Online degrees

[AshleyJordan]

So, this is a spinoff from my other thread, where I'm trying to conceptualize a doctoral program that doesn't quite fit in with any of the offerings in my area. A quick google search pulled up this: http://www.capella.edu/schools_programs/human_services/phd/non_profit_management.aspx, which I found rather interesting. On the one hand, it would offer almost all of the courses I'm interested in, and the exact degree I'm thinking of, and one which may not be offered here in the City. On the other, the idea of getting a degree (especially a Ph.D.,) online seems very odd to me.
I really, really, strenuously doubt that I would get my Ph.D. online. The idea just doesn't "work" for me personally. But the reason I'm posting this is that I do find the idea a little thought-provoking though, especially because IMO one of the primary benefits of education (particularly at the elementary level, but really for everyone,) is face-to-face socialization.
Discuss.

[wordsmith]

The only time I would probably be interested in online degrees (or even online classes) were if I were required to get some sort of certification or other coursework for my job, and it was most convenient to go that route. But for something of my own choosing, I would choose the classroom environment. I thrive far more, academically, in that type of setting.

[capella]

Well, there are really good things about online education and a few negatives. I think the positives outweigh the negatives. I'm currently getting my master's degree online (it's an Instructional Technology program). The degree itself is about developing online learning environments, so I think it's appropriate.

I am also going to a major state university, not some $2,000 a class cheesy university (read: University of Pheonix). I wouldn't trust most of those private online universities (Capella is one of them I would add to the list... absolutely no relation to the screen name). A LOT of colleges are starting to offer online classes and degree programs that are mostly online or wholly online. Check out what your local universities are doing first.

The positives: It's extremely convenient to take online classes. I have set foot on the campus exactly 3 times since I started the program in May and I have finished 3 courses (and I have 2 in progress). I really enjoy having that freedom and I'm not sure I could move through a master's program as fast (or at all with some programs since not all classes are offered in the evenings in every program) if I were taking classes where I had to drive and park and sit in class two-three times a week.

The negatives: It's actually MORE work than sitting in class. You have to read more stuff, be self-motivated, and respond to everything online rather than listening and talking. There can be less interaction, but not necessarily. It's just a different sort of interaction. Programs that are well-designed will encourage student interaction and provide support for that. Not all online classes are the same, so having one negative experience does not mean ALL online learning is bad. It's just like taking classes in face-to-face environments.... some classes and some instructors are just not very good.

[AshleyJordan]

I'm only looking at doctoral programs, and I can't imagine getting a Ph.D. without frequent, face-to-face meetings with one's advisor. In fact, I think those kind of meetings were a key part of my undergrad and grad school experiences.

[dacrunkest]

I am also going to a major state university, not some $2,000 a class cheesy university (read: University of Pheonix).

A good friend of mine went through University of Phoenix program :neutral:. It worked for him...he's in computers and is like an IT manager or something.

[capella]

I'm only looking at doctoral programs, and I can't imagine getting a Ph.D. with frequent, face-to-face meetings with one's advisor. In fact, I think those kind of meetings were a key part of my undergrad and grad school experiences.
My program also has the doctorate level of the program online. My advisor never responds to me and is never available. It's a good thing I know how to fend for myself. I had similar experiences in undergrad. Advisors always seemed pretty worthless to me. I think the type of program you want depends on what kind of skills you're looking to foster. For me, it just makes sense that a program that's ALL ABOUT online education would be offered.... online. ;)

[capella]

A good friend of mine went through University of Phoenix program :neutral:. It worked for him...he's in computers and is like an IT manager or something.
I think they are ripoff artists. You do NOT need to pay that much for a class. I am paying that much for a whole semester of grad classes, not just for one class. I suppose ta-may-to, ta-mah-to, but I think it's a waste of money. Better education can be found elsewhere. I feel like they sell pieces of paper, not education (which is just wrong IMO).

[AshleyJordan]

It's important to note I meant "without" instead of "with" in the post you quoted, and I edited it. It obviously changes my statement greatly, LOL.

[AshleyJordan]

My program also has the doctorate level of the program online. My advisor never responds to me and is never available. It's a good thing I know how to fend for myself. I had similar experiences in undergrad. Advisors always seemed pretty worthless to me. I think the type of program you want depends on what kind of skills you're looking to foster. For me, it just makes sense that a program that's ALL ABOUT online education would be offered.... online. ;)
Yeah, I've actually done a ton of independent studies, and work/study indendently quite well. But I can't imagine (and wouldn't want to,) writing a Ph.D. dissertation with minimal supervision. A research paper or an article, sure. But not something that big or that important!

[capella]

Yeah, I've actually done a ton of independent studies, and work/study indendently quite well. But I can't imagine (and wouldn't want to,) writing a Ph.D. dissertation with minimal supervision. A research paper or an article, sure. But not something that big or that important!
Hmm, perhaps. There are really great ways to communicate online now though (as opposed to several years ago). Maybe times are a-changing. You could create a blog that documents your struggles and have your advisor read and respond to it online, you could use a wiki page or google docs to write and have someone else edit and critique your dissertation. There are a lot of newer technologies that make communicating online way more than email. It's changing from a read only web to a read and respond web, and I think there's a lot of potential in it. Nothing will EVER take the place of live human interaction, but there's a definite perk to having the convenience of online discussions and working on projects on the internet. So many ways to communicate and nearly all are free for the taking. I think it's very exciting. Perhaps not the right fit for everyone, but I like that there are options.

