- Posted by philene on February 27, 2008
As online students we are often faced with struggles that the brick and mortar student doesn't have to face. On the other hand, we are also afforded privileges that the campus going student does not have. For instance, we don’t have to change out of our pajamas to go to class there is no fighting for a parking spot, or getting wet in the rain trying to get to or from our car and class. Gas and travel time are not an issue but getting time on home computers, having a quiet place to sit and do our school work, and not being interrupted while we are typing for class can be issues for some online students.
Having the support of your family means that you are able to have a set and established schedule and routine use of the computer, alone time, study time and then there is time for family and play! As a married-online student I was able to experience this first-hand. Luckily for me, my husband is a very strong supporter of education which really helped me when I needed time to study, a place to do my school work and the support of an understanding person who was there to listen to me and encourage me when I am feeling overwhelmed by my course load and life's other responsibilities.
I have spoken with other students in my classes who have reported that they are struggling to find time to do their work, a place to do their work and that their families are feeling neglected due to the amount of time that they are giving to their studies. These students have told me how this affects their grades, and how at times, they have neglected their school work because their families simply wouldn't allow them to complete their work because the family wanted to go on an outing or the kids needed the computer for their work and by the time the family wound down for the night, the student was too tired to do their work. Time management is definitely an important issue facing online students and I will write about that next week.
In the meantime, if you are an online student and you are feeling overwhelmed by the rigorous schedule of work, school and family, try to find someone that you can rely on to support you and your endeavor. You deserve your education and the time to complete it so try not to let anyone take that away from you. Having just one person you can count on to help you through the tough days can help you conquer any obstacles you may face.