Last week we did an IG Live session with tips and info for remote/online learning, as many students will be switching to this form of learning for the foreseeable future due to COVID-19. This change, among many other changes that we are dealing with as a result of the pandemic, can be scary and overwhelming. We hope that any support or advice we can offer will help to make the transition a bit easier! Here is a recap of our live session:
Note: Remote learning means you will continue to have lectures at their scheduled time, led by your professor (more rigid scheduling). Online learning means you will have learning modules open at the beginning of the week and you will complete that at your pace (more flexible scheduling).
Q: What university did you attend?
A: University of Louisville. My program was the Kent School of Social Work and I completed the program entirely online.
Q: Is your program accredited?
A: Yes, the program is accredited. Very important to know that for social work programs, your program needs to be accredited by the CSWE. For mental health, your program needs to be accredited by CACREP.
Q: Why did you choose that program?
A: This program offered me flexibility, including being able to choose between different full time tracks (I chose the one that gave me summers off) and being able to choose my own practicum site (the local university did not allow me this freedom). Additionally, when I spoke with an advisor for the program, they reassured me that I would not need to quit my full time job in order to pursue the program, something that other programs were not willing to compromise on.
Q: How do you balance working a full time job and going to school?
A: It is definitely difficult, especially while also balancing a part time practicum placement. Keeping organized was super important. I found a great agenda that is goal-oriented that helped me stay on track. See link below. Now that many of us are working remotely, it might prove difficult to balance full time work and full time school, as you're doing both in the same space. Scheduling your time is one effective way of organizing yourself and separating work from school. So, for example, 9-5 is strictly work time and 6-10 is strictly school time. Separating the spaces in which you complete each one (if you have the space) can also help to keep the two distinguished. For example, completing school work at the dining room table and work at your desk. Finally, setting boundaries with friends and family so that you don't start falling behind on your work/school work is important. Completing online school may now take more time, as it is self-directed. Make sure to be clear with your friends and family about what your schedule is like and that your availability to them will be more limited until school is over.
Q: Is there anything you feel like you missed out on by completing a fully online program?
A: Nothing significant that would change my mind about completing an online program. Perhaps being able to participate in clubs, events, etc. or being able to meet up with classmates for happy hour. However, I definitely did have a sense of community and made a lot of friends. We had group chats and were constantly keeping in touch and supporting each other. So I still feel that the benefits outweigh the costs.
Q: Tips or tools for success?
A: Hold yourself accountable. Try not to procrastinate. You may find that online learning requires more self-discipline than classroom learning. Stay organized. Plan out your week at the beginning of the week using a planner, calendar, or whatever tool you feel most comfortable with. Ask for help! Reach out when you feel overwhelmed. You will be met with more compassion than you probably expect. If you need an extension on an assignment, ask your professor. If you are confused about the material or struggling to understand an assignment, reach out to your professor and I am willing to guarantee that most of them will go out of their way to assist you. Build a community. Talk to your classmates, try to make connections, even though they may look a little different than they did before. You'll find that maintaining that communication and those connections will make you feel less isolated in this transition. Try to look at the silver lining. Telehealth and remote work are going to remain an integral part of our careers long after this pandemic ends. Completing schooling online will teach you indispensable skills that will prepare you for your career. Think of it as learning a new skill to put in your toolbox as a mental health professional that you would not have otherwise learned.
Link for Simple Elephant Planner:
More info about CSWE Accreditation:
More info about CACREP Accreditation:
Note: You can search the name of your program on these sites to confirm that they are accredited.
Good luck, hustlers! If you have any questions at all, feel free to message or comment!
Your hustler,
Karina G.
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