Achieving Success
Today, many members of the military want to complete the college degrees they once pursued only to see responsibility to their assignments and commitment to their families put a temporary halt to their quest for a diploma. Online education has become the solution for many. Because distance learning provides the study flexibility that structured, on-campus schedules do not, individuals seeking to complete their degrees are able to plan study around military career demands that include periodic geographic reassignments. Distance does not matter. Such individuals are able to continue their studies uninterrupted because the computer is their classroom.
The concerns of students considering the online learning option often center on the aspects of isolation and a lack of idea exchange and discussion they’d previously experienced in a traditional classroom environment. Many online learners, however, report experiencing richer interaction with professors and fellow students than had been possible in large, on-campus lecture hall settings. Distance learning offers the opportunity to interact with students around the nation and, in many instances, around the world, resulting in an enriched learning experience.
“But,” cautions Merle W. Harris, Ed.D., president of Charter Oak State College, a regionally accredited distance learning college for adults, “there are a number of factors that students must consider prior to committing to online learning.” Harris offers these pointers for those considering degree completion online:
- Be certain you understand that online courses are a commitment. Although they provide more time and study flexibility, they are not necessarily “easier” than traditional college courses. They may, in fact, be more difficult. So, if you’re looking for an easy way out, online learning is probably not for you.
- Be sure you can commit to setting study time aside on a regular basis. When you study is not important. The time of day during which you do study will be dictated by your duties, family and other personal commitments. Create a study schedule and maintain it. But keep in mind that regular discussion participation may be a requirement in many online courses and may represent an important part of your grade.
- Although online courses have structure and must be completed within a specific time period, no one will tell you exactly when you need to “be in class.” So, you must be an independent and disciplined learner.
- Be sure your computer skills are adequate. You’ll be required to send e-mails, navigate the Internet, download information and use word processing software.
- You’ll need to write clearly. Online courses rely on the written word for conferencing purposes and for preparing required papers.
However, students are not completely on their own. “In Charter Oak classes,” Harris notes, “students receive timely feedback from faculty regarding their performance as well as advice, when necessary, on how to improve their performance. Furthermore, online learning is an active, not a passive experience, and assignments are carefully designed to assist students in translating knowledge into practice.”
Reliable data confirms that a college degree increases one’s career advancement and earning potential, thereby supporting the importance of earning a diploma. Online learning provides one of higher education’s most economical degree completion options. The cost for learning online is often less than that for attending on-campus classes.
“Online learning can be a rewarding experience,” says. Harris. “If you require flexibility in where and when you study, then online courses may be an excellent way for you to complete your college degree.” ♦
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Merle W. Harris, Ed.D., is president of Charter Oak State College, New Britain, Conn.