APU Careers & Learning Editor's Pick Online Learning

How to Confront Your (Online) Education Fears

education-fearWe’re all afraid of something. There are the more widely known fears like fear of the unknown, spiders (like me), the dark, and even taking the plunge to go back to school. Some of the concerns with obtaining a degree is failing a class, missing out on time with family, not being good enough, and money concerns. All of these fears are well founded, but can be beat by being proactive and prepared.

Even for the most seasoned online learner there can be a whole list of worries and concerns about getting through school. Here is a list of common fears among online learners, and ways to combat them:

  • “I won’t have enough time for my family.”
    • Solution: Get your family involved in your learning. Instead of flying solo with your assignments, get your kids, spouse, pet, involved in your classes and assignments (just for review). It gives them a chance to spend time with you, and could help you approach the topic from a different angle.
  • “I’ll waste a lot of time figuring out my area of study.”
    • Solution: First consider what your overall goals are in your career, and what you want to accomplish in the next couple of years. Make a list of the types of career fields that interest you, and go from there. Get more help in choosing the right major.
  • “None of my previous credits will apply, and I’ll have to start all over again.”
    • Solution: Depending on your schools transfer credit policy you can transfer up to a certain amount towards your degree. You can also earn credit for prior learning. Don’t give up before you even apply.
  • “I am not organized at all. I get sweaty palms when I see a due date because I don’t know how I’ll get it done on time.”
    • Solution: Time management is a common problem for a majority of students. To be able to tame it, you need to get a handle on how you budget your time. You balance your bank accounts, or keep tabs on how much you spend, right? Well, consider doing the same for your schoolwork. As the saying goes, “time is money,” don’t waste yours not working hard towards a goal.
  • “I need that in-person interaction to do well. How am I going to make any connections with people in my classes?”
    • Solution: Just because your class is virtual and your communication tool is a computer or smartphone doesn’t mean you can’t be just as social. Most schools have everything from discussion boards to virtual student unions and Facebook pages dedicated to the students at the school. Not to mention you can post your assignments when it works best for your schedule.

Whatever your fears may be, it’s worth talking to a peer about them. If you have concerns about the school it never hurts to talk to current students or an admissions representative. Education isn’t something to be afraid of, instead it should be looked at as a challenge to be overcome.

[Online University – Is it Right for Me?]

By J. Mason
Online Learning Tips Editor

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