Journal,+Module+7


 * Prompt: Reflect on how you perceive yourself as an online learner? Are you well-prepare to be an online leaner? Tell us about what you need to improve in order to be a successful online learner. **

I have taken several online courses, both for professional development, job training, and during my undergraduate program. As an online learner, I perceive myself as organized and motivated and I take personal responsibility for my learning. If I do not understand something I look for additional resources to help me understand a subject rather than sending several e-mails to my professors asking questions. I, of course, am not afraid to ask questions, but since I am already sitting in front of a vast wealth of information I first try and seek to help myself first. I am well-prepared for online learning because I know that I need to be very organized to be successful and, because of this, I make sure I have enough time to make lists of assignments and reformat instructions into a format that is most useful for me. However, the place that I have the most room to grow (most recently) is in terms making sure I have an organized physical work space to specifically complete the things I need to do.
 * Description **

This past month has been unusually heck-tick in my life and, as a result, I have struggled to make time for my school work. Though I have completed everything on time I have felt more rushed then I am used to. When the semester started I was still teaching, so it was easy to stay an hour after school and do my homework in my office knowing my son was taken care of and that had a quiet work space. But, when school let out I was suddently a full time stay-at-home mom who was had two weeks to put together a graduaiton party for 60 people for my sister. And, now I am moving this weekend. I could take you through the rest of my summer calendar to give more examples, but the point is that I had not set up the physical learning space that I needed in addition to my work ethic to help me feel as prepared as I like to be.
 * Impact **

As I am moving this weekend, I planned into my packing schedule to set up my desk and work space before I unpack anything beyond the necessities. This is a contextual example of how I intend to set myself up for success as an online learn in making sure I have the physical facilities I need to support my learning. I know myself well and know that I need an organized work space to feel focused. So, regardless of what any future situation is (new house, going back to work in the fall when I will have a new office, etc) I need to remember that just as I need to leave time to do my homework I also need physical space for me to do my best work. This is also an important lesson to teach my students, so I also plan on including in any formal or informal study skills conferencing the importance of a regular work space for all learners.
 * Intent **