Archive for the ‘My Online Experience’ Category
Posted by colettavw on July 31st, 2008
As a student of an on-line program, I fully appreciate the flexibility that the program provides. I am a working mother with a four-year degree under my belt. I chose my particular online program to achieve the skill sets necessary in my field. The reputation of the school is not as important in my case as the work I create and the education I receive from the program. The online program I attend is a match to my lifestyle and career goals; I can work from home, at any hour of the day or night, I have professors who are only an email away and who are very proficient with the computer as a means of communication and I work at my own pace–not at the pace of the slowest student in the room. Feedback is often received the same day an assignment is submitted and this adds to the value of the study. Students considering an online education should take in to consideration the intrinsic value that an online education provides.
Being a student in an online atmosphere can be overwhelming. At times you may even feel alone. Due to the distance learning format the biggest form of communication is EMAIL. It is essential to use this tool to develop a relationship with your online instructor.
As a part of your class requirements you will have the opportunity to “chat” with the class using the discussion boards and real-time seminars or chat sessions, but the best way to speak one-on-one with the course facilitator is to use email to ask questions, clarify information, share thoughts and get to know your professor.
Online schools have instructor policies that require them to check email daily, host office hours and at some schools have access to instant messaging. The accessibility to your professor may not be the experience of a face-to-face meeting but it can be an opportunity for open discussion. Review your class syllabus to see what the best way to contact your professor. If email is the preferred option, send an email to introduce yourself outside of the opening unit’s introductory opportunity. Save the instructor’s email address in your contact list, as well as include them on your safe list. You would not want to miss a correspondence from your instructor because it goes to your bulk mail box.
It is recommended that you use the email system of your school. Just as you would not want to miss an email from your professor, the opposite applies. Using your personal email account may be flagged by the school’s email administration as an unsolicited email. It may forward it to a bulk mailbox or the professor may dismiss it as spam. Many times your personal email account does not identify you but instead describes our alternate egos. Beware that email names that are “suggestive” and “unique” may not be answered. The school’s assigned email account will give you better odds of your email being directed to the professor’s inbox and responded to in a timely fashion.
Your instructor will appreciate your outreach. This will also help to set the expectations of your learning experience. Using email or instant messaging will afford you the chance to make a presence with your professor. It is also a way to keep your professor informed. As an online student you probably have a demanding schedule. That is a major reason for many who enroll at an online college or university. There are times when you may have difficulty meeting your deadlines, communicating with your instructor can help you to stay focused, make up work and find out about discussions or resources you may have missed.
Keeping the lines of communication open will only enhance your learning experience. It will not only keep you engaged in the process, it will also elicit dialogue from your professor. Just keep the emails respectful and with the understanding that what you write might not be interpreted as what you meant. So, keep your emails short and to the point. Identify yourself, the class you attend and what your specific question is. The easier it is for the instructor to understand you, the easier it is for them to provide a substantial response.
Posted by J.M. Striegel on July 18th, 2008
You excitedly logged into your online learning program account and discovered a detailed syllabus encouraging you to pick up the materials on the reading list as soon as possible, but they forgot to tell you where to acquire these items. Fret not—there are some great online sources to help fulfill your required reading lists that will save you money and time.
Some courses may only use online documents and lectures, but most use a combination of online materials, textbooks, and additional reading in the form of novels and reference guides. Granted, if you are close enough to your school, you should check out the bookstore. Depending on student discounts, trade-in prices, and used book prices, you could walk out with a bounty of books without leaving too much of your wallet behind. It is worth a look and it helps to become aware of the school’s offerings.
Your first step for any novel or short story selection should be an online search engine. Chances are you will be reading your fair share of classic works and you can find them, both in text and audio versions, online, free of charge. Project Gutenberg, the trailblazing eBook producer, offers over 25,000 titles for you to add to your library. Librivox offers free, volunteer-read audiobooks you can download. Need help understanding some of these great works? Bibliomania has study guides to guide you through your literary confusion. Whether you need a book for a class or strictly for pleasure, you can access over 1.2 million eBooks at the World eBook Fair from now until August 4, 2008.
