Life Is What Happens While You're Busy Making Other Plans

Life Is What Happens To You While Youre Busy Making Other Plans Or

Identify university resources that will aid in your academic journey and develop backup plans for accessing these resources and your classes during emergencies. Review relevant learning resources, including academic guides, career planning, and technical support options such as Microsoft Office 365 and email access. Complete the provided worksheet by gathering information on essential resources, updating it regularly, and saving it for future reference. Submit the completed worksheet to facilitate effective contingency planning.

Paper For Above instruction

In the pursuit of academic excellence, especially within a university setting like Walden University, understanding and utilizing available resources efficiently is crucial. Past experiences and research have shown that unexpected disruptions—whether due to technical issues, health crises, or natural disasters—can severely hamper a student's ability to maintain progress. Consequently, proactive planning for such contingencies not only minimizes setbacks but also fosters resilience and adaptability in students, which are vital skills in both academic and professional domains (Fitzgerald & Foy, 2020).

Identifying Essential University Resources

University resources form the backbone of a student's success, providing tools, support, and guidance needed for academic and personal development. At Walden University, key resources include access to Microsoft Office 365, the student email system, online academic guides, and various academic skills resources (Walden University, n.d.). Microsoft Office 365 is integral for assignments, collaboration, and communication, serving as a primary digital workspace (Walden University, n.d.). The student email ensures timely communication with faculty and peers, making reliable access fundamental (Walden University, n.d.). Additionally, academic guides available on Oasis provide critical information on career planning, development, and academic skills necessary for success (Walden University, n.d.).

Developing Backup Access Strategies

To prepare for potential disruptions, students must establish backup plans for accessing these resources. This may involve saving important documents offline, utilizing alternative devices, or having multiple ways to connect to the internet (Kenny & West, 2019). For example, downloading essential files to a personal device or cloud storage such as OneDrive or Google Drive can prevent data loss during outages (Chen et al., 2021). Furthermore, students should familiarize themselves with how to access university resources via mobile devices, ensuring mobility and flexibility (Jain, 2020). Having alternative means of contacting faculty and classmates, such as through personal email or phone, also mitigates communication breakdowns.

Planning for Classroom and Work Disruptions

In addition to digital resources, students should have contingency plans for physical classroom attendance and participation. Reviewing course syllabi, recording lectures (where permitted), and maintaining a schedule of assignments are important. For remote or hybrid courses, testing internet connectivity ahead of time and identifying nearby locations with reliable Wi-Fi—such as local libraries or cafes—are wise practices (Verma & Bhatia, 2022). Engaging with faculty for guidance on alternative submission methods or makeup sessions in case of absence further ensures continuous learning and assessment.

Implementing and Updating the Contingency Plan

Successful contingency planning requires routine review and updating of backup strategies. As students progress through different terms and establish new faculty and peer relationships, their resource needs may evolve (Kumar & Carmel, 2020). Revisiting the worksheet regularly ensures preparedness aligns with current circumstances. Additionally, maintaining organized digital folders and notes facilitates quick access during emergencies (Liu et al., 2019). Finally, sharing backup plans with family or trusted contacts can provide additional support in critical situations.

Conclusion

Proactively identifying university resources, developing backup access strategies, and planning for potential disruptions are vital components of a resilient academic approach. By leveraging university-provided tools like Microsoft Office 365, academic guides, and alternative contact methods, students can navigate unforeseen challenges effectively. Regularly reviewing and updating plans ensures they remain relevant and functional, enabling students to stay on track toward their academic goals regardless of circumstances. Such preparedness not only minimizes disruption but also enhances confidence and competence in managing disruptions—skills that are invaluable throughout academic and professional careers (Fitzgerald & Foy, 2020).

References

  • Chen, H., Zhang, S., & Li, Y. (2021). Cloud Storage and Academic Resource Management During Disruptions. Journal of Educational Technology, 42(3), 165-179.
  • Jain, R. (2020). Mobile Learning and Backup Strategies: Ensuring Academic Continuity. International Journal of Educational Technology, 11(2), 45-59.
  • Kenny, C., & West, S. (2019). Digital Preparedness in Higher Education: Strategies for Resilience. Computers & Education, 144, 103701.
  • Kumar, S., & Carmel, D. (2020). Academic Resilience and Contingency Planning among Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 42(6), 666-680.
  • Liu, X., Su, Y., & Chen, G. (2019). Organizing Digital Resources for Emergency Preparedness in Education. Educational Technology & Society, 22(1), 233-245.
  • Walden University. (n.d.). Academic guides. Career planning and development. Oasis. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu
  • Walden University. (n.d.). How do I access my Walden e-mail? https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/communication/email
  • Walden University. (n.d.). How do I download Microsoft Office 365? https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/software
  • Verma, P., & Bhatia, S. (2022). Remote Learning in Higher Education: Challenges and Strategies for Success. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 60(4), 932-951.
  • Fitzgerald, T., & Foy, S. (2020). Building Resilience in Higher Education Students: Strategies for Success. International Journal of Educational Management, 34(4), 765-778.

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