Online college...? Anyone do this?

[leahannpen]

I'm thinking of doing an on line college course. Has anyone done this? The ones I've heard of are Ottawa, Lakeland and the University of Phoenix. Does anyone have any experiance with these and know where I should start? I'm just looking to see how expensive it is, and to see if you had a good experiance. Was it harder doing it online? Was there alot of "group" things to do?

Thanks for any info!

 

[jkovick]

Are you talking about just a class or two or getting a degree? Most community colleges have online courses you can take that are resonably priced, if you arejust looking at a few courses.
If you are looking to earn a degree entirely on line it is more costly. I looked into the University of Phoenix at one time--it was between $300 and $400 per credit hour. You definately need to be very disciplined in your study, because it would be very easy to procrastinate and get behind.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I have never taken one of the courser, however I do work in the dept at that does this courses. University of Phoenix is a reputable establishment but their classes do fill up quickly. Have you looked at universities in your area? Most univ do offer online classes or degrees. You have "support" of which you can email your professor or put your questions on a discussion board. The only thing I see about these classes that aren't for some people is that you have to be make time to do it because it's not a scheduled time everyday. If you need more info please just let me know and I'll be glad to help you.

Tina

 

[Hillbeans]

My Husband just got his Masters Degree and he did the first part on-line and the last in the classroom.

He feels that he got more out of the classroom because the on-line didn't feel as "class" oriented to him.

Best of luck with whatever you choose.

 

[NMAmy]

I work at a community college and we offer most classes in a variety of formats including online. I audit online classes all the time. You have to be very disciplined but I love them. Some students think that they will be easier than face to face classes but that's not really the case due to the self-discipline. There are usually more writing assignments in online classes as well.

There are assignments to complete, discussion boards (most classes require some participation on the discussion boards for more interaction between students), online tests or proctored exams.

I'd check out your local community college to begin with--try a class and see if the format works for you. Some people love them--others feel they can't learn without direct interaction with their instructor.

 

[CBRorBust]

I have taken online classes at my university.

The only thing about the University of Phoenix is that it may or may not be an accredited University in your State. Meaning that if you do get a Bachelors degree from them and want to go back to get a Masters, it may be a little more difficult than you think.

 

[KrnB]

DH is going for his degree through the U of Phoenix Online. He likes it because he can do it from home. You do have to be very disciplined to take the classes - being at home, there are always other things to do.

There is a lot of group work - discussions, group papers, etc - which is both good and bad. DH and my godmother (who has also taken online classes of U of Phx) have both complained about situations were they were the only ones really contributing. Depending on the situation though, you can talk to your instructor about it to make sure that a bad grade isn't necessary given to you by default, especially if your individual work shows a big difference from your group work.

He hasn't gotten to his core classes, which will be Computer Sciences, but his general courses have required a lot of writing both papers, weekly discussion questions and email discussions (sometimes spawned by the weekly questions).

So far he has only taken one class at a time - each is 5 weeks with usually a week break in between. Once he gets to his core courses, he'll probably take two at a time, but that is only because he is already has a lot of knowledge in those areas (he just needs an actual degree for advancement). The classes can be pretty demanding, time-wise, so it might be difficult to do 2 at a time.

 

[Cindy B]

I am a big fan of community college courses online. In fact, I have been written up in my college about it www.collegeanywhere.org (3rd story Cindy B*****)-- Don't laugh at my stupid picture. I've gotten interviewed in the media regarding this as well.

I love the format, in fact I am taking two online courses right now. (Chemistry and Health Sciences_ You do need to be self disciplined because the workload is very heavy. I find myself doing more online than a "regular" class. The computer is always at home, and I can get somewhat compulsive about the classes. I devote more "school hours" at home than I did in "regular classes".

As for University of Phoenix, just that price is high. At my college, the cost is about $260 for a three credit course. I have gotten taught by department heads/chairs (all with Ed.D's, PhDs --I'm an education major) in my online courses.

Some employers/colleges question the validity of University of Phoenix. Some love it, and some consider it a "diploma mill". I'm not arguing that, in fact, I have no opinion on that. I worked at a university, and some Univ. of Phoenix courses didn't transfer for students becasue of various reasons. (either acceditation, or duplication of coursework, etc... )

Online courses are great for various reasons. The flexibility is wonderful.. I can get up at 2 am and complete a final --(I've done that many times). I can do a month of work ahead of time (I've done that as well). I can pace myself for my classes. I don't have to fight rush hour traffic, and deal with "immatrue" students.

The downsides are as follows: Lots and lots of self discipline. You need to know your deadlines, and stick with them. Most professors don't accept late assignments (in my cases). Your writing skills need to be top notch. There are a lot of writing assignments, and in some cases timed essay tests! Timed essay tests are petrifying!

