Guest ContributorAt Claremont Lincoln University, we serve the non-traditional student who has chosen to get a graduate degree online.
Two questions I hear a lot are: “Am I too old?” and “Is online learning for me?”
I don’t believe age should be an issue when deciding to attend college, unless you have locked yourself away from reading and learning since attending college.
How’s that, you ask? Well…
Never Too Old
A few years ago, a military veteran approached me and told me he was dropping out of college.
He had been deployed twice overseas, before finishing the military. Then he worked, started a family, and settled into his civilian life.
Five years later, he was in his first year of college. He told me, “I am not smart enough for college.”
What he was actually experiencing was his lack of skill in learning.
He had to re-learn how to learn. Non-traditional students–those who didn’t start college in their teens–have been dealing with events, not classrooms, experiences, not homework.
There is a Facebook page, MOOC courses, numerous articles and textbooks with the title Learning How to Learn, so apparently this is a common problem.
So how do you start studying when you’ve been away from the books?
Start learning in chunks. Read a page, tell yourself what you read, then read more. Then connect the chunks. And take many breaks.
Learning how to learn? 1st step: learn in chunks. Click To TweetCan I really learn online?
The second issue, online learning, also depends on learning how to learn.
But the determinant for success in online learning boils down to 5 personal qualities.
1 & 2. Self-motivation and discipline
If you are committed to learning, you’ll soon realize online learning is not easier than classroom learning.
Like anything you want to succeed at, online learning requires work.
3. Time management
Make your studies part of your daily routine, like exercise, brushing your teeth, and going to work.
You do all of that in one day, and sometimes, as a routine at the same times each day.
Do the same with your studies.
4. Writing skills
Well, I hate to say this, but many people just don’t know how to compose a simple coherent paragraph.
If you learned a second language, or math, then you can learn to write.
But you must learn! Use the plethora of resources available, starting with The Owl.
5. Collaboration
You will have to work in teams, which is part of online learning, so don’t be afraid to ask for help from your peers.
So, can you really learn online? Yes. Yes, you can.
To learn online, you need motivation, discipline, time, writing skills, & collaboration. Click To TweetTo learn online, you need motivation, discipline, time, writing skills, and collaboration.
But most importantly, you have to start.
Take some advice from Seth Godin: Soon is not as good as now!
Photo credit:© Dmitriy Shironosov | Dreamstime.com
David Carter
Stephanie Varnon-Hughes
It’s never too late to learn or re-learn! Claremont Lincoln University’s online programs are student-centered and accommodating for today’s students whose lives are already full. But the only way to find out for yourself is to start. Dr. Leffel is right. Learning how to learn can be mastered by developing the five personal qualities she mentioned. Those by themselves are intrinsic benefits to anyone seeking a more meaningful and productive life.