As with anything in life there are pros and cons to every situation. We make lists, sometimes physical or solely in our mind, comparing the positives and negatives before making a decision. I am sure many of you did this when deciding to go back to school and whether or not you were going to join campus or online courses. What is your favorite part of being an online graduate student? What is your least? I know there are some days where I long to be in a classroom environment but then I remember why I chose an online program in the first place.
I love the idea that I can attend class and get my work done anywhere at any time, so I guess it is safe to say convenience was my major deciding factor. Working a full time and part time job does not leave me much free time to begin with so I knew a campus program would have been unrealistic. I also like to do a great deal of traveling in my free time since my closest friends live all over the country and my boyfriend is in the Navy stationed in California. Much of my class work is done on my work breaks, late at night, or at an airport and I would not have it any other way.
The part I miss about courses on campus is the face to face interaction, and as wonderful as technology is to provide this feature it is not the same. Personally an online skype call with someone I have never met face to face is honestly quite intimidating. I remember when I was in school for my undergraduate degree I interviewed for a position as a Victoria's Secret Campus Representative through Skype. Sure interviews can be nerve racking to begin with but for some reason the fact that it was not in person actually made me more nervous. I also always receive emails regarding events going on at Marist or internship opportunities that I hate missing out on because I am not physically there. As an undergraduate I was always involved on campus and I feel like the opportunities for online graduates is limited.
I am in total agreement with you, Kristen. I love the flexibility of the on-line program, but I do miss the face-to-face interaction. As much as I love all my on-line classmates at Marist, I do wish that we would be able to meet at least once during each semester.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it would be nice to officially meet everyone in person and do something together as a community.
DeleteYou make some good points, especially about flexibility.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on creating your blog and publishing your first post, Kristen. Go to iLearn Assignments, Publish Individual Blogs, to read my initial assessment and feedback on your blog. Regards, Mark
ReplyDeleteI find that I learn better independently than in a classroom. So Along with the flexibility I am getting a better understanding of the class work
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