While writing this blog for my MLIS social networking class I have managed to catch up on several blogs I’ve been meaning to read, organize my bookshelf and drink 3 cups of tea. I have identified the main issue I will have with online learning, and it is procrastination. I am organized, comfortable with technology and love a challenge, but I do have a tendency to post pone starting my work.
However, over the past three weeks I’ve come up with a strategy to help me stay on top of my work. I plan out on my giant paper calendar when I’m going to work on each of my assignments, and when I’m going to do readings and watch lectures. Each morning the first thing I do when I sit down at my computer is open D2L, and then I have to do one thing that’s school related. Once I get started, I’m good to go. So I’ve tried to give myself the tools I need to start right away.
I did a lot of teamwork as a part of my undergraduate degree, and after watching the lecture by Dr. Haycock, I realized that my groups would have really benefitted from some tips on working well as a team. I really liked Dr. Haycock’s suggestion to set up guidelines and establish the group’s expectations when you being to work together, rather than after you have a problem.
After watching Enid Irwin’s presentation, I really appreciated the importance of trust and good communication. I feel fortunate that I communicate well online, and I’m very familiar with many different types of online collaborative tools. I feel very well prepared to be a good group member, and fulfill my responsibilities to my group.
Since the MLIS program is completely online, I’m actually really looking forward to doing some group projects. In the completely online environment, it’s easy to feel isolated from your classmates. There’s no 3 hour block of time every week where we all gather in the same room. I think that the group work will be a great way to get to know my classmates, and make some friends in the program.
teganmtaylor 