e-Insights

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

Taking the Next Step: The College Application Process (Part 4 of 4)

Now that you’ve chosen a program and learned about financial aid, it’s time to start thinking about the application process. At Drexel Online, we’re here to help.

Application Assistance
Applying to college is almost as big of a step as deciding to go back in the first place. Filling out pages of questions, gathering recommendations, and, of course, the application essay can all seem quite intimidating. But the good news is that it doesn’t have to be. There are countless resources available to guide you through the process, beginning with Drexel Online’s Application Assistance page.

In order to make the application process as streamlined, easy, and painless as possible, Drexel Online has prepared this one-stop-shop of helpful references that will guide you through your application. You’ll find tips on requesting your transcripts and building your resume; resources to help you find, register, and prepare for admissions exams; and advice on writing your admissions essay.

And, as always, more information is just a phone call away. You can call Drexel Online at (877) 215-0009 and or email info@drexel.com any time, whether you have concerns regarding a specific program or just general application questions.

Taking the Next Step: Financing Your Education (Part 3 of 4)

In the first two parts of this series, we helped you determine whether online learning is right for you and gave you advice on choosing the right online program for your education and career goals. Now let’s talk about paying for your online degree or certification program.

Return on Investment
At some point you’ve probably heard the old adage “education is an investment,” and wondered just how much of a return on this investment you can expect. According to a recent report from the US Census Bureau, an individual with a bachelor’s degree will earn, on average, $26,000 more per year than someone with a high school diploma.

Salary aside, earning a degree can increase your chances of finding a job and staying employed. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics this month reported an unemployment rate of 10.5 percent for high school graduates, and five percent for individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

In other words, higher education is a key factor in finding and keeping the job that you want and achieving financial security.

Paying for College (It’s easier than you think)

Scholarships. There are hundreds of thousands of scholarship programs in the US that award college aid based on financial need, academic or athletic achievement, or other criteria set forth by the awarding organization. Here are a few resources for finding scholarships:

• FastWeb
• The College Board Scholarship Search
• Scholarships.com
• Collegescholarships.org search engine
  

Grants and loans. According to The College Board, in 2008-09, undergraduate students received an average of $10,185 in financial aid, including $5,041 in grant aid and $4,585 in federal loans. Graduate students received an average of $22,740 in aid; $7,558 in grant aid and $14,598 in federal loans. The aid is available, and at Drexel, our financial advisors are there to help you find it. Get started by checking out the Financial Aid section on the Drexel Online website  or calling 877-215-0009.

Partnership Programs. If you’re a working professional, check to see if your employer or professional association participates in any university partnership programs. Through DrexelPRO, for example, Drexel University Online works with over 280 corporations, health systems, school districts, and professional associations, offering employees and members discounts of 10-25 percent off regular tuition rates. Find out if your organization is a DrexelPRO partner.

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.

Taking the Next Step: Is Online Learning Right for Me? (Part 1 of 4)

Online learning has become a popular choice for many people seeking to further their education. In fact, the Sloan Consortium recently reported over 4.6 million students took at least one course online in 2008, a 17 percent increase from the previous year. While the economy likely accounts for some of this growth, when compared with overall enrollment growth (1.2 percent) it is obvious that there are other factors at play here, including improvements in e–learning technology and methodology, the increasing availability of Internet access, and a changing perception among employers of the value of online degrees.

Whatever the reason for your interest in online learning, there is one question you should ask yourself before making any decisions: Is online education the right choice for me? Before you can answer this, you’ll need to know a little more about how online programs work.

Online learning at Drexel
Drexel’s online classes are designed to fit your lifestyle, which means you can access your courses whenever and wherever you want via an Internet-enabled computer. Course materials such as syllabi, reading assignments, lectures, and exams are provided as text, image, audio, and video files, and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through Drexel’s Online Learning Portal.

Flexible, but structured
While online classes allow you the flexibility to work school into your own schedule, it is important to note that you will be required to submit assignments according to your class schedule, maintain regular contact with the instructor, and participate in online class discussions. Since there is no scheduled “class” time, it can be challenging to stay focused, especially if you are working, caring for your family, or have other responsibilities. Therefore, online classes require a certain amount of self-discipline to ensure assignments are done and submitted on time.

