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Plan Your Education - Putting It Together

This planning guide is designed to help you organize your thoughts and record your research and reactions so you can share them with an OLN Regional Coordinator for a "second opinion." Respond in the spaces identified below and they will be recorded so you can e-mail them to the Regional Coordinator of your choice. This section is set up so you can return to other sections of this site where you conducted your research so you can more easily record your responses here.

While completing all of the sections will be helpful, you might want to start the discussion by completing those areas that you want a Regional Coordinator to react to first.

Name: 

Your E-mail: 

1. Goals are general statements. Some example goals for distance learning are listed below. Identify which one of the four best represents your goal.
I am only interested in taking distance-learning courses for personal enjoyment.
I am interested in completing a certificate or a degree through distance learning for personal reasons.
I am interested in taking distance-learning courses for skills development and knowledge enhancement for my career.
I am interested in completing a certificate, degree,or another form of credentialing through distance-learning for self development and knowlege enhancement for my career.
2. Successful distance learners share several important characteristics. Some of these are listed below. Identify those in the first box below about which you have the most concerns. Most of these concerns can be addressed through a variety of services and resources available on campuses. A Regional Coordinator can help you make the proper contacts. Use the second box to identify those you would like some assistance with.
Some
Concern		 Request for
Assistance		 Not
Applicable		  
Effective time management skills
Good writing and communication skills
Willingness to ask questions
Can balance multiple responsibilities and roles
Can work independently
Good overall technical skills in regards to using computers and essential software
Comfortable getting needed educational information
Comfortable getting the needed career related information
Comfortable getting needed financial/financial aid related information&
Evaluation of previous courses or experiences for academic credit
3. The next section provides you with spaces to record your responses from the self-assessment section. If you wish to return to the identified section of self-assessment, click on the name.

Interests:
a 
b 
c 

Abilities:
a 
b 
c 

Values:
a 
b 
c 

4. Do you have any question regarding your self-assessment?
5. Have you found any courses offered from our catalog OhioLearns! that will help you achieve your goals for distance learning?
6. Have you found any degrees offered at a distance from Ohio colleges and universities that will help you achieve your goals for distance learning?
7. What is your career goal?
8. After reviewing our career resources, is there additional information or clarification you would like to have regarding the career direction you are exploring?
9. Why is your goal attainable? Why is it realistic for you to accomplish it? Examples of these types of responses would be as follows:
  • I have made arrangements at work and have my supervisor's full support to complete my degree.
  • I have always wanted to take a course in 19th century English literature. Being able to take it at home, rather than drive to campus a half hour away will make it possible. 
  • I have just bought a new computer for my home, and taking a computer course at a distance will be rewarding both professionally and personally. 
Your reasons: 
10. What factors can you identify that might hinder you from attaining your goal? How do you intend to address them?
11. Is progress towards completing your goal measurable? How will you know you have accomplished the goal? Some examples are below.
  • I will have one night a week established for leisurely activities while I am enrolled in courses. The other times are dedicated to personal and family responsibilities, work and school.
  • The stress I feel about not completing my degree should begin to lessen as I make progress towards completing it.
  • As I begin to add the history books to my collection that I read for my courses.
How do you intend to measure the accomplishment of your goals?

12. Sometimes taking the first-steps towards starting a new journey are the hardest. It is often made easier by breaking the goal down into specific objectives you need to do.

  • I will draw up a six-week study schedule for the duration of my distance-learning course.
  • I will make an effort to participate in some way in every chat room conversation my class has this week.
  • I will contact my instructor immediately this term if I am having any difficulty with the assignments.
List specific small steps, that you can take to help achieve your large goal:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Please enter an optional e-mail address to whom you wish to send a copy of these results (advisor, faculty member, etc.)


Ohio Learns! Ohio's Distance Learning Gateway

OhioLearns! is part of the Ohio Learning Network
Ohio Learning Network is a consortium of Ohio's colleges and universities and is not a degree-granting, virtual university