Strategies for addressing questions

I was very excited to start this master’s degree program, though I had some concerns about enrolling in an online program. Most of my concerns are the following: how do I apply effective time management skills on my already busy schedule? What should I expect from an online degree program? How can I be a successful online learner?  I have never been to online school, but I learned from a few blended classes that I took from College that I have to be organized. Upon opening the Walden student portal, I had trouble finding my way through the homepage and blackboard. Thankfully, before the first day I was able to contact my student support who walked me through the system. According to Walden Catalog, it is very important to follow a time management plan (Onlinecollege.org, n.d.).  Now being able to navigate through the student portal, I need to equip myself with specific time management skills that I plan to use through my busy schedule.   My overall strategy is to be proactive to submit my assignments ahead of time to gain the confidence expected. In the catalog, Walden University has highlighted “the ability to adapt well to change” as one of the ten different traits to be an effective online learner (Onlinecollege.org, n.d.).  I will use all the resources available for my academic success. My learning goal is to use these to be successful in my journey at Walden.

Even though I didn’t mention my academic advisor in my network team, his advice will be very beneficial to my academic success. He will provide academic support in addressing my concerns by redirecting me to the tools available at the writing center, the librarian and at the Walden library. In fact, according to a video clip from the media resources it will be useful to communicate effectively through email or instant messages to my instructors and academic advisor (laureate education, 2020). Also, the Walden video clip of strategies and resources for success says that the academic advisor is the first person to contact for any resources needed (laureate education, 2020). Another challenge that I should mention is that I found it to be an inconvenience for me when I am not able to get immediate feedback from an online assignment and having to submit a second one without feedback from the first one. In fact, studies suggest that “it is easy for students to get frustrated with challenges to understand online information without the option of immediate feedback” (Kauffman, 2015). As I try to take control of my learning, I will stay organized and I will follow the assignment’s rubric in order to stay on task. As researchers have proven, my strategies for professional success will base on my longtime relationship with my coworkers which represent incredible resources that I consider to be the foundation to a successful career growth (careercast.com, n.d.). Through my communication strategies, I will develop writing skills to communicate my thoughts to my instructors and my network.

References

Kauffman, H. (2015). A Review of predictive factors of student success in and satisfaction with online learning. Research in Learning Technology, 23, 1-13. Retrieved from http://jounal.alt.ac.uk/index.php/rlt/article/view/1648/pdf_13.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2018). The Walden Journey to a Masters in Nursing: Strategies and Resources for Success [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author. Retrieved on 6/08/20.

https://www.careercast.com/career-news/7-strategies-build-successful-career. Retrieved on 6/08/20

https://www.onlinecollege.org/2011/07/14/10-traits-of-a-successful-online-learner. Retrieved on 6/08/20.

Discussion: Strategies for Addressing Questions

In Module 1, you began building a foundation for your success by considering a network-individuals and teams who can help you to clarify and execute on the vision. A network is most helpful when you are comfortable asking questions. Chances are other members of your network have experienced similar questions and may have helped guide others toward resolutions that can now be helpful.

In this Discussion, focus on the questions you are ready to ask as your journey begins. Keep in mind that sharing questions is often a great way to help others who have similar questions even if they do not realize it!

To prepare:

• Reflect on questions or concerns you might have as you begin the MSN program.
• Consider the individuals, teams, and departments you previously considered in Module 1 as well as how they may provide support with addressing these questions and concerns.

By Day 3 of Week 2

Post any questions or concerns that you are willing to share with the group. The Discussion board represents an opportunity to network with your course colleagues, and others may have the same questions or concerns.

By Day 6 of Week 2

Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by offering a possible resolution to their questions/concerns with supporting documentation, if possible, or expanding on their thinking and providing an example as support.

Strategies for Addressing Questions

We learn many things about life and discover new information by asking questions. Since going back to school is an investment in to the future, it’s very crucial to know the exact information needed to make an informed decision, considering the fact that only 61% of students complete their master’s degree education (Sandy Baum & Patricia Steele, 2017). During my graduate school exploration, I formulated set of questions to guide me choose the right school.

Some of the questions that I assembled include: How much is the cost of attendance? How many credit hours required for graduation? How long will it take to graduate, based on part-time or full-time status? Should I enroll On-campus or off-campus school? What is the accreditation like? What kind of career assistance is available? What are the graduation requirements? Based on the responses I received from various sides, I chose Walden University.

Inquiries about the program were sufficed by the enrollment specialist who I have being in contact since enrollment. Further questions regarding program preparation, work-study balance, and dos and don’ts were addressed by two individuals from my academic and professional network. Thanks to the stories and insights featured on Walden’s Spotlight program, Dr. Pyllis Morgan mentions that having a strong support system can reduce the stress and the anxiety in today’s frantic life (Morgan, 2017).

However, there are couple questions that I haven’t being able to get answers yet:

What applied experiences including internships, are included in Nursing Executive degree?

Do most students publish an article or present a paper before graduation?

I am hoping that I will get the answers as I go along with the program.

References

Baum, S., & Steele, P. (2017). Who goes to graduate school and who succeeds? SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2898458.

Walden University. (2017). Balancing a nursing career, family, and education. https://www.waldenu.edu/connect/newsroom/spotlight/2017/balancing-a-nursing-career-family-and-education