Posted on Jul 27, 2015
Online Education. A lot of military folks get online degrees. What are the good and bad experiences you've had with online classes?
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Full Disclosure: I work for an online education technology company. I want to understand what drives our military students to help make the work we do better.
Education
Higher Education
Master's Degree
Bachelors Degree
MBA
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 38
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Honestly, convenience is the key. Regardless of the MOS, time is critical and if we are committing too much time to something such as school after work then it dissuades us to another school. We MUST be able to accomplish multiple missions at the same time (work, family, school) just like everyone else, however add in CQ/Staff Duty, field time etc. We become experts in juggling. The school must work with us in order to interest/keep our interest.
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As a graduate I have to say that online schooling can be much harder than traditional. When you attend a traditional school and sit in class you feel obligated to do the work. When you are at home it takes much more discipline because you have so many other distractions such as children, TV, pets, etc...
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SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD
I agree, SFC. On line studies demands that much discipline. For instance, research, setting aside study time, meeting datelines, in some cases, the absence of study groups, etc. It's difficult. During my pursuit of a PhD, there were times when I felt so alone, as I was required to conduct extensive research by myself, with respect to my chosen area of studies. At times, I felt like throwing in the tower, as I didn't have anyone close by, to assist me with certain areas unfamiliar to me. Thank God, for the classroom settings, where I could discuss topics with other classmates. One has to be fully committed to an on line degree. Those who provide said service, should be available at the ready, for those who might not be disciplined enough to undertake such a task. Some will need constant encouragement. They might even need mentoring. Blessings.
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The graduation rate is the key. The University of Phoenix's graduation rate is about 20%, which basically means they are recruiting military students for the cash, not to help them get a degree. UofP should be banned from receiving government funding.
What military people need is a way to get an education that fits within their time schedule. It helps if it is self-paced, although some people do need an occasional nudge or they drop out (and if they do, at least that's on them, it's not that the course schedule was deliberately impossible so the school gets the cash and the serviceman gets the shaft.)
Starting out, military people need to be told the truth. College courses, at least those not from degree mills, require 2 hours of self-study for every hour of classroom or online study. Servicemen need to understand that it takes a serious commitment. This isn't like posting on RallyPoint.
What military people need is a way to get an education that fits within their time schedule. It helps if it is self-paced, although some people do need an occasional nudge or they drop out (and if they do, at least that's on them, it's not that the course schedule was deliberately impossible so the school gets the cash and the serviceman gets the shaft.)
Starting out, military people need to be told the truth. College courses, at least those not from degree mills, require 2 hours of self-study for every hour of classroom or online study. Servicemen need to understand that it takes a serious commitment. This isn't like posting on RallyPoint.
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