1/ Discuss the meaning of independent learning and explain its

boundaries
Independent Learning is learning that is self-directed. The learning is defined, organised and
completed by the learner. Educators (experts) may act as facilitators or guides. However, the learner
is encouraged to plot their own path and to value their own research as well as input from peers on
the same level as information and guidance that they may gain from teachers (experts).

2/ What Internet skills would be helpful in an online class?

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DISTANCE EDUCATION

TECHNOLOGY/TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

TECHNICAL SKILLS FOR ONLINE LEARNING

Technical Skills Required for Successful Online Learning

Students who enroll in a distance education course (online, hybrid, or virtual) are responsible for
having adequate computer skills to accomplish the tasks that will be expected of them. Online
instructors are not responsible for teaching these skills within the course. If you do not possess the
following skills, you may want to take a computer class to increase your knowledge before
attempting an online class.

Here are some essential skills required:

Knowledge of computer terminology, such as browser, operating system, application, software, files,
documents, icon, etc.

Understanding of basic computer hardware and software with the ability to perform computer
operations, such as:

Using keyboard and mouse

10 potential challenges and how to deal with them

1. Homesickness

One of the first challenges you may face in university is missing home. Even though you’re meeting
lots of new people and trying new things, it’s easy to miss your friends and family (heck, even your
own bed) back home. This is totally normal and lots of people go through this.

Luckily, we live in a digital age so video calling can help bridge that gap and keep you connected with
your folks back home. Personally, I found putting my own personal touch on my residence room
helped me to feel more comfortable and at home.

Related article: How to personalize your residence room

2. Transitioning to university life

Another common obstacle is learning to adapt to the differences between university and high
school. You may have difficult classes, more homework, and you’re now responsible for managing
your own time.

I’ve found it helpful to make friends with people in class, form study groups, and learn how to take
effective notes. Waterloo's Student Success Office offers great resources to help with the transition
into university life and run workshops like note taking and leadership development.

Another tip is to introduce yourself to your professors and get to know them better. They’re great
resources if you’re struggling with class work.

3. Roommates

Although residence teams work hard to pair you with people you will get along with, we all know
people aren’t perfect and there may come a time when you face some conflict with your
roommates.
A great way to deal with potential problems before they arise is to make a roommate agreement.
This helps outline commitments like rent, cleaning, house rules, and other obligations.

If for some reason conflict arises, don’t be afraid to contact your residence life assistant/don.
They’re there to support you and can help you solve your problems with roommates.

Related article: Roommate relationships 101

A Waterloo student's desk with notebook and laptop.

4. Effective studying

A big part of transitioning to university life is learning how to study effectively. This ranges from
learning your study style (i.e., cue cards, note taking, etc.) to finding your favourite place to study.
Personally, I like to study by rewriting my notes out in an organized fashion and I study best away
from home in cozy coffee shops.

On the other hand, my best friend likes to make cue cards and study at home where it’s quiet. It’s all
about what works best for you. You also need to learn how to effectively manage your time. It’s
helpful to set up a schedule for when you need to study so you don’t end up cramming.

5. Time management

If I can pass on only one piece of advice, it’s to tell you the most important life skill you’ll ever learn
is time management. This is a skill you’ll need for almost anything you do.

From school to co-op to full-time work, being good at managing your time is really important. I
found making a very detailed Apple Calendar or Google Calendar, or even a physical planner is super
helpful at keeping me on track.

I put everything from my classes, study time, gym sessions, coffee dates, and everything in between
in my calendar. It helps me make my to-do lists for the day and keeps me on top of my assignments
and courses.
6. Budgeting

Being raised by a financial advisor means that I’ve had budgeting ingrained in my brain from a young
age. And let me tell you, it has been a very helpful skill.

You don’t need to budget everything you’re ever going to spend money on, but it’s helpful to have
amounts allocated to rent, groceries, and social spending. This helps you track your money and not
go on an online shopping bender (trust me I know from personal experience that it doesn’t go well).

This is also super helpful if you start making money on co-op because you know how to effectively
save money for the future! The Student Success Office again is a great resource and offers a
budgeting basics worksheet.

Two Waterloo students taking a photo.

7. Relationships

From new friendships to romantic relationships, university is a time to meet new people and have
new experiences. It’s important to always remember to love yourself first and not to change for
anyone else. Make sure you surround yourself with people who uplift and support you and who
make your university experience a positive one.

University is a time to meet new people and have new experiences. It’s important to always
remember to love yourself first and not to change for anyone else

8. Partying

Now I won’t tell you not to party, but please make sure you’re partying responsibly. It can be easy to
fall into a routine of partying and drinking but make sure it doesn’t negatively impact your studies or
relationships. You’re the only one who can control you, so know your limit and party safely.

A Waterloo student doing yoga to relax.

9. Physical and mental health

Firstly, there are lots of amazing services offered at university. From health services to counselling
services, there’s lots of support if you need it. Your health should always be a priority, so be
proactive about it.
Waterloo's Health Services is a great place to go if you’re feeling under the weather, need a
prescription, or just want a general checkup. Anything your family doctor does for you, Health
Services can do for you.

If you’re feeling homesick, anxious, overwhelmed or just like you need to talk to someone, don’t be
afraid to go to Counselling Services. They are a great support system and your mental health is very
important.

Remember to take time for yourself when you need it, don’t spread yourself thin, and make the
most of your time at university!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, take advantage of tutoring or accessibility services if needed, they
can be a ton of help

STEPHEN, FOURTH-YEAR CIVIL ENGINEERING STUDENT

10. Cost of an education and student debt

Money can be a huge stressor when paying for your education but there are options to help you
finance university. Government aid such as the Ontario Student Assistance Program can provide
loans and grants to help with your education. There are also lots of opportunity for part-time work,
whether it’s a part-time job on or off campus.

Personally, I worked at a coffee shop one year and I also worked part-time as a student ambassador
for Waterloo. Both were great for helping me to pay off a bit of tuition and have some extra
spending money. Scholarships are also a huge asset, so take the time to fill them out. I know it can
seem tedious, but I was able to pay for my first year of university through the scholarships I earned.

I hope you find these tips helpful and remember that each challenge you face only helps in preparing
you for the future and pushing you to become your best self.
Managing files and folders: save, name, copy, move, backup, rename, delete, check properties

Software installation, security, and virus protection

Using software applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, email

Knowledge of copying and pasting, spell-checking, and saving files in different formats

Uploading and downloading attachments

Internet skills (connecting, accessing sites, using browsers)

Ability to use online communication tools, such as email (create, send, receive, reply, print,
send/receive attachments), discussion boards (read, search, post, reply, follow threads), chats, and
messengers

Perform online research using various search engines and library databases

Create online accounts

3/ Talk about your own experience regarding the difficulties you faced at
university?

Why do I find difficulty in studying? There are major challenges faced by university students in their
academic journey, like low motivation, ineffective time management, and concentration lapses. This
results in stress, health and social disruptions, leading to difficulty in studying..