We've been talking to Michele, a new student to the University of Phoenix lately, and here are a few questions I asked her about how her first two weeks of class have been going.
Q. So, you've been in the MBA program for two weeks now. What are your impressions about distance learning compared to any preconceived notions you
had before you started?
My impressions are very good. I like it because I don't have a lot of time to waste sitting in a class reading a boring lecture. You read the lectures yourself. I think you get so much more out of it, because it's hands on. I didn't have any preconceived ideas about it, I just dove right in. The majority of the people going to the classes on line are self motivated people who work, have families and don't have a lot of time, and they know this is important to their careers and are motivated.
Q. How do you interact with your classmates and your teachers? Do you feel a
personal peer to peer connection to them, or does the 'distance' create a barrier to this type of interaction?
It is structured so that you work with your classmates everyday, corresponding with them on what they have learned and this participation is graded so that you have to participate and make an effort, you can't just sit in a class and then go on your way. You Actually have to participate on absolutely everything that is being discussed in the lectures everyday. There is no time for slacking, this is a 6 week course. You can talk to your professor whenever you want, you don't have to make an appointment. It is so much more proficient a learning tool, for those ready to take the challenge. And, it's not easy by any means.
Q. How much time daily are you spending on the course? Is it difficult to find the time to work on the course? How does it fit into your other work as a graphic designer?
I can pretty much select a daily time, where I can, and make sure that I get
things done as soon as I possibly can, it's not easy and sometimes you just
want to have a day off, but, because you are communicating with all these people in the same boat from all over the US, it makes it fun, and you are
eager to see what others are doing and coming up with, so you make the time. I think it is difficult at times, but that is because of the nature of the graphic design business I am in, it's a 24/7 business and you have to be ready at the drop of a hat to get jobs out.
Q. What kinds of costs have you accumulted from the course? Books, programs,
course fees? Can you give an approximate number?
I think the costs are set up as minimally as possible. You pay for your books and class like any other institution and your one time application fee. But, I've found this process pretty streamlined. I think also, because the classes are convent and you can do them wherever you want, makes it a bit more expensive than the traditional schooling, but, you can get your degree completed just as fast, if not faster, and you don't have to spend all this time driving to and from class and being in a traditional classroom. I'm all for this type of education. I think it's going to be our future eventually.
Top Online Colleges
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Kaplan University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Kaplan University is a dynamic institution that offers accredited, online degrees to students seeking to jump start a new career. Kaplan University makes it easy for students to get the college degree that they want.
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Ashford University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Ashford University has a rich tradition of online educational excellence. This excellence is shown in the quality of each class that every student receives.
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University of Phoenix - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, & Doctoral Degrees. University of Phoenix shows each student how easy and convenient it is to earn your college degree through their distance learning program. Students can choose to learn at home or from a campus location near you.
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Liberty University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. At Liberty University, students educational goals and needs are met by an outstanding faculty and support staff. Any adult learner looking to go back to school will be pleased with the course offerings available at Liberty University.
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American InterContinental University Online - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. At American InterContinental University, every individual has an opporunity to receive an excellent college degree and the ability to maximize their human potential. American InterContinental University allows you to pick a time and place that fits your schedule.
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DeVry University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Students who attend DeVry University are welcomed with an outstanding faculty who put each students needs and dreams first. DeVry University is an accredited university that offers affordable degrees.
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Westwood College - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Westwood College uses a student-centric approach to its educational curriculum and each student benefits from this ideal. Westwood College is an accredited university with degrees in high-growth industries.
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