This week I thought I would tell you a little bit about what it is like to be an online student! For those of you who do not know much about me, I attended a traditional “brick and mortar” college in Massachusetts for my first year. As a ‘traditional’ college student I was constantly overwhelmed and usually stressed. Now, as an online student at Kaplan University I have become more confident in my work and myself.
The online learning environment might seem like a joke to some people, but in reality it is just as difficult and demanding as any other college. An online student is responsible for themselves, there are no teachers nagging to get the work done; it is the individual’s responsibility to turn-on the computer and get to it!
The typical course requirements include reading assignments, discussion board conversations, papers, projects, various other assignments, and seminar sessions. An online seminar is just like attending a seminar in a classroom, the biggest difference is... you are sitting at your own desk! At Kaplan, online seminars include a white board where the professor can show the students a power point, a chat section for the students to interact with each other and ask the professor questions, as well as real-time audio from the professor for the students to listen to.
My favorite part of online learning is the self-directed style of the courses. I have always been an independent person capable of self motivation and personal accomplishment. As an online student I can utilize these characteristics to be the best I can be while continuing my education to achieve the life goals I have set for myself.
Usually, I am shy and self conscious; therefore, the anonymity of online learning has helped build my confidence not only as a student, but as a person as well. I am no longer concerned about what anyone else is thinking about me; instead I am able to focus on other things and simply enjoy life!
The flexibility of online learning is helpful, but there are still deadlines to meet and seminars to attend. Kaplan utilizes flex seminar times, each week the students have a few options as to which Seminar you attend; it is fantastic to be able to pick what time fits my schedule the best. Online learning lets me live a somewhat normal life while still attending school. The flexibility makes work, time with my family, and other responsibilities much easier to juggle.
Another thing that is fantastic about the online environment is the diversity of the people you meet. At the moment, I am in Germany, but I have class with people from all over the United States and the world! Some people might think that in an online classroom you don’t know the people “sitting next to you” but in reality you make many friends who will be right there with you throughout your education.
My favorite style of learning has been with Kaplan in the online environment.
That’s it for now, Cheers!
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