[AshleyJordan]

Certainly interesting and exciting, but, yeah, not for everyone. My field also depends heavily on personal connections and face-to-face meetings/interaction, so in my case, I don't think it would "work." I agree that it's a very interesting development, however.

[capella]

As an educator, I really love the "new" technology for communicating online. There are free sites like Moodle (like blackboard or webct, but free) and just TONS of stuff to use. I'm having my students write their journal entries on blogs now, which means I collect less paperwork. I made them a rubric that tells what components they are graded on, and then I subscribe to their blogs with an RSS feed. I get their new posts sent to me and I grade them on the computer. It's HEAVEN. It cuts back on the papers I have to lug home. Awesomeness.

[wordsmith]

I fear that it would be really easy to phase totally out of the face to face thing, rather than use online communication as supplemental, which probably isn't beneficial for social skills.

[capella]

I fear that it would be really easy to phase totally out of the face to face thing, rather than use online communication as supplemental, which probably isn't beneficial for social skills.
I think that's a real fear and I think it's an issue to work on. Every new technology has that element of "What's this going to do to society?" but the I don't think it's going away and it's probably best to try to find a way to work with it rather than against it.

Edit: I also think it's not necessarily terrible for social skills. Some kids do better expressing themselves in a safe, online environment rather than in front of peers. It cuts back on that element of "I have to look cool" as well. And I think when using technology online to communicate... often you need better social skills because it's really easy to be misunderstood online.

[wordsmith]

Edit: I also think it's not necessarily terrible for social skills. Some kids do better expressing themselves in a safe, online environment rather than in front of peers. It cuts back on that element of "I have to look cool" as well. And I think when using technology online to communicate... often you need better social skills because it's really easy to be misunderstood online.

True, but they don't necessarily translate well from online to offline. Just look at online dating. In my single days, I was a big fan, and I can't tell you how many dates I went on where somebody was WAY smooth and fun and easy to talk to online, and in person was utterly, painfully awkward...they weren't able to transition well from the confidence-boosting atmosphere of not being face to face, and having time to formulate responses without nerves getting in the way to realtime interactions where you don't have that buffer making it easy on you.

[asm198]

I've only taken one class online, but I plan to take more. In fact, if I could get the rest of my degree by taking online classes, I would. I completely loved being able to work at my own pace and complete the work whenever I had time. One of the reasons I really started to dislike college was the 'going to class' part. It wasn't that I didn't want to learn, but I got very little out of actually sitting in a classroom, when it came to certain subjects.

I hated sitting in class, listening to the teacher basically read the textbook and tell us what he/she would be testing on. To me, that wasn't learning, because I can read the textbook on my own. Maybe it was just the school I attended, but after the first year, I got nothing out of it.

The reasons I liked the online class was the freedom that this particular class gave me. The way it was set up was that you had to have all the homework and all the tests completed by finals week. There were benchmarks set up (you should be through these chapters by this week, etc), but nothing set in stone. So, I could work at my own pace. If a certain chapter was really easy for me, I could complete the homework, take the test, and move on without having to wait.

I was so much more productive with an online class than I ever was when I was going to an actual classroom. I felt like I was more in charge of my own learning, rather than just regurgitating what the teacher told me to.

I could honestly see myself being happy to take every class online, except for science classes that have a lab or classes that are require presentations, etc.

[dacrunkest]

Amanda, you should check out some of the options that UMKC and KU-Edwards have for online programs. Jackson county residents get resident rate at KU-Edwards even though it's across the state line.

[cheshrcarol]

I will end up taking about 1/2 of my master's classes online. But by "online" I mean that I attend class at the same time as everyone on campus and I'm able to see the classroom through streaming video and interact with the professor and the other students through VOIP and a chat function. I have the option of watching the class later at my convenience, which is great for emergencies, but I rarely take advantage of it.

I think it really depends on the program if you're able to do this or not. I'm going to school for Human-Computer Interaction, which obviously lends itself to a more technical environment. I don't really ever meet with my adviser because my curriculum is really structured, so that's not an issue. I'm also a master's student, not phd, which makes a difference.

And as for cost, my classes cost a lot more than $2k. In fact, I would consider $2k per class a bargain. But then, I go to one of the top technical universities in the country and my major is offered at only a handful of schools. I haven't even completed my degree and I've got a job in my field paying very well, proving that the degree was worth the money.

[asm198]

Amanda, you should check out some of the options that UMKC and KU-Edwards have for online programs. Jackson county residents get resident rate at KU-Edwards even though it's across the state line.

I have to get my associates first, because of finances and grade issues. I was a pretty idiotic college student and I'm paying for it now. I was planning on going to UMKC afterwards, but I didn't know about KU-Edwards. I'll most definitely check them out!

[dacrunkest]

I have to get my associates first, because of finances and grade issues. I was a pretty idiotic college student and I'm paying for it now. I was planning on going to UMKC afterwards, but I didn't know about KU-Edwards. I'll most definitely check them out!

If you go through the KU-Edwards program, you get the same diploma they give out in Lawrence...but the options are kinda limited.