e-Insights

Drexel Verterans Association

On March 6th, 2011 the Drexel Veterans Association was fully recognized as a chapter of the Student Veterans of America! The Drexel Veterans Association is an organization striving to enhance campus life for student military affiliated personnel in a variety of ways. It is an outlet to outreach and identify the needs and future goals of our Veteran students and ROTC students. The club should also serve as a resource for collaboration and communication between the military personnel and other students. For more information, please visit the Drexel Veterans Association website.

Click here for more information regarding Drexel University Online and the Post 9/11-GI Bill Yellow Ribbon program.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Earning a Degree Online

If you're considering earning an online bachelor's degree or online master's degree, here are a few common pitfalls to avoid.

Assuming online is easy
A common misconception about distance education is that online programs are easy. In reality, the course content for an accredited online degree program is often very similar to—if not the same as—any on-campus program. In the case of Drexel's online degree programs, they adhere to the same standards, lead to the same degrees, and many are even taught by the same instructors as their on-campus counterparts.

Poor time management
One of the often-cited benefits of online learning is its flexibility; however, this doesn't mean turning in assignments or taking tests whenever you want. Online classes have syllabi with deadlines and scheduled tests just like any other college course. This means online students—who often have other responsibilities on top of their studies—need to be extremely disciplined about managing time effectively to meet these requirements. 

Communication breakdown
The majority of communication throughout online courses is done electronically. Without the benefit of tone, facial expression, and body language, this can be a big adjustment—particularly for those who aren't accustomed to using email, chat, or online forums on a regular basis. Online students are faced with the challenge of choosing words carefully and respectfully while also writing in a thoughtful and engaging manner.

Not utilizing available resources
Students in Drexel's online degree programs have access to all the same resources as on-campus students, including advising services, library access, writing services, and career services, not to mention 24-hour technical support. Students often don't take full advantage of these services because they are either unaware of them or simply opt not to.

Not staying connected
Due to the nature of the medium, online learning can feel isolated, but an online student is never more than an email, phone call, forum post, or chat message away from their instructor or a classmate. Students who don't stay connected miss out on valuable opportunities for learning and networking. That's why interactivity is major component of Drexel's online degree programs, all of which require class participation via online discussion boards and often incorporate group projects.

Taking on too much too soon
Many online students work full time, have family obligations, or are busy with other responsibilities on top of their coursework. Some are returning to school for the first time in years, and some are even first-time students. This combination of life and school, in addition to the new experience of online learning, can easily overwhelm even the most organized individual. Anyone considering an online degree program should speak at length with an advisor to discuss a workload that makes the most sense for them and their schedule.

For more tips about online learning, or to find out more about Drexel's online bachelor's degrees and online master's degrees, visit Drexel Online.

Drexel Online Graduates Discuss: Experience vs. Expectation Part 2

When these students entered their respective online programs, they had certain expectations. Now that they've graduated from Drexel, hear how their experiences measured up.

Nancy Barker, Master of Science in Nursing
I was pleasantly surprised [by my experience]. I wasn’t sure how great it was going to be or if I was going to have the same experience as my traditional education experience. And actually it was superb. The instructors and professors were wonderful. I actually did have a lot of interaction with my fellow classmates. And I felt like I got a really quality first rate education at Drexel.

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Xiomara Diaz, Master of Science in Engineering Management
My expectations going into the program were completely surpassed, mostly because the interaction that is offered with the professors as well as the classmates—who can be anywhere across the world—was superb. It was more than I ever anticipated or imagined. That interaction makes it worthwhile because you’re not just staring at a computer trying to punch in answers.

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Linda Gaines, Master of Science in Higher Education
Starting the program I was apprehensive because my bachelor's degree program was hybrid; it was one day a week in class and the rest was online, so I did know the online component. But this particular program was 100 percent online. So I was apprehensive whether or not there would be the engagement or the faculty interaction I was looking for. But my expectations were met and exceeded. People will ask me [how I liked the online program or what it was like never meeting your professors] and I tell them I had more interaction with these professors than I did with the ones in classrooms. You can email them, they would answer you within 24 hours. My expectations were definitely exceeded in this particular program.

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Sadie Davis, Master of Science in Sport Management
When I entered the [online Master of Science in Sport Management program at Drexel], my experience differed from what I expected because I thought there was going to be a more nonchalant feel about it. I didn’t think I would really get responses from the instructors. I thought I was going to be on my own, basically. But it was totally different. The support was there not just from the instructors, but from my fellow students as well.

