Tips on Surviving BU Online

The secrets to success! The following are what have worked well for me:

1. Always read the syllabus. Pay attention to grading percentages and expectations. Many times your discussions are 25-30% of your final grade, so this is a big part. Focus your efforts on what provides the highest grade value first if you feel you cannot keep up in a week.

2. Many facilitators grade discussions differently. Some look for more posts, other more references, and most quality content and strong involvement.

3. Assignments and or papers are usually also a big part of your grade. Every class is different as attributed to assignments. Some have a couple and other one per week. Try to do well on your assignments. Ensuring you follow the grading rubric will usually get you the best grade.

4. Weekly quizzes and midterms. Some courses will have a weekly quiz and or midterm. For example, my financial classes had weekly quizzes. This was a good thing as it helps you understand where you stand. The facilitators and instructor truly care about how you do and will always help you or point you in the right direction, so never be afraid to ask a question.

5. Final exams are usually always proctored. The easiest place to take one of these is a local college. The Vista instructions will point you in the right direction when the time closes near. Pay attention to the grade percentage value of the final.

I had a class where it was 40%. I also had one where it was only 10%. Keep in mind the professors structure the course to accommodate the best learning scenario. Almost all exams are multiple choice. Some require mathematics and or essay answers.

6. Lastly just do the best you can. Try to get online at least once every day, and remember that these online courses are harder than the ones we take in person as they require dedication and discipline as you don't have to physically sit in front of an instructor and you cannot merely raise your hand to ask a question.

Me and Olivia

Here I am with my youngest stepdaughter. I can still see the resemblence here!

Me and my sister

This one of the few times my sister has ever taken a picture with me. I surely did something to annoy her, which I found quite humorous.

Worlds Largest Christmas Tree

My friend Jack has to always top everyone else. This year his christmas tress was around 20' tall.

My Military Life

One interesting thing is I spent 11 years in the Army. At expiration of service I was a sergeant first class (E7). I spent time in various countries and was captain of the battalion marksmanship team for rifle and pistol. I learned many things throughout my military career, which I have utilized to improve myself.

Some of my hobbies

I enjoy family vacations in the summer. I also enjoy playing poker on a non profit league. I also enjoy shooting and fishing, but rarely have the time. My hopes are after I complete my degree program, I will have a bit more free time this summer to spend with the family.

My Wife

He is a nice photo of my beautiful wife. I think it was somewhat professionally done. I myself do not have photos professionally done as I don't think is will help much.

Aruba 2007

One of the best vacation spots by far. Aruba is the place to be. For the record only one of these drinks are mine.

A Little Bit About Me.................

Well it has been quite a long road, however this is my 12th class at Boston University in the MSPM program and the course has been quite enjoyable. I can remember my first class like it was yesterday (accounting). Halfway through the course I started to wonder how people do it, yet through great peer interaction as well as a motivating facilitator I persevered.

I just turned the big 34 yesterday and I am married with 4 children. Two are my biological children and the other two are my step children. Needless to say we have quite the busy household.

I am currently employed full time+ as the Director of Operations for a commercial construction company in Rhode Island. I am happy to say we are quite busy in this difficult economy and hopefully that will not change.