I am taking several online courses this semester. All the classes require I post something on the course blog via Blackboard 3/5 days. This entry is about my organizational development class--I decided to answer the question, "what motivates you?" The question had three parts. 1) motivates you as a student 2) motivates you as an employee 3) if you are an experienced in online classes, do you have any tips for new people? My response:

As a student I am most motivated by getting good grades. It's probably pretty cliche to say that. But, I have never been on the honor roll, received academic recognition etc. I am highly motivated to really push myself to do well and get on the Deans List.

Since I work for my dad's small business, I am really motivated see my family's hard work and time/money investment pay off. Even though I could "get away with murder," (Dad being my boss and all) I want to do my work--mostly paperwork, AR, AP--the best I can. In the past few years, my family has seen so many businesses like ours become victims of this current recession. I EXTREMELY proud of my family/dad...in 3 years the business will be celebrating its 20th year--I want to see that day.

To stay motivated--I need to avoid instant gratification. It's a really great feeling to skip homework, go to the mall and be financially irresponsible.

Right now, I am taking my 3 online classes for the first time ever. But I would like to put in my 2 cents of "wisdom" anyway. Someone mentioned that the classes can run together. I am kind of experiencing that already. I've found checklists to be very handy. To make it fun, I mounted a small white board near my designated school area. I write the classes on the left side and everyday I write what's due (for that day) on the right side. I/you can probably use a piece of scrap paper, but I feel kind of elementary when I write on a whiteboard...makes it all fun!