Just wanted to share with everyone that I found out earlier today (Thursday), that I was accepted into a Master's program for Secondary Education, which will land me with not only a Master's degree, but also a teaching license! I'm thrilled, to say the least. And stunned. Stunned because I only applied for the program three days ago.
At any rate, I have a feeling life will be getting very interesting very quickly. As it is an online program, I'm game for any advice those who've taken (or are taking) online classes may have!
Update: Just a quick to note to let you all know that I have not fallen off the face of the Earth, but that between my classes, working full-time, winning a 6-month-trial membership to a nearby martial arts academy (Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai), and being involved in Women's Bible Study, my spare time is gone. I will eventually come back but until then, I'm pretty much on standby. Love you all and know that I still think of you fondly. I miss RP-ing with all you lovely folk!
At any rate, I have a feeling life will be getting very interesting very quickly. As it is an online program, I'm game for any advice those who've taken (or are taking) online classes may have!
Update: Just a quick to note to let you all know that I have not fallen off the face of the Earth, but that between my classes, working full-time, winning a 6-month-trial membership to a nearby martial arts academy (Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai), and being involved in Women's Bible Study, my spare time is gone. I will eventually come back but until then, I'm pretty much on standby. Love you all and know that I still think of you fondly. I miss RP-ing with all you lovely folk!
Congratulations!
Congrats! \o/
I'm not sure how online programs might vary, but I know the ones I took were mostly more difficult and more demanding than the ones I took on campus. I had more work to do, packed into only half the time. Being active in the "class" was necessary just about every day (my normal classes were 4 hours once a week). And being online, it can be easier to misunderstand what you need to do and take awhile to get an answer our clarification.
You'll probably meet an interesting set of people though.
I'm not sure how online programs might vary, but I know the ones I took were mostly more difficult and more demanding than the ones I took on campus. I had more work to do, packed into only half the time. Being active in the "class" was necessary just about every day (my normal classes were 4 hours once a week). And being online, it can be easier to misunderstand what you need to do and take awhile to get an answer our clarification.
You'll probably meet an interesting set of people though.
Wow, someone wants you in there right quick o:
All I can really add is that while online courses can give you a more flexible schedule, if you have trouble with procrastination (like me
) they can be a hassle because its easier to ignore them until the last minute. ie- you don't have to show up somewhere once or several times a week to have someone tell you what you need to do for the week after. I assume that would apply even moreso for a master's fast-track program, though it probably works differently from undergrad courses 
Hopefully that won't be an issue though. Here's wishing ya luck
All I can really add is that while online courses can give you a more flexible schedule, if you have trouble with procrastination (like me
) they can be a hassle because its easier to ignore them until the last minute. ie- you don't have to show up somewhere once or several times a week to have someone tell you what you need to do for the week after. I assume that would apply even moreso for a master's fast-track program, though it probably works differently from undergrad courses Hopefully that won't be an issue though. Here's wishing ya luck
Congratulations!! And also good luck! go get 'em, teacher! 
go get 'em, teacher!
Always, always do your readings right away. Don't put off starting assignments; even if you need some time to edit, start them imediately. Online deadlines seem less real.
Don't be afraid to join the discussions. You can't say anything even more stupid than that one guy who just commented on something.
Communicate with your professors. If you ask questions for clarification, they won't think you're stupid (in fact, they might remind everyone because they realize the a voice is a lot easier to understand than words on a screen!)
If anyone in the class is local, invite them out for coffee and study with them. Having someone solid is a way to make the courses seem more "real".
If you get bored during a reading or discussion, don't be afraid to take (some) advantage of being able to log out, do something interesting and come back.
Don't just do the minimum for discussions. If you have to submit two valid points. aim for 4. Aim for 10. Don't just do the minimum. Don't be afraid to be the first to begin the discussion, or even the last to comment. Be polite, but firm when you know that you're right.
Don't be afraid to contradict someone, but be prepared to back up everything you say with sources, even if they are not required in discussion.
I'm sure I have more things to advise you on, but right now I look like a know-it-all. Sorry.
Edit: I have a couple of more.
If you need to, set up a schedule. Keep to it. Make sure your classes are worked on during this time. Set asside distractions.
Also, in the same line of thought; don't just spend one block of time working on school work. Spread it out a little. It will help.
Don't be afraid to join the discussions. You can't say anything even more stupid than that one guy who just commented on something.
Communicate with your professors. If you ask questions for clarification, they won't think you're stupid (in fact, they might remind everyone because they realize the a voice is a lot easier to understand than words on a screen!)
If anyone in the class is local, invite them out for coffee and study with them. Having someone solid is a way to make the courses seem more "real".
If you get bored during a reading or discussion, don't be afraid to take (some) advantage of being able to log out, do something interesting and come back.
Don't just do the minimum for discussions. If you have to submit two valid points. aim for 4. Aim for 10. Don't just do the minimum. Don't be afraid to be the first to begin the discussion, or even the last to comment. Be polite, but firm when you know that you're right.
Don't be afraid to contradict someone, but be prepared to back up everything you say with sources, even if they are not required in discussion.
I'm sure I have more things to advise you on, but right now I look like a know-it-all. Sorry.
Edit: I have a couple of more.
If you need to, set up a schedule. Keep to it. Make sure your classes are worked on during this time. Set asside distractions.
Also, in the same line of thought; don't just spend one block of time working on school work. Spread it out a little. It will help.
What Cacophony said. All of it.
Well, everything I could possibly say has been said by way more litterate people. All I have to say is: congratulations! I'm not familliar with how the American education system works but that sounds like quite a feat!
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