Online Masters of Education: a Social Learner Finds Connections Online
By Yaffa Klugerman
By her own admission, Isa Adney is a people person, and that's precisely why she was initially concerned about enrolling in an online graduate program.
"I am a very social learner and had never taken an online class," she says. "I was very worried that what I loved so much about my undergraduate program--having class discussions, study groups, group projects--would be absent from my graduate program."
After Isa, 23, received her BA in Communications from Stetson University in Florida, she was sure she wanted to pursue a Masters, but she wasn't sure how. As a recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, she received $30,000 annually to complete her undergraduate degree and was eligible to receive $50,000 towards a graduate degree. But she also wanted to continue her job at Seminole State College of Florida as a Student Life Coordinator, because she felt passionate about empowering community college students.
"I wanted to be able to earn a degree from a reputable university without having to move away or quit my job," she explains.
After conducting research about online graduate programs, she ultimately decided to enroll at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and pursue a Masters of Education in Human Resources Development. Besides the excellent reputation of UIUC's online program, Isa was drawn to the focus on building a community and attending live class sessions.
"I was hopeful that this program would deliver on its promise to create a social environment via the Internet," she notes, "but I had no idea what to expect."
Encouraging Interaction and Providing Flexibility
Isa was happy to find that UIUC's model encouraged interaction between students. "I began the two-year program as part of a cohort, which means I go through each class with the same classmates," she explains. "Thus, we get to know each other and become very comfortable with each other. . . . It also really adds to class discussions because we are aware of everyone's background and work history."
One night per week, Isa participates in a class through the Elluminate program while watching her professor speak live via Skype. "What is great about these live class sessions is not only do we get to see and get to know the professor, but built into every class are constant activities, including group activities and discussions, so it rarely ever feels like a lecture," she says. "We also have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with each other in a very welcome and friendly atmosphere."
The online program also encourages students to participate in group projects. While Isa acknowledges that working across different time zones can sometimes be challenging, students meet via phone conference Web sites and Skype to collaborate with each other.
"My biggest fear was that online education would be cold and uninspiring," she says of her experience. "But this program blows all of those ideas out of the water."
Isa also found that she was easily able to balance the demands of her work and education because of the program's flexibility. "A typical week involves reading a chapter, perhaps contributing to a discussion board, doing a short paper based more on practical experience or a creative/practical work project, and then going to the live class session for an hour and a half," she notes. "What is also great is that you can do everything on your own time except for the class. However, sometimes things come up with work or personal life and the professors are very understanding. All of the classes are archived so you can watch them at a later date if ever needed."
Advice from a First Generation Student
As the first in her family to graduate college, Isa advises other first generation students to think carefully about whether online education is the right fit. She explains that first generation students must face the challenge of learning to navigate what can be a very confusing academic system. "For an undergraduate degree, I wouldn't recommend online education to first generation college students," she says, "as I think it is vital for them to connect personally with their peers, professors, and professionals in the area to engage, secure internships, and discover what they want to do with their lives.
"That being said, however, I highly recommend online education for a graduate degree to first generation college students," she adds. "After completing an undergraduate degree, they will have a much better understanding of how to navigate the college system. Since most administrative functions are done online even if you attend an on-campus school, they will have no problems adjusting to that aspect of the online environment."
Isa is slated to receive her Masters by summer 2012, and she expects that earning the degree will open doors to her professionally. She hopes to pursue her dream of being a public speaker and trainer for community college students to help encourage them to reach their academic and professional goals.
"This online experience has truly been incredible," she says, "and I never thought I would say that."
Online Course Finder
Find the path to your
education in 3 easy steps.