Turn to online used textbook sources like Amazon.com, Abe Books and Half.com when searching for used textbooks. Not only can you pick up a book for a steal, you can purchase your text from a previous student who not only wants to rid themselves of the material, but could use some spare change too.
Don’t ignore your local thrift stores or community libraries. Both often receive large donations of books, including textbooks. Still looking for a good deal? Turn to your local version of Freecycle. Members of Freecycle request items they need and offer items they are happy to pass on to someone in need. While you’re at it, why don’t you post a “wanted” ad for a new desk chair so you can check out all these online resources in comfort?
J.M. Striegel
Posted by Mari on July 16th, 2008
NOT A SCIENCE PERSON?
One of the greatest things about taking classes online is the ability
to slow down a lecture and listen to it at your own pace.
TRUST ME.
I went back to school for a master’s degree in an entirely different field. I went from English and political science (liberal arts) to nutrition (science city). And I hadn’t taken any class resembling biology or chemistry since senior year…of high school.
Needless to say, when it comes to science (both the lessons and the language), I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed. Wait, I take that back! I am now. :) And it was due to my being able to pause a professor’s lecturing and write down everything he said. Being able to stall a PowerPoint slide and truly look at the diagram is priceless. Being able to re-listen to a lecture again and again can really help it sink in.
Of course, you can record a professor’s lecture on a digital tape recorder (if in person). But that requires extra technology, your getting permission from the professor to record him, your being the man/woman who slows down class to ask a self-serving, “single me out” sort of question. From the comfort of your own home, you can do anything you want: slow down a lecture to let it sink in, replay a lecture (repetition is a great tool), eat loud food (beta carotene-filled carrots is great brain food), and more.
Online classes are a great option for someone who is stepping out of their comfort zone academically (e.g., from liberal arts to math/science), or for someone who is stepping into a university-level classroom for the first time. It takes the edge off!
Posted by trinity9058 on July 16th, 2008
Everyone thinks that their lives are busy. Everyone is probably right. I, for one, know that my life isn’t just busy, its hectic. I have to work to pay my bills so my children have the things they need, I have to go to school so that I won’t be stuck in a dead end job my whole life, and I have to take care of my kids because, as a mother, that’s what I do. I am always going, going, going. I get up when my husband leaves for work at six a.m. and I go to bed when everything that I needed to do for the day is finished. The way that I accomplish all of this is with lists. I love lists. Whoever invented lists deserves some sort of award, like the Nobel Peace Prize. I’m sure that lists have saved countless people from doing bodily harm to other countless people. I do not, however, have schedules. My circumstances are forever changing and I have to adapt accordingly. If I have to be somewhere at a certain time, I will consult my list to see if there is anything else I can do while I am in the area. I don’t plan specific times for doing homework. I just have to do it while everyone else is otherwise occupied, which means directing people to activities that I have delegated to them. Delegation is a great thing. My family knows that my going to school will benefit everyone in the end so we all pitch in to do what needs to be done. This is the main reason I go to school online. It fills my need to better myself while leaving me enough time to work and be with my family. I have a work schedule that requires me to be at the office only four days a week. The rest of the time is for me and my loved ones. Another big thing that helps me is getting up before everyone and going to bed after everyone goes to bed. I know that this will not help everyone but I actually don’t do well on a lot of sleep. Over the course of my blog, I plan on getting a lot more detailed so if anyone has any questions or comments, don’t hesitate.
Posted by glen on July 15th, 2008
Utica College Online Degrees are now available on AchieveYourCareer.com. Utica offers Online Bachelor’s, Master’s and MBA degrees that can help you earn the degree you need to excel in your career.
Utica College is a comprehensive, independent, private college founded in 1946 by Syracuse University. Since then it has been offering traditional degrees in Utica, New York. As part of their education-initiatives they now offer some of their course offering 100% online.
