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Anyone Used Online Learning?
Topic Started: Jun 12 2012, 08:12 AM (131 Views)
PattyP
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Senior Carp
If so, has it been in whole or in part to secure a degree?

I'm thinking of moving right into my BS now that I have my AAS in IT. I had originally planned to find work, but the more I look the more I realize employers require a BS. Yeah, I really was hoping to find a job and an employer with a generous tuition assistance program before moving along but I shouldn't hold my breath.

Anyway, I do not want to attend a 4-year university for various reasons. The smaller colleges that have the program I want all seem to be online colleges. I enjoy the classroom setting and the interaction with other students and instructors. I understand that there are perks associated with online learning, flexible hours, attending class in my jammies, and so on, but I'm unsure if I can stay disciplined and focused enough to go that route 100%.

The few people I've talked to about it say they like it. What's been your experience with online learning?

A tired dog is a good dog.

"Dogs' lives are too short...their only fault, really."
A.S. Turnbull
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Kincaid
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HOLY CARP!!!
I helped my wife (I did the typing and proof reading and helped her express herself more eloquently - I like to think) on her papers when she was getting a Masters of Education online from Walden University.

The good thing about it was that it was only a 20-month program and the cost was less than $10k. IIRC, the local in classroom university offering a Masters was 24 months and I think over double the cost.

She was pretty diligent to do the assigned reading, and she participated in all the online class discussions. I think she found the readings to be nothing too special and the papers were not that challenging really. However, she really enjoyed and learned from the class discussions. Those discussions were very involving - much more so than in a classroom setting where you can just sit in the back and not say much. She really had to be involved - everyone did.

I think she values her Masters more than I would - I think the overall quality of the learning and skills would have been better at a regular university, but the classroom discussions offset some of the shortcomings of the online college so overall the online Masters program was not too below what she would have received from a more traditional in-class program. In any case, it certainly wasn't a cheesy diploma mill situation and her instructors were quite good.
Kincaid - disgusted Republican Partisan since 2006.
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Kincaid
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HOLY CARP!!!
So anyway Patty, I would emphasize that you may enjoy the virtual classroom setting as much or more because you may find you are getting lots more interaction with classmates and instructors this way - I guess that would be something to ask of the particular schools you investigate - how much to they require that interaction?
Kincaid - disgusted Republican Partisan since 2006.
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Aqua Letifer
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ZOOOOOM!
I think it depends on why you want the degree.

There are certain kinds of learning experiences only a classroom setting can provide. But these may not be as important to you if you're doing IT, and especially so if you just need to go through the motions to get the degree and apply for jobs.
I cite irreconcilable differences.
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
Patty, with Cisco certifications I cannot imagine that you could not get a job. Just because it says they want a bachelor's degree does not mean they won't take someone without if they have the skills. A four year degree for a network engineer is geneally unnecessary.
Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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Frank_W
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PattyP
Jun 12 2012, 08:12 AM
What's been your experience with online learning?
I've learned quite a lot about human reproduction... eh... I doubt if there's a degree program for that, though. :devilgrin:
Anatomy Prof: "The human body has about 20 sq. meters of skin."
Me: "Man, that's a lot of lampshades!"
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