Any experiences or opinions about Distance Learning / Online Colleges?

[G&J's Mom]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone has any experiences or opinions they would like to share about getting a college degree online?

I know non-traditional distance learning has come a long way since University of Phoenix, AIU and others started. More reputable accredited brick and mortar schools are jumping on the band wagon to get non traditional student such as myself onboard with their programs.

I am 41, work full time and have two small children. It would be impossible for me to go back to school during the day to gain my degree. I am seriously thinking about getting my bachelors through one of these universities. I have about 30 credits or so from University of Southern Maine to transfer over (I hope).

Thanks in advance for the input!

Denise

 

[Lisa F]

A friend of mine just started the Vet Tech program at Purdue online and it seems pretty similar to a regular degree. I think your best bet is to find a school that offers the same program at the school and online. They have bulletin boards set up for the students to discuss things and she has to have a proctor (a teacher) to adminster her tests and sign off on them that she didn't cheat (the proctor needs to be approved by the school in advance). Overall except for the normal college BS she is enjoying it.

 

[Cindy B]

I've gone the online route for my schooling. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

It is a lot of work, and you need to be on top of deadlines, writing, and coursework.

They are not easier classes, in fact they tend to be harder than classroom classes. If you like interaction, and need things explained, it will be challenging.

If you can multitask, do things on your own, be willing to work at odd hours, you can do it.


I have a story of www.collegeanywhere.com . My story is I think the third one (don't laugh at the stupid old picture.. I look stoned!). On that website, there is a little quiz of is online learning for me

Its a great way for me. I work, have kids, and go to school.


Most courses require timed tests (sometimes timed essay tests! YIKES!), additional reports, posting to a bulletin board, and sometimes group work. Some professors had online chats at certain times for study questions. I have had a great experience online.

 

[Hillbeans]

My husband did 1/2 of his masters online, and then the rest at the University.

The only thing that I think was an issue was when there were group assignments. Apparently there is one slug in every group he was placed in and my husband at times had to do extra work to cover the "one" slacker in the group who never logged in,etc. I guess that can and does happen in a traditional class setting as well.

Best of luck to you.

 

[ahutton]

My DH is a graduate of University of Phoenix. He started the program at their ground campus as the best way for him to finish is BS while we were expecting our first daughter. He graduated on the day we had our 2nd little girl, just over 2 years later. He transferred from the ground campus to online when we were relocated to Texas, and took 2 class cycles off (12 weeks) when we did in order to get here and settled. That is why it went a bit longer than usual. He had spent 2 years at USAFA, and did a semester at Portland College and one at Oregon State. It turned out his USAFA credits mainly counted towards electives, they only have so many slots for "Military History" and you only need so much credit for PE!

He did have some challenges with people slacking, but found a good group that was on his same track, so they stuck together. When they did have a problem with a particular person they involved the professor, who addressed the groups concerns from his perspective, and told the person to meet the deadlines or it would be his grade that would suffer. I will say though, that the professor expected (as part of the learning process) for the group to try and work it out themselves. He pointed out (not like DH and I didn't know this) that there will be people like that in your professional environment too. DH actually reminded the professor "Yes, but in a work environment if I'm the manager and my employee is doing that I can reprimand or fire them."

 

[G&J's Mom]

Thanks so much for your input. And thanks for the website Cindy B. I multi task here alot at work and I think I am up for the challenge. I hope And working odd hours comes with the territory of having two small kids. I think it would work great.

My brother got his degree from University of Phoenix. He said it was alot or work and fast paced. He getting his masters at National right now. He said it is even harder and more demanding of his time.

A couple of the schools I am looking at have proctored tests. Considering I work at a University, I think I can find someone to procter it pretty easily.

Take care all!

Denise

 

[VampHeartless]

I would check the consumer affairs reports on University of Pheonix before choosing that route...not only is their accredation in question, but they've been known to scam money and time out of people, and their grading standards are lackluster.

