by BC Doan

Created on: February 04, 2009   Last Updated: February 17, 2009

Living in a rural area where the college is about 50 miles away from home makes online study a more feasible choice for me. Yet, it is also a nerve breaking thing to not knowing what may be involved! There are many questions racing in my mind. Am I discipline enough to keep up with the homework? Do I know enough about computer to navigate through the directions? What happen if the internet is down?

Questions upon questions, but my thirst for learning overcomes all the fear! I sign up for two online classes, go through a simple test about computer knowledge, and I am ready to dive in.

I sign on to the chalkboard system and print out my syllabus, and my overview objective for the classes. At first look, it is overwhelming! My brain could not process too much material throwing out at once.

My day as a single mom begins at 6:00 in the morning. I have to make breakfast, get the children up, eat breakfast, and take them to school. When I am back at home with a toddler, I do what every mom does: taking care of the child and the house while in the back of my mind, I am thinking about my first assignments from the two classes I have signed up.

I have to figure out my schedule, and what would work out best for me. I manage to make my own list of assignments. It includes all the tasks and chores that I have to do for the day.

On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I have to spend at least three hours each day reading and doing assignments for my Business class. Then on Tuesday and Thursday, I will read and work on assignments for my Writing class. On Saturday, I have chat room hour with my teacher and classmates. Overall, I have to put in at least 15 hours a week to study.

Having a general expectation of what I must do help me establish a routine, and develop a discipline. I also factor in times for errors and frustrations. I study whenever I can while fulfill my other obligations.

My college is very helpful in answering for help with computer troubles, or connection troubles. There is an online help desk where I can actually get help if I cannot access my Blackboard. My instructor is also just an email away.

Pursuing an online degree is my only option at this time. It works out beautifully with the situation I am currently in. I like to study in the comfort of my home, and not having to drive one hundred miles a day to go to the college.

Learn more about this author, BC Doan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.