Discussions

Was looking for opinions or experiences, the good and the bad from people who have obtained their university or college education via distance or online delivery methods.  
 
What program did you take, was it a complete university degree, or maybe just some select courses, or a college diploma type program?  
 
Any info would be appreciated.

I've taken courses through distance education (Athabasca University). I enrolled as a part time student while working full time. It allowed me the flexibility to work at the course at my own speed. There was always someone available either by phone or e-mail if I had questions regarding the assignments. For exams (mid terms/finals) I was required to find an invigilator at my own expense: Brandon University was able to help providing the use of an invigilator and space so I could write the required exams. Assignments were required to be submitted by registered mail by the due date or penalties would occur.  
 
I've also completed distance education through the International Sports Science Association-all that was required was the use of a laptop or desktop with the ability to play media files and a reliable internet connection. All exams were online (open book), assignments were online and or needed to be submitted via registered mail.

If you are a highly self-motivated student, who has no trouble meeting deadlines and is not afraid to seek out help when stuck, then you should be fine. Some on-line courses are very interactive with chat rooms, real-time lectures, etc, some are not. It is important to research what the delivery style is like, so you will feel that it is something you are comfortable with. Also, be sure you lead a life-style that can accommodate the need to be able to spend several hours a week working on your course. (Be prepared to let go of some social commitments.)  
 
Edited by hisluvmonkey, 2017-03-01 17:57:35

Go to BU if you really want to learn something. I got my Master degree from Athabasca University. But I still recommend BU as I like face to face teaching-learning.

ttsu2 said "Go to BU if you really want to learn something. I got my Master degree from Athabasca University. But I still recommend BU as I like face to face teaching-learning. "

Thanks....I do have a bachelor degree from BU as well. It's been many years though, and I am wanting to pursue a masters or at least upgrade some of my education with some courses.  
I know there are so many regulations out there with accreditation as well, so I do not want to waste my time with online programs that aren't going to benefit furthering my career opportunities in the end.  
I'm not so much worried about having to be motivated and independent, as I am fine with that aspect of online learning, but I know there are many other aspects of online vs. face-to-face that need to be considered.

As someone who specializes in helping others make the most out of online learning I have a few suggestions:  
1. Identify what you want to learn.Some institutions in Manitoba will have the option to learn your topic online. Some may not.  
2. If online is the way you want to go, I recommend checking out Canadian Virtual University via: http://www.cvu-uvc.ca/ This will list all the online programs in the country and you can search by program name.  
3. If you plan on doing your online learning from an institution outside of Manitoba, be prepared to pay some extra fees. I am taking courses through Memorial University in Newfoundland right now for their Master's program and they charge me an extra $100 for being out of province.  
 
ACC has a testing centre as well for you to write exams, usually at no expense to you. Some courses may use online proctors for your exams. I've had experiences with both.  
 
I wish you luck on your journey!

I've had nothing but positive experiences taking online courses from U of M. (All undergrad level)  
 
The classmates in the discussion forums are mostly duds and/or grade grubbers, but the professors and markers are very helpful.  
 
It's a good way to put some credits in the bank while working full-time, and they should be fully transferable to BU or any other legitimate institution.

I took ten courses through University of Waterloo quite a few years ago. The recorded lectures were terrific,mand I could listen to them at times of day that worked for me. There was also the benefit of not being distracted by others, and, as someone with ADHD, I didn't have to sit still in a lecture theatre for hours on end. My marks were much better than when I'd taken teacher education courses in a traditional college setting,