Capella - My First Quarter starts Oct. 6th

Well, here I am...a week away from my graduate program start date. I've got my books, and I'm moving through the online orientation (a mini course about how to do online academia). I am motivated, reading the first chapters of the course books, and I'm anxious at the same time. (Like that is a surprise).

Any last minute pieces of advice from those who have done online learning long term would be helpful.

Thanks!

- Shawn

 

In a busy life no one finds the time to study. You must create the time to study. Schedule your study time (and don't break the schedule).

 

I agree - you must focus on the end goal and stay strong!

 

Remember that everyone is different when it comes to online courses. Find your niche and take that with you--you'll most likely encounter the same classmates throughout your program. Use their positives to increase your knowledge and ignore their negatives.

 

Shawn,

I'd agree with the other posters . . . it's vital that you sort out a predetermined study schedule, and then stick to it. Otherwise, it can be very easy to get behind in your work very quickly.

Good luck with your studies at Capella -- I really enjoy the school and its delivery format, and I hope you will, too.

Keep us informed as to how your studies are going!

Cheers,
Adrienne

 

Thanks Posters!

I just wanted to say thank you for the input, and the main idea of setting up a schedule is already in the plans. I need to do this program as if I was going to a campus for class...its not much different in that way.

I will start reading the texts this weekend, as the courses and my program begins this coming Monday.

- Shawn

 

Shawn,

You should also be able to access your courseroom on Friday. You can download the syllabi and post comments to your courseroom over the weekend before classes officially begin. This puts you ahead of the game. Good luck!

Shawn

 

This is great advice, and something I've done for all my classes at Capella. In fact, that's what I'll be doing on Saturday (since 5pm CST is 2am Saturday for me!!) . . . getting a head start on this quarter. This really does help stay ahead (or at least even) of the game. I have a feeling I'm going to need it, as one of my classes this quarter is going to be a BEAR!

Cheers,
Adrienne

 

Ready to go....

I'm gearing up....and as soon as the courseroom open up, I'll be posting online. I'm doing skim reading techniques, and I'm told this is common in graduate school programs. Its new for me...wanting to usually read every word. One more thing to get use to I suppose.

Thanks for the feedback.

- Shawn

 

Good luck! One question though, with Capella do you have to purchase actual books or do they use e-books?

I only ask because thinking ahead a bit I may be interested in their program a little later on.

Rick

 

Re:

Hello,

MBS Bookstore (online), a company that serves hundreds if not thousands of schools, provides the textbooks for the courses at Capella. I'm pretty sure I've seen it that you have the option to get the books electronicly...and it is a bit cheaper. But I am very tactile, so I like the book in my hand...making notes and such is easier that way.

Thanks for the question. I have thus far been extremely impressed with Capella. You are not alone with them, the support is just awesome!

- Shawn

 

Of course, you use MBS to find what the required texts are - and then go to Amazon to buy them cheaper

Shawn