Discussion 2: Preparing for Academic Success: Managing Your Time and Resources

Many students begin their graduate programs without considering how they will incorporate their studies into their current responsibilities and schedules. Online learning offers flexibility, but this is within the framework of a program that is built around weekly assignments and due dates. 

In this week’s Discussion, you will begin to think about what you and your colleagues bring to this journey in terms of time management skills, abilities, and knowledge that can help you all succeed.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Reflect on your current schedule. During an average week, what days and specific hours will you be able to set aside for your academic studies?

Consider what you need to do to create the time required to pursue your graduate degree. What factors could interfere with your time management plan? What strategies do you need to put into place to assure success?

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4. an explanation of at least one strategy that  you will use to help you overcome those challenges to completing your degree that might also be useful to your colleagues.  Describe what your weekly schedule will look like in order to accommodate preparation for assignments and meeting due dates. Describe any supports you will need to put into place in order to create this time. Also, explain your back-up plan for technical problems or personal issues that might arise. Identify at least one best practice that you plan to use to manage your time and resources.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings and note the similarities and differences compared to what you shared.

Respond by Day 6 to at least two of your colleagues, and continue the Discussion through Day 7 to further develop your thoughts and ideas about this topic.