How Flexible is the Course Schedule?
Flexibility and convenience are becoming more important in this day and age. Everywhere you look there’s a new product that claims to make your life more convenient or a social discussion on the need for flexibility—in the workplace, the home, society in general, etc. There’s no question that our modern pace of life demands that we find flexible and convenient solutions in almost every aspect of our lives and that includes education. Flexibility Fitting study and course work in around work and family responsibilities can be a real challenge. Using Avatar’s self-pace approach gives students the flexibility to study on the schedule that fits their lives.
It’s not always easy to get to class. You may have to commute long distances, battle with health problems that make it hard to go out, juggle babysitting or daycare schedules, fit classes in around frequent business trips, or any number of things. Online study makes education more convenient. Avatar’s free online education has opened up opportunities to many who were traditionally underserved by higher education institutions. By eliminating tuition, shortening the commute to simply a walk to the computer, providing the opportunity to study when you’re feeling your best, letting students learn when their children are occupied or napping, and allowing frequent travelers to study no matter where they are has made it possible for nearly anyone to prepare and make progress toward a college degree.
Online programs hold a big appeal for students who have work and/or family responsibilities that keep them busy and limit their opportunities to attend class. Flexibility is a major requirement for them, which is why online study fits the bill. Avatar’s online education offers students the opportunity to study whenever it fits into their lives.  Whether it’s at 5 a.m. before the kids wake up, on their lunch hour, or for a few hours late at night. Students don’t have to worry about missing class because of work or missing a parent-teacher conference because they had to study. Online education allows students to fit education into their lives instead of re-organizing their lives around education. Online learning also makes education more convenient for students living in rural areas, those with health concerns or disabilities, and those who frequently travel or move.
While the flexible schedule helps students juggling work, school and family commitments but it is both a curse and a blessing. The unconventional schedule helps students who work or have other commitments. But it also enables procrastination and can lead to some long delays in completing the course work. The trick, students say, is staying on top of them. Doing so requires discipline, commitment, and organization—traits any successful student should possess, no matter what path you're taking to complete your degree.
Here are a few tips:
Make a plan: Online study need structure, and a study calendar is a great way to create it. Check the syllabus before starting a new course and commit to the due dates you set. Then, designate study times for each course, and stick to them. Follow your schedule daily: Turning study into a daily activity makes it less overwhelming, and a regular rhythm help you keep on schedule, keeps the material fresh and, most importantly, fight any urge to procrastinate. Keep looking forward: Keep your eye on your goal, it will help you maximize your time and avoid procrastination. Seek help when needed: If you struggle or fall behind, don't stay silent. Get on the discussion forums and ask for help or directions to online resources for the issue your having difficulty with.