Back to School

[puffin]

Good Morning,
I will be going back to school but taking online courses to obtain a degree.
I wonder if anyone out there has done this. I may be taking them through Phoenix Univ Online. If you have, what is your impression of it? Does it require more time than they state per week? Did the courses help you in your job? I would love some general feedback of the online educational experience & how it works for you. Thanks!

K
Sr Admin
RI

[laurafmcdermott]

Hi Puffin:  Congrats on your decision!  I am currently enrolled in an online degree program, but it is through a local college.  I'm really not sure how degrees from U of Phoenix and the like are regarded in the business world, that would be something to check on before you spend the money, as well as how the credits from that institution transfer to other institutions.

I spend anywhere from 10 to 20 hours per week for classwork, for one class per semester, depending on the type of class and how intense it is.  You really need to be dedicated to doing the work, as well as keeping up with the reading, to be successful with this type of format.  My courses have really helped me in my job, I am working on a bachelors in health care administration and have recently working in a long term care (nursing home) facility and am currently in a company that coordinates care for medicaid recipients.

I'm quite happy that I went this route, I got my associates degree going to school nights but this way is more friendly to my current family situation.  Good luck and I'd be happy to answer any other questions!

[jennika]

I am not sure how much time they say you need to dedicate, but I do know they have a very good reputation in their degree program.   If you manage to get your degree it is well earned and respected.  I have friends who have attended and they do say it can be intense.  Good luck in your decision.

[countrigal]

The main question to ask oneself when looking at going the "online" route is this... how do you learn?  Are you able to pick stuff up from reading it and doing work, or do you find the q&a sessions and lectures from the instructor really help you pick it up.  Can you read nuances, or do you need to see them in real-life to understand?  I myself normally find it easier to learn in the lecture format with the instructor, but took some classes online.  The way I made it through these passing was by study groups, where I was able to discuss the topics with others and get an understanding.  Online learning is not an easy way to get a degree, and I did find myself spending more hours than suggested, due to meeting with the study group and all the pre-work and stuff, but it is a great alternative way of getting a degree and a way of fitting it into a busy life.

Look at your study habits and ability to learn when deciding if it's the way for you to go.  You don't want to drop the money on the classes only to determine that the type of learning format really isn't for you.  Good luck in your decision... and in your degree.  That's a great step and congrats on being willing to take that step!

CountriGal
Peer Moderator

[jguess]

Hi Puffin,

I actually took online classes at University of Phoenix last year.  I personally prefer taking online classes as apposed to real classes because I feel like I have more freedom to learn.  University of Phoenix is extremely fast paced - be prepared to write a paper or two every week and will be required to work in teams to write papers/accomplish assignments.  You will have to post 2 times a day, 3 to 4 times a week and the 5 week classes go very quick.  I didn't think I spent more time than usual per week, but it was sometimes difficult to get assignments done because you had to wait for your teammates to finish their parts.  I wouldn't say the courses I took helped me in my job as I was majoring in Marketing and the classes I took were pretty basic "how to take a class online" courses, as well as Critical Thinking and Math.  I did not like that all the text books were online though.  I do not like reading too much on my computer and many of the books are too large to print.  I wasted A LOT of toner printing out my books.  I would prefer to have a text book in my hand so I can read it anytime, anyplace.

I would say that University of Phoenix is good if you are a quick learner, and are looking to get a degree fast.  I also found that University of Phoenix is so much more expensive than many other colleges that offer the same type of degrees.

Hope this helps.  It wasn't a bad experience, I just found that I prefer a more traditional semester time period so I can better learn the subjects.

Jaymi

[raindance]

Congratulations, Puffin, on going back to school, and I wish you success with your studies.

More and more educational institutions are providing online courses these days, and it's great for distance learning.

CG was quite right - your learning habits are important.  However, that doesn't mean you can't train yourself to learn in a different way, or at least to incorporate the new methods in your "old" methods.  

I have done a traditional degree course (go to uni, sit in class, read an awful lot, write essays), multimedia distance learning courses and an online course.  

I always take extra time to learn things because that is me - a bit of a tortoise (slow and steady, and thorough).

What really matters is that you enjoy the subject you are studying, are disciplined about study time, learn the things you need to learn and don't sweat the small stuff.  Online courses can seem a bit isolating, but there is usually an online network of students and, often, a face-time with your tutors (or phone time!) and face-to-face study groups.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

Best wishes,

Raindance