Renewed Quest For College Degree

[rkymtnjesusfreak]

As the title of the thread suggests, I am embarking on a new adventure come April! I will be taking courses through the distance learning program from Liberty University. I know that at least one other person in the Baptist section here has mentioned that they are using a program such as this (if not this exact one!). I am just curious if you have any suggestions on how to make this the best and most beneficial experience possible. I do not work outside of the home, but I do homeschool 5 kids! I am going to need time management tips!!! Thanks!!

[arunma]

Well as a recent college graduate myself, you'd think I'd have some good advice on time management. But to be honest, when I was in college I found that putting assignments off until the last minute actually helped, since I tend to work better under pressure.

Granted, I got good grades, but I'm an odd case. That's probably not what you want to do. :D

[DiscipleOfIAm]

As the title of the thread suggests, I am embarking on a new adventure come April! I will be taking courses through the distance learning program from Liberty University. I know that at least one other person in the Baptist section here has mentioned that they are using a program such as this (if not this exact one!). I am just curious if you have any suggestions on how to make this the best and most beneficial experience possible. I do not work outside of the home, but I do homeschool 5 kids! I am going to need time management tips!!! Thanks!!

I am attending Liberty through their DLP. I have previous credits transferred from other schools, but to obtain their degree, one has to take so many courses there.

It depends on if your classes have DVD / VHS viewing requirements. Some classes are completely online discussion, written assignments, text readings, etc. Others come with DVD lessons to watch which vary in time length from 30 minutes to over an hour each. All of the courses I am currently taking have this requirement. So, I watch 18-20 hours of lectures per course, have a work book, required text readings, online discussions, written assignments, quizzes, mid-term and final online, etc.

In all actuality, the DLP programs out there today are more work than actual on-campus attendance. Especially if there are not DVD lectures to watch. In that case, you're having to read the text and other assignments and basically teach yourself or decipher for yourself what the instructor wants you to learn and hope it is the right thing for the exams. I have done it both ways and different schools and I have always found the distance programs to be more involved, more intense than on-campus attendance.

Advice: Don't get behind in your DVD viewing. If you do, it will take you forever to get caught up. Make a schedule. I try to watch 2-3 a day. Since there is usually 5 per week per class, if I watch 2 a day, I can be done with that part of the assignments by Friday. Then, I can do the online discussions with other students, written assignments, etc. I usually try to read what is being lectured on before I watch it. You have to watch the DVDs AND read the text or you will not pass the exams. They design the exams that purposely.

All in all, I really like it. I prefer having the DVD lectures to watch. It reinforces what I have read and lets me know exactly what they want me to learn. There is always plenty of help if needed and always someone to call or email for assistance both technical and academic. It isn't easy, especially for working adults and those with kids at home. I, too, have small kids at home and another full-time schedule! Makes it hard, but worth it. Stay on track, stay motivated, and keep it fun!

Good luck. If you have any other questions, let me know!

God Bless!

[leytonstones]

Congratulations. What a wonderful opportunity. I am a mature student studying here in England. You will need to be well organised.

If possible have your own study space.

Try and draw up a timetable.

I have this arrangement with my husband that if I am upstairs studying then he answers the phone and I don't take calls as I am very easily distracted.

Try and get the books on your reading list well before you start a semester.

I keep a list of books for each module in all my current files.

Tick off the required reading as you do it. I sometimes have to read mine 2 or 3 times so mine will have maybe 2 or 3 pencil ticks beside it.

If you can't already, try and learn to read in the car.(only if someone else is driving)

Invest in an electonic dictionary. I use mine all the time and it fits so neatly into my bag or briefcase.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Please let us know how you are doing.


Blessings :) :wave:

[rkymtnjesusfreak]

Thank you so much for the tips and encouragement! I know that it is going to be such a challenge, but SO worth it. God has laid on my heart to use this education later in ministry (women's ministry of some sort I hope!) so that is going to motivate me. Plus just the joy of finally accomplishing it!! Thanks again and if you think of anything else, please share!

[catlover]

As the title of the thread suggests, I am embarking on a new adventure come April! I will be taking courses through the distance learning program from Liberty University. I know that at least one other person in the Baptist section here has mentioned that they are using a program such as this (if not this exact one!). I am just curious if you have any suggestions on how to make this the best and most beneficial experience possible. I do not work outside of the home, but I do homeschool 5 kids! I am going to need time management tips!!! Thanks!!

Make a schedule and stick to it, also, there is nothing wrong with having your children help you study! :D

I am back at the local university and taking four classes this semester~I work part time and have two children...so I think you have it harder than I do wtih homeschooling five children.

[daveleau]

Hi there!

I attend Liberty Theological Seminary through their distance learning program. I'm going for their MDiv.

With working between 60 and 70 hours a week, I have to come home with the right mindset. Don't be relieved when you complete a task. Look for the next task. If you let yourself feel relief at completion of a task before all your tasks are done, then it is very hard to get motivated to do more. (For instance, feeling relief over completing the kids schooling, and sitting down for some TV, rather than studying....that's my biggest problem, although mine occurs on the drive home from work.)

Don't get behind. Actually, try to get ahead. As soon as you find out what assignments you have, get cracking on them, even if it is well before they are due. For instance, I am signed up to take a class in Feb, and I am already reading one of the texts required so I can be ahead.

Get a place where you can study in peace. With 5 kids, that might be tough. But, do your best to get to the library, or get the kids out of the house so you can have some good study time. And...take the phone off the hook. :)

Remove any distractions, such as TV, radio, phone, computer from your study area. Whatever you are proned to procrastinate with, remove it from your study area.

Resolve yourself to put all worries out of mind when you study. You can't focus on the Word, or tools to study the Word (applies to not seminary studies too, if yours is not a seminary degree) if you are worrying about stuff.

I hope these help. These are my major pitfalls, and I have to stay on them to get through my courses with any retained knowledge.

In Him,
Dave

[ConservativeChristian97]

I'm doing a DLP throught Stratford Career Institute in Creative Writing. I just got my first text book last week and have already finished my first two exams. As excited as you are, I think you'll be fine as far as finding time and everything. :hug: Congratulations on taking this big step!

[rkymtnjesusfreak]

Thanks so much. You have all been very helpful! I actually don't start my courses until April so I have a little time to get organized somewhat. Although organization is not my best skill. Hopefully the Lord will strengthen me in that area. I have been quite encouraged by all your posts.

[catlover]

Thanks so much. You have all been very helpful! I actually don't start my courses until April so I have a little time to get organized somewhat. Although organization is not my best skill. Hopefully the Lord will strengthen me in that area. I have been quite encouraged by all your posts.

Three ring binders, with folders built into the binder itself,are THE BEST organizer. Use a three ring binder for each subject. I am the biggest slob known to man kind, and I find that method has made me organize myself.

Take a half hour a day to organize your work and your can't go wrong.

[leytonstones]

:) Thanks so much. You have all been very helpful! I actually don't start my courses until April so I have a little time to get organized somewhat. Although organization is not my best skill. Hopefully the Lord will strengthen me in that area. I have been quite encouraged by all your posts.
If your course doesn't start until April may I suggest that you get the reading / book list now if you can and make a start on some of the reading. You could find that some of the books need to be ordered and you won't want to be waiting for them to arrive once the term starts. Just concentrate on one or two books and don't expect to necessarily understand everything you read first time around, but this will be an investment if you can read some of the books thru before you start. I actually keep a record of all the books I read.

I hope this helps

Blessings