Study Tips For Parents Who Take Coursework At Online Colleges
October 27, 2010 by michaelm
Filed under Online College
1. When you feel that inevitable parental guilt about spending time doing coursework rather than engaging in activities with your children, remind yourself that you are working towards career goals that will improve life for your entire household.
2. Set and keep a strict schedule for study times.
3. Make part of your study schedule the hours your children do homework. Making “study time” a family activity highlights the importance of lifelong learning for your young ones.
4. Try getting up a bit earlier or staying up a little later than your children. Quiet, solitary time for coursework is important when studying at online colleges. If you are a stay-at-home parent, study when your spouse is working and the children are at school.
5. Know when you are expected to engage in virtual classroom activities and online discussions. Have your spouse or someone else mind your children during these times so that your instructor and classmates have your undivided attention.
6. Network with other parents in your class online or via phone, and share family-friendly study tips.
7. Use a laptop and wireless connection to go somewhere quiet or visit the library when you need to get away from home to study in solitude.
8. Involve the family in your online studies by sharing interesting facts you are learning in your classes. This will make them feel involved and help you master course material.
9. Make sure to schedule time each week that you and your family engage in non-school activities. When you are studying at online colleges, time away from the computer revitalizes your brain and rests your eyes.
10. Let older children help you learn to navigate your online college’s web site or offer suggestions about doing online research. They have grown up in an online world and sharing their expertise can build their own confidence as students.