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Karen Boncic, Bachelor of Science in Education
I thought the experience [of earning my Bachelor of Science degree online] was incredible. I had taken classes previously in a situation where there was a giant auditorium and you didn’t have that personal interaction with the professors. I felt like I was able to get to know my classmates and professors more in the online experience than in a classroom setting. The reason I think is because people let their guard down and they’re able to share their feelings and they’re able to tell you real experiences that are brought in from their life. I don’t think you get that in the same way in a classroom because people are looking at you…it’s a little bit different. So I think the online world allows you to really get in depth with other people—which sounds ironic actually.

Drexel Online Graduates Discuss: Experience vs. Expectation Part 1

When these students entered their respective online degree programs at Drexel Online, they had certain expectations. Now that they've graduated, hear how their elearning experiences measured up.

Shani Ferguson, MBA Anywhere^TM
As someone who has been online for almost 20 years now--I was an early adopter--I was very comfortable with the idea of an online program, but the reality surpassed my expectations. It was a wonderful program. There was a very free exchange of ideas. There were students from right out of college through late fifties in our group. Everyone had different perspectives, and it was a really easy way to share them online.

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Sean Elwell, RN to BSN
The online experience was much [better] than I could have expected. The flexibility and the hours and scheduling [were] great, as well as the attention of the professors and their ability to interact with the students even though we weren’t face to face.

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Tonnetta Graham, Master of Science in Higher Education
I’m not a “techie,” so to speak, and I must admit was kind of apprehensive at first to do a total online program, being more social - and people-oriented. However, the support that I received in utilizing the technology…was excellent. No matter what time of day [you contacted them] you always got the help that you needed. And the way the technology was incorporated into the program was also very good.

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Denise Carr, MSN in Innovation and Intra/Entrepreneurship in Advanced Nursing Practice
To be honest, when I came into the program, [I expected it to be] a breeze. I thought that it would be easy…because it was online. However…it challenged me to a level that I never knew that I could get to. I might be able to start a nonprofit this summer because of the push from my teachers. It developed me into a person that I never thought I could be.

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Beth Henderson, Master of Science in Information Science
I was concerned when I entered the online Master of Science in Information Science program because quite honestly I'm not the most computer-oriented person, and I wasn't sure how I would be able to manage the skills that I thought would be required, but I did fine. It was very easy; the help was available either through the instructor or through the online personnel. I thought it was interesting to be in class with people form all around the country, especially because a lot of us were practicing already in the field and it was interesting to be able to compare notes on how things were being impacted by information technology, by government cuts around the country. I thought it was a really enriching experience to do it this way.

Online Students Discuss: Advice for those Considering Online Degree Programs

Choosing the right college can be a challenge. Choosing to earn a certificate or degree online has so many additional factors to consider. Here's some advice from Drexel Online students for anyone considering online education.

"If I had any advice to offer anyone who is looking into an online degree program, I would tell them to go for it. Having online courses allows you to complete your degree while maintaining your life."

Colleen Stam – M.S. Library & Information Science

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"An online degree is not an easy degree to pursue, but it is beneficial for a number of reasons. You can still work while you’re earning your degree, so you can get real world experience, which many on-campus students aren’t able to do. You’re able to make your own schedule. Because [most of] the classes are asynchronous, you can do your work [whenever is convenient for you].

George Aulisio – MS Library & Information Science

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"If I had to give advice to someone considering an online degree it would be to seize the opportunity. There’s never going to be a better time, there’s never going to be more money, you’re never going to be in a better situation. And once you [commit to it] be prepared to take detours to reach your goal."

Judith Bardsley – MS Library & Information Science

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"If you’re considering an online education it requires some discipline. You have to organize yourself very well, and just not be afraid to start typing things. [There are some things like] online chat that you’ve got to get used to, but after that it’s just like any other class."

Thomas Lord – MS Library & Information Science

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"My advice for anyone pursuing their degree online, is don’t procrastinate. Sometimes you are working in team projects with students who are in different time zones, two or three hours ahead of you, so it requires careful planning."

Alla Powers – M.S. Library & Information Science

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"When pursuing a degree online, you really have to find the right place for you, the right program for you, and a structure that works to fit your lifestyle."

Jean Logan – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

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"The advice I would give to other people interested in pursuing their degree online is 'do it.' Doing your degree online is fabulous. It allows you to have the flexibility to work a full time job, to spend time with your family. I’ve known people who work rotating shifts, and doing a traditional, in-classroom format is not a possibility for them. So just having the flexibility of an online education is great for anyone who has other obligations in life."