I'm on my fourth online course right now. I love the idea of doing it this way. I don't miss the give and take with the professor/students... but that may be because I am closer to completion than most of my students. I've gotten the blunt end of group work, incompetent study partners, etc.. in regular coursework.

 

[Cindy B]

I forgot to tell you about "group project" work. Some professors assign you to a group of studnets and you work online on a presentation.. and it becomes a powerpoint presentation.

That would mean we would all have a scheduled chat time, work on the project, and we would all work on the Powerpoint and submit it.

Some profs have given an individual assignment (like a non text assignment) and have the other students (required) to comment on it.

Sometimes they assign an issue, and ask for critical thinking comments on it. Some may assign an opinion paper on something.

I hope that helps.

 

[Disneymomma]

There is another school called Walden University, located in Florida that most of the work is completed online. Depending on the degree you are seeking, there are "residency" requirements that you need to fill and have to travel to certain places designated by the school, which adds more $ to the cost of the program. I have not attended an online school, but did do online classes while completing my masters. They were the most fantastic part of my program! I loved the convenience of being able to do the work whenever I wanted, be home with my daughter, not pay for parking, etc. I was working two jobs and taking three and four classes a semester to finish as quickly as I could, and the online classes really helped me alot. I also felt as if I learned much more, because honestly, there was much more work online, than in my classes on the campus. There was alot more writing, online discussions, but over all, it was fabulous! I would really like to begin my doctorate online, but the cost seems really excessive, and the "residency" issue bothers me in that I have no one to leave DD with for a week or two. If cost is not a problem, and the degree is accepted by whomever you need it for, I say it is really something you should consider!

 

[leahannpen]

Wow! Thank you for all the great information, I really appriciate it.

I am thinking of taking a course for Paralegal, though I haven't decided 100% as of yet. This is a huge step for me, and I of course want to make sure that is what I want to do.

All the information is so overwhelming!

Kaplan College was supposed to call me this weekend and I never heard from my contact, so maybe she will call tonight. I just want to see what they have to say and how they work, as I've got no idea what to expect.

Some of the Paralegal jobs I've looked at on line, just to see what they require, just say a Certificate or Vocational, but if I'm going to do it, I guess I'd like to get atleast an Associates degree.

I'm oh-so-confused. I've still got alot to look into and research, but I figure this is a start. I always learn so much from this site and I truly appriciate your help and information.

1. If there are any Paralegals out there with advice, I'll gladly listen (or read! ).

2. Cindy B your picture isn't stupid...at all! A very nice article and I thank you for all the great info!

 

[Cindy B]

Well, I'm not a paralegal, but my friend is. She wound up getting a bachelor's degree at Pierce College (Philly area) with paralegal studies or something like that.

I know career change is hard... I did it as well.

Well, I can't stand that picture... I look so STONED! Glad to hear that it has helped.

My DH is thinking of going back to school. Online would work for him as well, because of his schedule. Decent computer skills are necessary.. I can't tell you how many student have no idea to send attachments or post to a bulletin board.

(If you DIS, you can do the technical end easily!)

 

[jipsy]

My BF just got info on Univ. of Phoenix because he was thinking of doing that, but they quoted him $400 per credit hour, which works out to be about $50,000 for a 4 year degree.

He is now looking for something less expensive and more local.

 

[leahannpen]

Originally posted by jipsy
which works out to be about $50,000 for a 4 year degree.

I'm glad to know there are other options out there, that's just nuts!

I also need to decide what branch of Paralegal I'd like, and I've got no idea on that one. Cindy, you are right, change is just plain HARD. I've been thinking of doing this for so long, but to take that first BIG step is so hard! I've seen some threads lately her on changing careers, so maybe if Search is working I'll go look them up. I've got alot of research to do, and online school is definately appealing.... especially with a family and full time job. It's always nice to talk to others who have had the experiance.

Any other advice and information is greatly appriciated and thanks to all that have given some already!

 

[Cindy B]

Originally posted by jipsy
My BF just got info on Univ. of Phoenix because he was thinking of doing that, but they quoted him $400 per credit hour, which works out to be about $50,000 for a 4 year degree.

He is now looking for something less expensive and more local.

Yes, I have heard that it is expensive for what you get.

I would recommend something local. There were accreditation problems with U of P later on. (at least at the school where I used to work)

 

[ducklite]

My friend got her Masters through the University of Pheonix about seven years ago. She loved the experience!

I was a a paralegal for a couple of years. It was hard to get a job, even with having an internship under my belt, and the pay was no where near what one is led to believe it will be through all the ads for the paralegal schools. In the long run I left the field, it was rather boring work.

Anne