I know, we won't allow our soldiers to sign up for any of their classes using army TA anymore.

 

[WDWAurora]

While I don't really have a problem with it, I do think it can lead to some awkward situations. For example, let's say you get an online degree from a school that is a brick and mortar (but that I'm going to make up for the purposes of this example) Mars State University. You apply for a job, and the person hiring went to Mars State (went there, not online) and they call you in and ask you about your experiences there. Do you really feel like you are an alumnus of Mars State? In many cases, you never even have to go to the school once, so it just seems like in some ways that the interviewer would feel like you didn't go to their school at all....Even though your education is no less valid. Does that make sense? I definitely think you can learn just as much and that online classes require just as much work, I just think it could make for some awkward moments. Could you do it through the school you work at? Often university employees get substantial discounts on classes from their school. Again, don't think I'm being mean, just pointing out something that you might not think of.

 

[mom2grace]

I second doing some detective work. Ask HR reps if they hire/recognize degrees from particular online programs, as well as brick & mortar programs that are "professional". My BIL is in HR and he would give his opinion.

I teach at a state-affiliated community college (associate degrees, technical certificates, etc). Classes are offered on campus and online. I teach both. These credits transfer to state colleges that award bachelor. master, and Ph.D's.

Online classes aren't for everyone, you have to be self-motivated to get the work finished, since there isn't a "class time" at the college I teach at. You also have to be able to read and write well. This is truly an issue for many students of all ages. You also really need to have cable modem or dsl.

At my college, the tuition and book cost is the same regardless if the course is on campus or online.

Good luck!!

 

[crz4mm2]

I got my BSN and MSN distance learning from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. I worked full time and had call responsibilities so there was NO way I could attend 'traditional' classes. Case was one of the first distance learning programs. The on campus classes were videotaped and tapes were sent to the distance learning students. I had no problems whatsoever with distance learning.
My certificate in Nurse Midwifery was also earned distance learning.
THese programs required on campus requirements during the course of the program, but were done in week long increments.
I would never go to daily classes again
Good luck. Just make sure your program is accredited.
I have never had anyone ask me about my college "experience". I think distance learning is quite well accepted now.

 

[mom2grace]

Originally posted by crz4mm2
I got my BSN and MSN distance learning from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. I worked full time and had call responsibilities so there was NO way I could attend 'traditional' classes. Case was one of the first distance learning programs. The on campus classes were videotaped and tapes were sent to the distance learning students. I had no problems whatsoever with distance learning.
My certificate in Nurse Midwifery was also earned distance learning.
THese programs required on campus requirements during the course of the program, but were done in week long increments.
I would never go to daily classes again
Good luck. Just make sure your program is accredited.
I have never had anyone ask me about my college "experience". I think distance learning is quite well accepted now.

Were you already an RN? I would think that would make a big difference.

 

[Cindy B]

I don't think I have lost any college experience not going to classes. I have had to go to some traditional classes due to scheduling, and have HATED IT! I can't stand the younger immature students that whine and complain.

As for proctoring exams, the online courses I have done are timed secured exams online. Yes, they don't know if you can cheat or not, but with the time limits imposed, its pretty tricky to cheat!

For example, I had a 25 minute block to write an essay on the history of education. If you went over the time allotted you would go down a letter grade! You had to know your information, or you would waste all your time looking up facts, and not enough time writing.

You did have to be a good writer. Multitasking is also important. Being an independent learner is very important as well.

If I can do an online college chemistry course, and get an A.. any one can do it.!

There is a mistaken idea that online learning is easy, it is not. It requires discipline, hard work, and determination.

 

[G&J's Mom]

Actually I got alot of information off the US News website

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/elearning/elhome.htm and this

and MSN Money

http://search.netscape.com/ns/boomf...tent/Savinganddebt/Finddealsonline/P42609.asp

and the bulletin board on Degree.net was helpful, because people who post there are considering it, are doing it or have done it.

I think it is becoming more widely accepted. I would not consider a school that was not accredited.

Denise