It might help to think in terms of how much time per week you think you’ll be able to dedicate to class work. Since this commitment will vary from program to program, you’ll need to speak with a program advisor to determine for sure whether a particular program will fit into your schedule.

Technical Requirements
As an online student, technology plays a key role in your educational experience. You will need regular access to a personal computer with an Internet connection to download your course materials and stay in touch with your instructor and classmates.

You don’t need to be an expert, but you should be comfortable working with computers. You should have a basic understanding of Internet browsers (i.e. Internet Explorer or Safari), email, and basic programs like Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

There are some minimum hardware and software requirements for online programs at Drexel, and some programs have specific requirements of their own. However, most required software and plug-ins are available free to Drexel Online students through the software download center.

Making your final decision
Your education is a significant investment, so make sure you research all your options before making a decision. If you opt for an online degree or certificate program, beware of unaccredited providers (also known as 'diploma mills'). Learn all you can about the institution that will appear on your resume.

At Drexel, you can be sure the degree you earn online is no different than one you earn on-campus. You’ll learn from the same distinguished faculty that teach in Drexel’s classrooms, and your degree will be fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools as well as the highest professional accreditation authority in your field (AACSB, NLN, ALA, etc.).

Five Biggest Myths About Online Learning

Even as online degree programs have become more popular and widespread, misconceptions about what this type of learning entails continue to grow. A recent MSN Encarta article summed up the top five myths about online learning.

1. Online courses are easy. At many schools, including Drexel, online courses cover the same content, are taught by the same distinguished faculty, and are held to the same rigorous standards as courses taught on campus.

2. You need to be a computer technician. For most online courses, the only technical requirements are a personal computer with an Internet connection and some basic software for things like email and word processing. All other required software and plug-ins are available free to Drexel Online students through our software download center, and technical support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

3. Online students are isolated. Online students are connected via email, chat and discussion boards, and many choose to exchange telephone numbers. Instructors and advisors are also just a phone call or email away.

4. Online credits won't transfer. Unlike some online colleges, Drexel Online programs are fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS), meaning they are equal to any course taken on campus. Because every institution has its own policies regarding transfer credits, students should always investigate to ensure the maximum transfer rate.

5. Employers don't recognize online degrees. As early as 2007, surveys of employers returned a 62 percent favorable response to online learning, citing it on par with campus-based degree and certification programs. In fact, many employers participate in programs like Drexel PRO, which allows working professionals the convenience of taking courses online with the benefit of reduced tuition rates.

If you're considering enrolling in an online program, chances are you've heard one or more of these myths. When deciding whether an online degree or certificate program is for you, the best course of action is to do your own research and draw your own conclusions. Get started today by visiting Drexel Online to find answers to all your online learning questions.

The Online Classroom – A Teacher’s Perspective

In a recent commentary in The Chronicle of Higher Education, Gena Grecco, an English professor with both on-campus and online experience, explains the differences and nuances between the two, and how the online classroom can be just as rewarding—and in some ways even more so—than the traditional classroom.

The students
In online classes, students tend to be older, multicultural, and have work and family commitments. Many are in the military or have a spouse enlisted. Many are single mothers. Some see an online degree as the only format that allows them to achieve their goal of a higher education.

Far apart, yet close
In an online class, students and professors can literally be hundreds of miles away from each other. It’s important to establish a common ground and supportive arena early on. Students need to feel comfortable not just with the professor but with the other students in the class as well. A sense of community is an important component in successful online learning.

Choosing words carefully
Without the benefit of tone, facial expression, and body language, communication takes on a whole new light and can be challenging at times.

- Give careful consideration to word choice so that meanings aren’t misinterpreted and when in doubt, use parentheses for clarity. “It is amazing how even an emoticon like ‘:)’ at the end of an e-mail message can defuse a tense situation,” says Grecco.

- Online conversation, particularly in live chats or discussion forums, doesn’t necessarily have to be proper, and in fact sometimes the most engaging conversations occur when you write the way you speak. Use bold, italics, and even online lingo like “LOL” to relate the feelings behind your words.

Getting personal
In order to parallel the support one might find on campus, it helps when students and professors share aspects of their lives that are not class-related but that may affect their success in class.

Read more of Grecco's insights here:
Teaching Online: 2 Perspectives - A Reaffirmation of Why I Became an Educator (Subscription Required)