Distance Learning Skills for the MLIS Degree

I just finished completing the Personal Skills exercises on BB for Cindy Runnels' LIBR 203. I found them very helpful, and they further confirmed the belief that I posses the needed technological and personal skills necessary to successfully embark on my journey of pursuing a distance learning MLIS degree. The results of my assessments stated that I am ready for an online learning program because of my self-motivation and strengths in technology.

A distance learning student should be organized and keep a folder with all their class work and notes, but should also back up all their files on their computer and a flash memory drive. As a distance learning student its also significant to keep up to date on discussions, log-in every day into Blackboard, complete assignments in a timely manner, keep important dates written on a calendar as reminders. Organization is important, but self-discipline is essential. With self-motivation and discipline one will succeed in a fast-paced and demanding online learning environment.

In her presentation, Enid Irwin states that: "Having a good attitude, having a plan: that's what teamwork is all about." Without a positive attitude and an organized plan, there is very little room, if any, for success. It is gratifying to work with team members who posses a positive demeanor and take pride in the work they do. A group project is a collaborative effort; it entails that all work together and contribute to create something innovative and/or meaningful. In order to create a successful group project a great deal of effort and energy must be put forward by all members. From my experience, I have noticed that the least-stressful and most successful group projects I have completed are those where my group members come up with a well-structured scheme from the get-go. Each member knows what roles and responsibilities they are assigned, and they are clear

about the expectations that should be met.

In his presentation, Ken Haycock mentions that it is essential to maintain the utmost respect for other individuals in a group, even if you share divergent viewpoints. It's okay to disagree with another person, but one needs to disagree respectfully and in a calm and composed manner. Haycock states: "Essentially, one of the basic rules of effective teams is that you have no right to talk about an issue unless you're willing to put it on the table with your teammates, and address it respectfully and carefully in front of others."

Dealing with a group means dealing with a variety of different individuals, many of whom share distinct opinions on any given topic. A problematic situation is created when a group member is stubbornly adamant about their beliefs and will not accept another's viewpoint; or will have the audacity to insult the member for disagreeing with them.

In any occupational setting, teamwork is a necessity. A successful employee knows how to do the following: deal with different co-workers, resolve conflicts, and accept differences with an open mind.

Haycock also points out that: "Effective teams start with self awareness". He further discusses who one should truly know oneself and use their strengths to contribute in a group. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Irwin similarly mentions that you should: "learn your teammates skills". Your strength may be another group member's weakness, or vise versa. If everyone in a group pitches in and puts forth their strengths into the project, the end result of the collaboration will be a very positive one.

In conclusion, an organized, self-discipline and self-motivation create the successful online student. Effective teams are those that are positive, energetic, organized, open-minded, respectful and self-aware. These are just a few of the many skills that should be possessed by online students in order to succeed in attaining their MLIS degrees.