Blog Entry #1: "What Have I Gotten Myself Into?"

When I first found out that I was going to be taking an online class I thought to myself, "I'm in deep trouble."  You see, I'm not what you might call a self-motivated student.  I always got buy on paying attention in class and taking part in discussions face to face.  I like to think as I talk and most of the time I can use my conversation skills to squeeze out a good grade without much effort outside of the classroom..  I'm a people person at my core.  I crave personal interaction with groups.  This is where I thrive academically.  Working independently has never been my strong suit.  I never did homework in high school, and needed a tutor to keep on me to get things done in my undergraduate studies.  But, that was over ten years ago... Certainly I am a changed man.  I must have grown up and matured these past years.  Well...  Not so much.  I am constantly fighting my urge to put things on the back burner.  Working full time doesn't help my time management ether.  Early on asked myself "What have you gotten yourself into?"  It seemed hopeless.  I felt like I was on an island, all alone with my computer, left to fend for myself in the 568 jungle.  Luckily, after a few e-mails and reassurance that someone is always there to help if I need it, I have started to get my footing.  I think I am starting to get the rhythm of working at home.  I even turned off facebook to finish assignments, like this blog for example.  I still am afraid of what's going to happen if I let myself get off track or fall behind.  The fact that I am not a very strong reader gets me particularly nervious.  I can totally see me droning in reading if I am not careful.  Also, I am constantly unsure if what I am doing is good or if I am on the right track.  I always need that feedback and reassurance that I'm doing ok.  Pressure to get good grades is new to me.  I never gave much thought to my grades before entering graduate school.  But now it seems like so much more is at stake.  If you had to ask me right now I like taking an online course I would say I don't like it too much.  But hopefully as we move forward I will learn to adapt ant thrive in this environment.  When all is said and done I hope to look back on this experience and remember it when I am trying to help a student who may be feeling the same things I am feeling right now.  As they say, "What doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger."