Online Universities: Why They Still Don't Measure Up
This article ticked me off; according to some people and companies, all the work we are doing for these classes is not respected and pretty much a joke. If a job comes down between two people, a company will hire the person that went to a university before someone with an online degree unless the online degree person has something else remarkable on their resume. (Ugh!) I feel I work just as hard in my grad classes than I worked in my undergrad. I'm learning more and most of it is pretty interesting. Do I wish some days I was in a classroom because it's easier than emailing back and forth when there is an issue, yes, but at the same time, I can not imagine sitting through a 2-4 hour class on a Friday evening after working all week. I was really nervous to take online courses because I knew they were going to be quicker and more difficult but I absolutely love it because it works for my schedule. For those people out there that haven't lived or worked with someone taking online classes, just talk to my parents and co-workers, the stress level to finish assignments is no different then someone physically going to class.
I understand what the article is saying. Some of the strictly on-line schools are less than rigorous. But this program is definitely keeping us on our toes. And the comment about low graduation rates makes sense. These programs puts the onus completely on you to do the work. There have been many times when I've left friends early because I had to do homework.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started this program, I was very nervous. I don't think I would have been able to successfully complete it as an 18-year-old. It takes a lot of dedication and organization to make it work. I have to set a daily schedule for myself and plan out what work I will complete on each day to make sure it all gets done. As an 18-year-old, I would have put it all off until Saturday morning. You definitely have to be a self-starter to be successful in this online program.
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