Online Learner Profiles: Brian
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Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > Brian, Associate of Science in Marine Technology
"Granted, there are still things that have to be completed on time at the end of each week, but you do not have to rush to try and have it done by the end of class, like in a traditional classroom environment."
Meet Brian
Name: Brian Saulmon
Age: 38
Marital Status: Married
Children: 2 sons; ages 13 and 16.
Current Location: Panama City, FL
Advice for Students: Discipline yourself and set aside enough time to study and do your work.
School: National Polytechnic College of Engineering and Oceaneering
Target: A.S. in Marine Technology
"I can work in the comfort of my own home, on my own schedule and pace without watching the clock waiting for the class to end or bell to ring. I also do not have to rush to class and worry about being late." Brian says.
However, a distance learner might have to be available for online meetings such as chat sessions. Instructors are accessible via e-mail, but Brian tells prospective students to be prepared to have to write and type questions in place of face-to-face interaction.
"If you have a difficult question that's kind of hard to translate through e-mail, it can take a longer time to get clarification," says Brian.
On a positive note, having answers written out means that they can be referred to later, which can help in the studying process. Though any elearner should be prepared to do quite a bit of writing and typing, this is the kind of skill, Brian says, that becomes easier and easier over time.
After having completed his associate's with National Polytechnic, Brian has begun working towards a bachelor's in business with a specialization in finance at another university, also online.
He is taking it at a comfortable pace, currently enrolled in just one course, entitled "Developing a Business Perspective." The field of business offers wide and varied opportunities, so Brian knows that he can use this type of degree down the road in any number of ways.
He doesn't seem worried or rushed to come up with a solid plan as yet.
"I have a little bit of time left," he says. "After I retire from the Navy, maybe I'll do some work in finance or something else if I come up with a good idea, but it's all business—I just have to come up with an idea."
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