semester. I need to especially make sure that this online class doesn’t get buried under my other coursework and extracurricular commitments. I will do this by setting aside certain blocks during the week for getting my English assignments done.

For me, I find it valuable to think about each course that I am taking and ask myself what value it is to me. When I think about how biochemistry might make me more prepared for medical school, or Japanese might make me a more cultured person, I appreciate these courses and am motivated to do well in them. This is applicable with this English class because I know that a developed writing ability will be an important asset to posses for my career. Also, even though I am not very good at it, I actually enjoy writing when I give myself sufficient time to do it. My self- motivation stems from my attitude towards the course, desire to do well, and knowing that the class will benefit me.

Lastly, I will need to carefully monitor my tendency to procrastinate. This is especially relevant with a class in which I won’t have the twice weekly class meeting to remind me of what’s coming up and what may be due the next week. I will develop a habit of checking blackboard and the schedule several times a week to assure that I stay on track with assignments. When a new assignment is posted, I’ll try to start working on it within the first two days, so that I don’t find myself trying to race through it at ten o’ clock on Wednesday night. I once tried to start and finish, in one night, a 12 page essay analyzing a Descartes piece for an honors class. This did not go well.

I like the fact that I am completing this class online, because it gives me the freedom to complete the assignments on my own time at home. An online class does, however, require a certain level of responsibility and discipline from those who take them. If I can stay motivated and manage my time stringently enough so that I do not procrastinate, I will hopefully do well and English 111 will be an enjoyable experience.