Things to Think About

Prudent Online Learning Considerations

The term learning denotes a very powerful concept. Specifically, learning is the ability to ingest insight, foment it as knowledge, and then apply it to one’s life going forward. That said, online learning is significantly at variance with traditional learning in a face-to-face classroom. The primary benefit of the latter is the contextualization and rapid sharing of information with others. Quite simply, it is easier to share the learning process with others when engaged in a physical classroom. There are spontaneous exchanges both inside and outside of that classroom, all of which contribute to learning. One of the challenges of learning in this environment is that it is possible to become distracted much easier. There are visual components of learning in this way which may become distracting, such as looking at classmates or their apparel because doing so is visually stimulating. The fundamental benefit associated with online learning is convenience. Students can learn whenever and wherever they please, so long as they participate and turn in their assignments in a timely fashion. Thus, this flexibility is the chief boon, and is particularly lacking in learning in a physical location such as in face-to-face classrooms. Again, the main challenge of learning online is distractions. Because students are constantly connected to the web when engaged in this activity, it is relatively easy for them to get distracted by what the internet has to offer.
The quotation from Nelson Mandela means many things to me. Mostly, it means that education is a very useful tool for helping to transform the world. Therefore, this quotation more or less summarizes the reason why I am hoping to get my college education. I realize that if I am able to get a postsecondary education that I will be much more equipped to handle the various challenges life has for me. Moreover, I will be more equipped to contribute to the social order as it currently exists, and possibly even as it will exist in the future.
As such, this quotation is one of the means of motivating me to complete my collegiate work. It embodies the true merit of education and its transformative nature. Education is the first step in helping to bring about desired changes to the world and all of the many instances of wrong which currently typify it. Mandela’s quotation means that I need to first gain a college degree so I can have the basic necessities for navigating through the world today with all of its difficulties. Then, once I have that education it can serve as the means of enlightening both myself and others to some of the world’s problems. Finally, my education can produce the same effect for determining viable solutions to those problems. Coming up with those solutions is what Mandela’s quote really means to me. It is impossible to solve problems—both personal and otherwise—without the knowledge of them wrought from education.
Motivation
I am motivated to pursue a college degree to improve myself as a person. I can be a better person by earning a degree. I also want to make my family and parents proud of me. By attaining a postsecondary education I can make them proud. I also want my progeny to know I was college educated.
Purpose
My main purpose in seeking a college degree is to advance my career prospects. I believe that I can further my career ambitions best by having a college degree. There is a significant amount of competition in the workplace today. I can distinguish myself by earning a collegiate degree. Once I do so, I should be much more employable than I am today.
Values
I am demonstrating multiple values by seeking my degree. One of those is the value of hard work, which such a degree requires. Another is patience. I cannot attain this degree without remaining patient through my studies. Finally, I am demonstrating the value of a strong belief system; if one believes in something, one can achieve it.
Focus
When I am overwhelmed by my work I will think about my family to help me maintain my focus. They will be so proud if I can actually earn a degree. The happiness I can share with them for this accomplishment will help me to continue to work hard even if I am tired. I will also think about the money I hope to earn in my career. Doing so will enable me to prioritize my work.
Discipline
I am extremely willing to schedule my life in such a way that I can do my school work. Attaining this degree is my top priority at this time. Thus, everything else will become secondary to this fact. I have always had a strong work ethic. My work ethic is enabled by the discipline I have.
Readiness
I have prepared to begin my online degree by determining a work schedule that will allow me to study. I have prepared my family to support me on this journey by getting financial assistance from them. I understand how online education works. I have prepared my finances by taking out loans. I have prepared my family by telling them about my new schedule.

I was frustrated at a learning situation in which I was not successful in eighth grade. I had managed to land myself, somehow, in the advanced math class. Math has always been my most difficult subject. I never understood why I was in that class or how my teacher could seemingly respect my mediocre grades. She would stare deeply into my eyes and tell me, on multiple occasions, how smart I was—even though I was struggling to stay at C level.
The possible reasons that I was not successful were because of how westernized society teaches math. It removes its natural context and makes it an abstract series of right and wrong answers, when true math occurs in nature. Also, I was definitely overwhelmed at the new school I was at.
What I could have done differently to decrease my frustration and boost my chances of success was consult the teacher more outside of class. The concepts seemed to come so easily to the others, but I needed additional assistance. In hindsight, I should have asked for it.
This experience taught me to believe in myself. My teacher always believed in me, and I never understood why. But I learned that the power of belief can carry one through difficult times.