It figures that a diploma mill like Capella University would solicit students on this forum with a representative that doesn't even know how to spell.
Joeof IL7:52PM April 28, 2010
I have worked for two brick and click schools (currently for Bryant & Stratton College Online) and have earned a graduate degree through the online environment. I also currently teach a Business Communications course online.
Kelly makes a fair point about how important faculty are in the online learning experience. A fully engaged instructor that is responsive and bringing real world experience and scenarios make for a great experience and one that is challenging and rewarding.
If instructors are not actively involved, course completion rates and retention rates suffer. All the flashy technology (video, flash, interactive demos, etc.) mean nothing as even in online education the student is paying for the instructor not the technology which is just a tool towards learning.
Scott Traylor (Bryant & Stratton College Online)of NY11:59AM April 16, 2010
Some more food for thought… Choose a program that’s designed to be highly interactive. Ask about class size and how much interaction you will have your professor and your classmates. How quickly will you get answers from faculty and staff if you have questions?
I work for Post University, which is a 120-year-old traditional brick and mortar school in New England that also has an online program. When I first started working at the University in July, I heard a lot about how great the online courses were from students who were enrolled. So, I decided to enroll in the Master of Education program and see for myself. The course I recently finished was the single-best learning experience of my life! I literally felt like my brain was on fire. Not only did I learn a tremendous amount from the assignments, but I also learned so much from the information and perspectives offered by my professor and classmates who included working professionals of many ages and backgrounds. This course tapped into everything I love about learning – access to new ideas, opportunities to immediately apply what I’m learning to projects that interest me, and a deep feeling of connectedness to other people in the class. So, rather than dread the added “work” after a long day at work, I looked forward to logging in after my kids were in bed to see what everyone was saying about the course materials for the week.
http://www.post.edu/online
Kelly Statmoreof CT9:25AM April 16, 2010
Hello,
My name is Josh Basara, and I work at Capella University. It is no mystery that online education is increasingly becoming more popular; and this article provides great insight on the due diligence any prospective student should complete when considering a higher education degree. One more step I would consider is to reach out to current students and graduates for their perspective. A great place to do this is on Facebook. I would ask questions about their online learning experience, how their employer might look at online degrees, and why they decided to pursue an online degree...etc.
Feel free to reach out Capella University’s Facebook memebers for any questions you might have about online learning: http://www.facebook.com/CapellaUniversity
Josh Basaraof MN3:07PM April 15, 2010
Great article!! One thing I think could be added is that students taking IT courses online, for example, should look for schools that offer online lab simulations so they can still get hands-on, practical experience with the technology they are learning about. DeVry University, West Los Angeles College, Virginia College Online, ITT Tech, Henderson College, and many others offer this type of training. As a result, online students can prep for IT certifications and get experience -- both of which will help them in the job hunt. Here's a case study of one school that has incorporated online lab simulations into its online curriculum. http://www.labsimonline.com/casestudies/csWestLACollege.pdf
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Joe of IL 7:52PM April 28, 2010
Scott Traylor (Bryant & Stratton College Online) of NY 11:59AM April 16, 2010
Kelly Statmore of CT 9:25AM April 16, 2010
Josh Basara of MN 3:07PM April 15, 2010
Kelly Wanlass of UT 2:11PM April 15, 2010