Online learning at UC offers students the opportunity to enroll in online learning that might not otherwise be available to them because of time and distance restrictions. Most of these courses can be accessed by the student wherever and whenever it is convenient.
Request free information today from Utica College Online and find out what a Bachelor’s, Master’s or MBA can do for your career.
Posted by dreese0421 on July 15th, 2008
One might say that I am a professional student. I received my first Master’s Degree in Secondary Education back in May of last year through the University of Phoenix online school. Then I decided to go back this past August to work on my second Masters. This time in ESL.
There really was no discussion for me in regards to whether I should go to the local university or enroll online. My local university is okay, but I am very busy. I work two jobs, am raising two great kids and am married. Going back to school in a brick and mortar building with the school dictating to me when I had to go was out of the question. I needed flexibility and I needed a school that had excellent teachers as well as the finest resources available.
If you decide to search the web for online schools, you will get a boat load of URLs. It’s important to understand that not all the schools are accredited. You want to choose one that is accredited statewide and nationally. These are the schools that will get noticed on the resumes.
My choice was the University of Phoenix. Several reasons governed my decision. First, I had already completed one degree with them. I was used to their system and felt it did not require me to take a training class.
Second, this school has been around since 1976. They were one of the first universities to provide classes online. They have a reputation of being the best. I agree. Their teachers are top notch for the most part. The University of Phoenix, or Apollo Group, has stringent rules for becoming a facilitator. According to Apollo group website,
“To qualify as a University of Phoenix faculty member, you must meet the following minimum criteria*:
- A master’s or doctoral degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution (or international equivalent) related to the subject you wish to teach. Some courses require a doctoral degree or more specific qualifications.
- Work experience related to the subject you wish to teach. Requirements vary by course and program.
*Each candidate’s experience and academic preparation are reviewed to meet the established requirements developed for each program and specific course. Some degree programs require more specific qualifications”
I trust their teachers and I have learned a great deal from them.
Third I get to make my own hours. The teachers post the syllabus and I get to choose when I post to the class. I can do this 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It matters not when, as long as I follow the rules set by the teacher. If I want to wait until my kids are in bed, then I do it after 11 pm. If I work up early and cannot get back to sleep, I can go online and do school work. Try to do that at the local university.
Fourth, I meet many people in my field of study from all around the world. I feel as though I have many friends in Japan, Jamaica and all across the USA. We can network and get to know one another through our class discussions. Talk about social networks.
Fifth, financial aid applications are a breeze at UOP. You fill out forms online at the school and then you are directed to the FAFSA site. They do the rest. Now it sometimes can take awhile, but once you get the first check, the other fall in line in a timely manner. You don’t have to go to the financial aid office and get the paperwork. You don’t even have to mail it back to the university. With electronic signature, it is all done online. All this from the comfort of your own home. Talk about saving gas money!
Lastly, because I am an online student, I have had to write many papers. I have found my writing skills have improved immensely. I am proud of the work I create and know when I receive my GPA, it is because I have worked hard at following the APA format and completing my assignments exactly in the manner requested by my facilitator.
Online school requires time management skills and determination. There is no one breathing down your back to make sure you get your work done on time. Well, except your learning team members. If you are not self-disciplined, online study is not for you. But if you want a quality education and the opportunity to work at your schedule, I would highly recommend online school. You no longer have to say, “I don’t have the time.” It’s the best move I ever made.
Many people feel that enrolling in an online program is not compatible to an on-ground learning experience. Yes, there are many differences between the two methods of instruction, but one thing that does not differ is student participation. In the online environment it is more critical to participate in the discussion- it is usually a significant part of your grade.
