September 13, 2015

I'm beginning a new part of my life and with that, I hope to grow spiritually and learn to love myself in such a way that I can allow myself to love others and be loved by others.

I am starting the Pathway Program through BYU-Idaho this week and this semester's courses consist of GS 120, an Institute class, and a weekly Pathway gathering. I am very excited for all of it.

The assignments for Pathway's Fall 2015 semester have been available on the computer, on a site known as I-Learn, since yesterday and I've already watched the Introductory video, which made me feel as if this is the best way for me to go at this point in my life. I received initial confirmation of this feeling back in August during the fireside that explained exactly what Pathway was and how it benefited the lives of people who took it. I hope I can soon see the benefits of my choice to take it.

I also skimmed the quotes from former Pathway students and my hope is that I will have some wonderful things to say about the program when I am at the other end of it. I'm sure I will.

Next, I read through the Pathway Support & Expectations Sheet and it discusses both the support available for students and also the expectations that students need to live up to, as all students have their agency about how to approach this course, in order to get the full academic and spiritual experience that one could possibly get from Pathway. It is quite obvious that such a program requires time, sacrifice, and the ability and willingness to adhere to the academic requirements and spiritual expectations that BYU-Idaho asks of all those who join this program. I feel very fortunate for the spiritual guidelines that are in place, as I strive to be as spiritually minded and righteous as I can.

I hope this journey serves me well that I may do the same for others as Christ has done for me.

I accidentally did a bit of work out of order, but no matter, as I plan to get it done because it will be easier than waiting til the middle of the week when I am entangled in a move. The next thing I am focusing on is called 'leaving a mark' by way of doing a survey that shares my learning style.

My answers were submitted for grading and I'm happy to say I got a complete mark, which is 100%

I am now reviewing a page that discusses basic course navigation and the expectations associated with online learning. There are some more videos to watch about the very subjects. The first video discusses the I-Learn course navigator and how to both find and complete assignments successfully.

The tutorials themselves are very helpful and I am enthusiastic to try this online learning.

Mention of discussion board posting and reading other posts are mentioned in the tutorials and I admit that I am very interested in how this learning style will work for me. Online course navigation is also mentioned and for that, I am grateful, as I have never done online learning before at all.

There is also a brief video and information about orienting oneself to the process that is online learning that involves a great deal of encouragement for those doing it. Although there is flexibility in online learning, there are due dates and therefore, a bit of structure is there to help keep me focused.

To conclude, there is a quiz making sure I can apply what I have learned thus far concerning the preparatory information and course introduction information.

I took the quiz twice and scored 16/20 the second time, which is 80%. Pretty good, eh?