Tips on how to stay engaged

There are a few things one needs to have in order to be successful in an online course or any course for that matter. In an online course, no one is holding you responsible for your attendance. This means you must hold yourself accountable and make time every night to check your online courses. Now just because your checking your courses doesn't mean you are fully engaged. You must also participate in any online discussions started by your professor or your fellow classmates. Don't be afraid to ask questions whether you need clarification from a classmate or maybe even the professor. I think this next tip is the most important tip of all. You should always come prepared. When you are prepared you are more relaxed and more willing to participate in class discussions. This next tip is especially important for an online class! Limit your distractions because if you are anything like me you will be distracted fairly quickly! My biggest distraction while online is Facebook, I always have a tab open so I can quickly check Facebook and a quick check turns into a 30 minute browse! Last but not least take notes! When taking an online course, take notes to help you stay on top of the material needed for the class because they will help you when it comes time to engage with your fellow classmates in an online discussion.

Just a little about me!

My name is Natasha Ribble and I'm from Jackson, Missouri. I am currently a sophomore majoring in Exceptional Child. One of the biggest challenges I have had to overcome was the unexpected pregnancy at the age of fifteen. I dropped out of high school shortly after my son's birth. I realize now that was a very bad choice and I should have worked harder and completed high school. Everyone knows the statistics for young teenage mothers aren't good. I was one of those statistics and I wanted to be a better role model for my son. I worked really hard to attain my G.E.D and enroll into Southeast Missouri State University. I am a mother of four beautiful children and I am getting married in October of this year. My challenge now is juggling all my responsibilities as a mother, soon to be wife, and student. It has been difficult but very rewarding and I know I am setting a good example for my children to finish school.

         My goals for this class are to improve my overall writing skills and help prepare me for my future career as an elementary educator. As a teacher we have to be able write down our thoughts and suggestions in a professional manner. We also have to set good examples for our students. Not only is this En-100 course going to help me in my future career, but it will also help me along the rest of my SEMO adeventure.