Katie Ingram – Master of Science in Higher Education

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"The advice I would offer [to someone interested in pursuing an online degree] is to be consistent, be organized, stay positive, and reach out to your classmates and your professors. They’re there to help you and once you reach out it becomes a community just like a traditional classroom."

Sara Collins – Elementary Education

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"The first bit of advice I would have for someone [looking to pursue an online degree] is don’t be intimidated. Just because it is online doesn’t mean it’s of lesser quality than a degree you would get in person. It does involve a lot of work, but I think it really paid off in the end."

Erika Eberly – Masters of Science in Engineering Management

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"The advice I would offer to people interested in pursuing a degree online is 'do it'. It was comfortable for me. It was my school in my living room, at my desk, in my house. Twenty-four hours a day I had access to classes. So if you have children, if you’re working full time or several jobs, it’s doable. The professors are amazing, easy to communicate with, and I loved the whole experience, this whole past year has been amazing."

Nellie Rodriguez – General Studies Concentration in Marketing

Getting the Most Out of an Online (Engineering) Degree Program

Earning a degree online is an ideal choice for many working professionals, but a recent article in ME Today, a monthly publication for early career engineers published by the Association of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), explains why online degrees are becoming increasingly popular in the field of engineering. The piece features a number of quotes from Dr. Morton Rabinowitz, Associate Dean of Online Learning for the College of Engineering at Drexel University and Director of the Engineering Management Program, a fully online offering.

"It’s not surprising when ambitious students seek flexibility when they are balancing demanding professional and family obligations with a rigorous graduate education," says Dr. Rabinowitz.

The article's authors, Drexel University's Kristen Johnson and Chris Morse, go on to explain, "Flexibility is essential in today’s world, where professional and personal pursuits are becoming more difficult to separate. Young engineers often find themselves juggling work, family, friends, and professional development activities while trying to prove themselves in the workplace...which is why engineers early in their career pursue their graduate education online; it fits their lifestyle needs and can propel them toward success."

Although the article is geared toward the engineering industry, its advice on choosing the right program and adjusting to online learning is valuable to anyone exploring the option of online learning. Read the full article.

Online Students Discuss: Interaction in Online Courses

It's a common misunderstanding that elearning is isolated and independent. However, while it's true that online coursework requires a certain degree of self-motivation, the classes themselves can be just as engaging as their on-campus counterparts. In fact, in some cases, online learning has unique advantages--for example, emailing back and forth with a professor any time rather than scheduling office hours, or completing a group project with someone halfway around the world.

These Class of 2009 Drexel Online graduates discuss their experiences with interaction in online classes.

"The interaction with the faculty and class has just been awesome. I’ve met some of the best friends I’ve ever had in my life. The faculty has been unbelievably good for me. They’ve understood my needs and requirements, but more importantly, they’ve challenged me [to do things] I would never have thought I’d be able to do."

Eric Vlam, Texas – Master of Science, Information Systems

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"I think with the Drexel University Online program, I actually had more interaction with professors and classmates than what I normally would have with a face-to-face program. There were asynchronous discussions, a lot of communication among all of us. The professors were not your typical professors. They actually would jump into the discussions and really contributed."

Erika Eberly, Maryland – Master of Science in Engineering Management

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"Online is difficult…[but] I was fortunate that I had some really excellent online instructors that built a community of learners at the beginning of the class. "

Patricia Finn Thornton, Pennsylvania – Master of Science in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum

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"The interactions with my professors and classmates were very positive, very consistent, and frequent. Some of my classmates are now some of my best friends. I felt like I could call and count on my professors throughout the whole program."

Sara Collins, Illinois – Bachelor of Science in Education

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"The interactions I had with my professors and my classmates were all positive. You may think that learning in an online environment you lose the networking and the personal touch that accompanies an in-person, in-class format. But that’s not the case—the program is what you make it."

David Oldham, New Jersey – Master of Science in Higher Education

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"My favorite [experience with online learning] was when we were in Wimba sessions, which is our online virtual classroom. We could all talk to each other, instant message each other, and watch our Powerpoints. So we always had three different things going on at once, and it was really fun."

Paula Greenbaum, New Jersey – RN to BSN

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"The interactions I had with my classmates were interesting because they were from all over the place. One of my classmates was in Germany at the time. Many were in Arizona, New Mexico, California. So it’s good to understand what they’re thinking out there. They have a wider range of experiences."

Thomas Lord, New Jersey – MS Library & Information Science

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"I think people have no concept of what online education is. They think you just go online and you’re by yourself. But really, you do have interactions [with classmates and professors]. Even though you’re sitting at your computer and someone else is sitting at their computer, you actually are in class together. You are there as a group. You interact with each other, ask questions, and give presentations."

