- Read the headings.
- Look for images and anything that stands out.
- Scan over lists that are numbered or have bullet points.
- Look for titles and authors when applicable.
- Determine the main idea of the reading.
Resourcefulness
The following excerpt is from PC 101. Read it again here and then consider the resources listed below. Being resourceful is an essential skill of a successful online student. This week, you will identify several online and local resources to help you.
You are your greatest earthly resource, but don't hesitate to use additional local, online, and spiritual resources as you build a support network for yourself. The lists below include ideas for some of these resources.
Local Resources
- Family. Heavenly Father placed us in families with the goal of supporting each other. If possible, lean on your family for support. They can be a great asset to your education.
- Friends. Supportive friends may be able to help you when you have computer issues or questions about course content. You may be surprised how much they want to help.
- Computer/WiFi Spots. If access to a computer and/or internet is difficult for you, there may be places nearby where you can go to gain access. Have a plan and then a backup plan to keep yourself connected.
- Quiet Places. Sometimes the best resource is a place to study where there are few distractions. Can you find "your place" to study?
Online Resources
Note that the websites listed below may not feature content in a language that you need. In such cases, you can search for content that does appear in a language you need, or you can use a browser's translation service, such as Google Translate to get an approximate translation.
Technical
- Canvas. This is the learning management system that hosts this course. Here are the Canvas Help Guides.
- Microsoft Office. This is a group of programs that include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Here are some Microsoft Tutorials.
Academic
- Resource Center. The Resource Center contains all of the Math and Writing lessons you read in PC 101 and 102 plus additional resources.
- Tutoring. If a course has tutoring available, you can click on a link called "Tutoring Resources" in the course's main menu.
- Math. Khan Academy offers many free tutorials, videos, and even courses on Mathematics topics.
- Study Tools.
- Marinara Timer. Online timer
- Study Stack. Flashcard tool
- Schooltraq. Academic planner
- Evernote. Keep online notes
Spiritual Resources
You have a wise Heavenly Father who has provided heavenly resources to help you on your journey.
“Consider the Lord’s uniquely individual invitation to “take my yoke upon you.” Making and keeping sacred covenants yokes us to and with the Lord Jesus Christ. In essence, the Savior is beckoning us to rely upon and pull together with Him, even though our best efforts are not equal to and cannot be compared with His. As we trust in and pull our load with Him during the journey of mortality, truly His yoke is easy and His burden is light. We are not and never need be alone. We can press forward in our daily lives with heavenly help. Through the Savior’s Atonement we can receive capacity and “strength beyond [our] own” (“Lord, I Would Follow Thee,” Hymns, no. 220).”
—Elder David A. Bednar (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, April 2014)
Elder David A. Bednar
Answer these questions to see what you remember from reading the text above.
- What is the most important Earthly resource available to you according to the excerpt?
ANSWER - What local resource might be helpful if you encounter computer issues or have questions about course content?
ANSWER
Self-Advocacy
An advocate is someone who pleads for someone else or supports a particular cause. Self-advocacy is pleading for yourself, for your own benefit. It is possible to be a self-advocate without being selfish. For example, if someone accidentally stands on your foot, you will be a self-advocate by saying something like, "Ouch, please get off my foot!"
Communication Styles
Successful online students practice self-advocacy when they ask for support from a person or resource. The best way to do this is to communicate assertively. Read about the following four communication styles.
- Passive communication is submissive, avoids conflict at all costs, and puts your own needs last. It means giving in to unreasonable demands from others or holding back your opinion. Passive communicators try to avoid criticism. They focus on pleasing others at the cost of their own needs and rights. They can be too deferential (submitting too much to others).
- Aggressive communication causes fear, is forceful, and does not consider the needs, rights, or feelings of others. If you want to build a support network of people, communicating aggressively with them is not very effective because it does not encourage respect or cooperation.
- Passive-aggressive communication is aggressive communication disguised as passive communication.
- Assertive communication is clear in its intent, and involves standing up for your own rights and wishes but respecting others at the same time. These communicators express their feelings clearly, appropriately and respectfully.
Communicating More Assertively
This week, you will compile a list of resources you can use for success as an online student. In addition to systems and tools, resources also include people. When you ask people for help, remember to state your need clearly and respectfully. Be assertive. Consider the following examples.
- Not as Good. I struggle with my studies. Maybe you can help me.
- Better. I am taking a course where I need to practice using Microsoft Excel. I know you use this program. Would you be able to help me if I have a question about it from time to time?
- Not as Good. If you want this family to be happy, you better help me with my homework every week!
- Better. I know I have been working hard in school and not been with the family as much lately. I appreciate your help with the children. If you could review my major assignments before I turn them in and give me feedback, that would help me go a little faster so I can spend more time with the family.
- Not as Good. The homework from last week was difficult.
- Better. Could you help me understand questions 3 and 7 from last week's homework assignment called "Using Absolute References?" I am not sure how to use the "$" symbol.
Answer these questions to see what you remember from reading the text above.
- What communication style involves expressing feelings clearly, appropriately, and respectfully while standing up for your own rights and wishes?
ANSWER - Which communication style avoids conflict at all costs, puts your own needs last, and focuses on pleasing others?
ANSWER - What communication style is forceful, does not consider the needs or feelings of others, and causes fear?
ANSWER
W06 Gathering Prep
What will you do this week, in preparation for the gathering, to exemplify the Learning Model principle of “Teach One Another?” Communication is an important part of being an advocate for yourself. As you prepare for the gathering this week, share with someone something you have learned about the four styles of communication.
After reading this lesson, ponder the following questions. If desired, record your thoughts in a learning journal.
- Based on the resources you have explored in this lesson, which do you think will be most beneficial to you? Why?
- What are sources of power, strength, and comfort for you in your life?
- What are some specific ways in which your life could be improved by using more assertive communication?