Returning to Learning

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   Jacqueline4390posted 9 years ago

   Are you an adult considering either advancing your education or investing in a new skill for the first time in years? Then it may be more feasible to start in a “traditional classroom” atmosphere before considering “online education.” Having the physical support of other learners can make the transition to student a lot easier. Being an online adult student takes a lot of discipline and commitment. No one is “looking over your shoulder” and distractions are greater. Once you are accustomed to studying; taking online classes will be less stressful.

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      starme77posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I have been at the university of phoenix online for 2 years and I love it online learning is definatly not for someone who lacks self discipline, you are correct with that, however making friends and collaberating with others is extremly easy, there is a whole community within the University and its acutally a great social experience

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      1. 80

         Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

         For some the Online Experience can be extremely beneficial. For others, it can be a nightmare. I have seen students who devoted more time to movies and concerts; then at the last minute try to knock out a term paper ... ain't happening! For others, they have mastered the Art of Procrastination to a point where they can indeed "Party Hardy" and produce. However, I stand firm in my belief that when starting out "fresh" take it slowly. Otherwise, it can be a big let-down. (Love those clichés)

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            Travis Wakemanposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            It sounds like you are trying to plug your own university or program. I'm a recent graduate using nonfiction audiobooks to keep up with maintaining my education.

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               Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

               Good for you. My only interest is that people make the right choice when deciding to RETURN TO SCHOOL. Where they go is their prerogative.

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            wildernessposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            Sounds like my college days, watching the kids living in the dorm.  More party, pizza and beer than learning.
            
            Online or physical, dedication and responsibility are needed.

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               Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

               Agreed. My students discovered that learning CAN be an enjoyable experience by combining work with fun. The interaction was great but the emphasis was on learning. They had jobs and families but wanted to advance their skills. The diverse group of exceptional learners and slower learners merged to form a cohesive group of dedicated individuals working together with one purpose ... Earning that degree.

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   lilmissmontanaposted 9 years ago

   This past semester I took two in class classes and number of online courses. Next semester, as I finish my degree, I am taking all online courses. I prefer them for the most part. I have a busy schedule and online classes give me the flexibility I need and want. I can read notes, listen to lectures, and do homework at midnight when the baby is sleeping and the man is at work. The one thing I miss is the face to face interaction.

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   1. 80

      Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      It sounds like you are a very organized and disciplined student and the online experience works well for you. It didn't work well for my son. He did excellent when he went to classes on campus and had the face-to-face interaction. However, when he decided to take online courses (so he could work) it was a real nightmare for him. He went to concerts and plays and did very little studying except for the last minute. This is what prompted me to write this. My daughter did excellent both online and on campus. It just depends on the person.
      
      Again, I am not knocking the online experience--had it myself. But it doesn't work well for everyone. If you enjoy it ... do it. However, this is my opinion being a former college professor and dealing with counselling students: go with what works for YOU not what works for others. My students told me about their experiences just starting out and they really enjoyed my classes because they were both fun and a learning experience. We had "Pizza Breaks" and made games out of learning such as "Family Feud" and "Jeopardy" with the class breaking up in teams. That's hard to do online!

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   BigBlue54posted 9 years ago

   I am considering taking a master of arts course part time next year. In this case the university is some distance away but they run all day Saturday classes once a month. The rest of the time I will work from home. My original degree was also part time so I never really did the whole university thing. I do realise for some it is a big part of their lives but by the time I did my degree I had a family so I was busy doing other things
   
   My partner is considering several courses as well connected to her interest in family history and all will be online or distant learning.
   
   Here in the UK we have had The Open University doing distant learning degree courses since 1969. In fact my partner did her degree through The Open University.
   
   Anyway for all those return to education, good luck and I hope it takes you where you want to go.

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      Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Best wishes in your academic endeavors.
      
      I took both online courses and all day Saturday courses as well. The all day Saturday course was a real "workout" but being determined as well as disciplined, I was able to "Pull it Off." Everyone who plans on succeeding when returning to school should take into consideration their workloads: family, job, extra activities and of course school. If your school is a good distance away and you know you can accomplish it online, then full speed ahead. Just remember that if you haven't been used to studying for a long time (and this is the audience that I am referring to) then weigh ALL your options.
      
      Remember the old cliche : what's good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander. (Just because it works for some doesn't necessarily means that it will work for all.)

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