Kathleen Morouse, Pennsylvania – RN to BSN

Taking the Next Step: Choosing an Online Degree Program (Part 2 of 4)

In part one of this series, we helped you determine whether online learning was the right choice for your needs. In part two, we’ll talk about choosing the right online degree or certificate program to achieve your education and career goals.

Career advancement
Many working adults choose to earn a certificate or degree online because they are seeking a promotion, a pay increase, or a better job within their field, but don’t want to take time off or drive to a campus several nights per week. Some companies even encourage their employees to pursue their degrees online through tuition reimbursement or partnership programs like Drexel PRO, where employees at participating organizations benefit from special tuition rates for online programs.

If career advancement is your goal, then it’s likely you already have a clear idea of the type of program you would like to pursue. The next step is finding schools that offer the certificate or degree you want and researching how these programs compare with others in the field.

As we pointed out in part one of this series, accreditation is the first thing you should look for in an online program. However, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of accredited online degree programs in the United States and abroad. How can you measure the quality of one compared with another? 

There are several independent organizations like the Princeton Review and U.S.News & World Report that rank schools according to a number of different criteria. This is often a good place to start your research.

Many of Drexel’s 46 online graduate degree programs consistently rank among the top in the nation in U.S.News & World Report, including

• Master’s in Library and Information Science,
• Master’s in Electrical Engineering,
• Master’s in Business Administration (MBA Anywhere™), and
• The graduate programs of the School of Education.

Choosing or Changing Your Career
Whether you’re a first-time student or a working adult thinking about a second career, you should research career trends
before choosing your field of study. Factors like technology, the economy, and government initiatives have direct effects on the demand for workers with particular skill sets and training.

U.S.News & World Report publishes an annual report on “America’s Best Careers” based on the US Department of Labor’s job growth projections and estimated median income. CNBC recently published a similar piece with a more long-term perspective. Below are some of the top industries on both lists and the related online degree programs at Drexel.

Healthcare: registered nurse, lab technician, home care aid

• Bachelor’s in Health Services Administration
• RN to BSN

Science & Technology: computer software engineer, environmental engineer, systems analyst

• Bachelor of Science in Computing and Security Technology
• Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and Green Construction

Education and Civic: special education teachers, medical and public health social worker, emergency management specialist

• Bachelor of Science in Education
• Master of Science in Special Education
• Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security Management

Business: financial adviser, business analyst, market research analyst

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• MBA Anywhere ™

If you're interested in learning more about any of Drexel's online programs, you can find most program information on the Drexel Online website, but if you have further questions, you can also attend a virtual open house or call and talk to a program advisor any time.

Survey finds 17 percent increase in online enrollment

Enrollment in online courses has reached an all-time high and is growing faster than ever before, according to results of the Sloan Consortium's annual survey, "Learning on Demand: Online Education in the United States, 2009."

According to findings released Tuesday, colleges saw a 17 percent increase in online enrollment, with more than one in four--or a total of 4.6 million--students taking at least one online course in the fall of 2008. The overwhelming majority of these students--over 82 percent--are undergraduates.

These online enrollment numbers are both up from the previous year's survey, which reported a growth rate of 12 percent and total enrollment of 3.9 million.

If you're like millions of other prospective students, you're probably considering online learning as a way to achieve your education goals. Some people choose online learning to complete their bachelor's degree, receive a certification or graduate degree to get ahead in their careers, or they change their career path altogether. Learn more about Drexel's 80+ online degree and certificate programs or read more about the Sloan Consortium's survey.

New Online Program MS in Hospitality Management Offered

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the world’s travel and tourism industry generated $5.59 trillion in economic activity in 2004 and employs over 221.5 million people worldwide.  Total travel and tourism demand in 2014 is estimated to be $9.55 trillion in economic activity and 269.5 million people around the globe will have a job created by tourism, accounting for 1 in every 11 jobs. Drexel's online Master's in Hospitality Management degree was designed to meet the current demand of jobs in the tourism industry.

The hospitality management degree is a two-year program and is offered complety online to meet the needs of busy professionals. Graduates of the program will be qualified for senior management positions of hotels and resorts, convention services, strategic development for online distribution of travel services, real estate development projects, as well as business ownership. Drexel University has a professional and technological emphasis as well as a track record of supporting the relationship between academics and industry. Students can select a concentration in Gaming and Casino Management or Global Touris. For more information about this new online program click here.