Posted by Jen Zeman on November 18th, 2008
Living in a small, rural country town has many advantages. Having an easily accessible four-year college or university is not one of them. Accessibility became the main inspiration to pursuing an online university.
The University of Maryland University College (UMUC) provided me everything I needed online: application, course schedules, registration, book ordering, advising, library services, you name it. I didn’t have to step foot on the physical campus until commencement! Final exams couldn’t be taken online, but even that was convenient. I had the ability to take proctored exams at my local community college (which at the time I worked for them, making it that much more convenient). It was wonderful knowing I could achieve a bachelor’s degree (and now even master’s degree) without having to commute 45-75 miles to a physical campus. No wear and tear on my car, no extra money spent on gas, and no traffic! I could log-on to my coursework during lunch breaks, evenings, weekends, whenever it worked for me versus the rigid three-hour classroom requirement typically available. A point to remember – the coursework isn’t any easier because you’re not sitting in a classroom! There usually is plenty of reading, but if you account for the three hours normally spent in a classroom, the reading won’t be an issue.
One other reason I chose an online university was the ability to learn at my own pace. I’m an independent learner who normally moves quickly through assignments so an online atmosphere was ideal (i.e. I didn’t have to sit through an hour-long discussion on someone else’s question when I didn’t need the clarification). However, instructors were easily accessible if I did have questions.
If accessibility to a four-year institution is an issue for you, an online college or university is an ideal choice. It certainly beats the alternative – not getting a degree at all.
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.