Discussion boards helped to foster a community of learners that share ideas, knowledge, suggestions and debate. The conversation in a traditional classroom can range from spirited to low-key or non existence and so can the discussion in an online classroom. The average online course will have weekly discussions that require students to participate by submitting a reply to a posted question or scenario and then responding to their classmates’ posted answers to the same question. This process allows for the students to share their learning as well as comment on others by offering positive feedback. Positive feedback can be in the form of encouragement and agreement to a classmates posted retort or it can be by sharing an alternative perspective. One thing that all classroom participants must understand is that it is okay to disagree or have a different opinion from their classmates. Usually classmates tend to agree on the discussed topic, it is common that the instructor has the diverse opinion. But remember, the instructor and students must use the course material as a guide and resource.
Another important part of the discussion board is to frequently visit the forum. The student will be given a deadline to post and respond to the unit’s discussion board. Within that time frame it is recommended that a student visit the discussion at least three times. This may not always be an easy task to have the accessibility or time to accomplish this, but as a commitment to yourself and your classmates, if all involved attempt to frequent the board and share, the dialogue will remain engaging and educe others to contribute.
If the online learner can schedule three times out of the unit to post to the discussion board, the dialogue between classmates and the instructor will be constant and on-topic. A way to ensure your participation in the unit’s discussion is to:
- Read and Post to the discussion within the first 24 hours of the unit’s opening.
- Return to the discussion board within 48- 72 hours of your initial post to answer others that may have commented to your response and reply to your classmates’ original post.
- If possible, return to the discussion within the last day or two before the unit ends. At this time you will share any further thoughts you have developed from the readings, seminars, essays or other resources you have experienced throughout the week.
This formula for “active participation” may not be an easy task to commit to. If you are able to meet these minimum recommendations, you can gain so much from the experience. Give it a try! There are probably many ways to stay abreast of the discussion and be a part of the classroom conversation.
Tags: class work, Colleges and Universities, coursework, discussion board, expectations, Online Education, online learning, Organization, Time Management
Categories: Colleges and Universities, My Online Experience, Online Education
Posted by Jen Zeman on July 13th, 2008
Choosing the best online program starts with realizing exactly what discipline you want to study. Many colleges offer several different forms of business degrees online, but if business-type disciplines are not interesting to you, don’t settle. For instance, I was interested in becoming a paralegal so I researched the Internet for schools that offered bachelor’s degrees online for legal studies and I found one at the University of Maryland University College. For my master’s I wanted a liberal studies program and found one at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Broaden your search outside of your resident state if you have to (I had to for the master’s degree). As online programs continue their gain in popularity, colleges and universities are offering a larger variety of programs online to meet the variety of needs and desires of students beyond the typical business degree. As you find programs that interest you, research the requirements of the program to determine if it is truly right for you.
Next week’s posting will discuss the financial aspects of going back to school.
Posted by J.M. Striegel on July 12th, 2008
Not unlike your MP3 player, mobile phone, and digital movie downloads, online education offers instant and constant access to the halls of higher education. Aside from a few hours of maintenance on the servers every term, these online doors don’t lock and students can be found roaming the halls of their cyber school at all hours.
A large attraction to online education is the accessibility online learning offers. As long as you have the minimum requirements needed to access your classes and materials, you can study and submit your assignments from any location you choose. Some people don’t perform well in a traditional classroom setting. These individuals may find they would thrive in an online educational setting. The same holds true for the student who requires a specific study environment that wouldn’t be attainable if they were held to a rigorous schedule that only allowed them a certain window of time to study and participate in classroom activities.
Summer classes don’t seem half as bad if you access them while you enjoy a cool breeze on a hammock. Your plans to visit with relatives over the holidays can still happen. Now you have some work to escape to when you’ve had enough “reminiscing,” and they aren’t allowed to make you feel guilty for it. You won’t feel bad about sitting down to “class” when snow is covering the streets outside your door.
Education has evolved. From a café to the beach, online education has become an accessible and portable option that makes quick work of attaining educational goals. So go ahead, make your plans, just don’t forget to include your educational goals and remember to pack a power source.
J.M. Striegel
