Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > Steve, Associate's Degree in General Studies
The only unsatisfactory experience he has had with his online degree program, was the stark reality of having to drop a class. He had needed a science class with a lab. He enrolled in Human Anatomy and Physiology.
Name: Steve Slawin
Age: 44
Marital Status: Married
Children: Two daughters; age 13 and 14
Current Location: Florida
Advice to Online Students: "Try and find out about an instructor before you enroll in a class."
School: St. Petersburg College
Target: A.A. General Studies, Early 2007
"I immediately determined it was way over my head," he says with a chuckle.
"I'd thought if might be tough. But the first assignment was clearly more involved than I would have the time to fulfill. The textbook was 2 ˝ inches thick. I thought, ‘I can do it, but it's going to take way too much time.' "
He later realized that the course was geared toward students seeking a medical degree.
"I hit the withdraw button on the login system…[and] was instantly relieved upon making that decision." He was no worse for wear.
"It didn't go on my record and the tuition was refunded." He did learn an important lesson though. "Read the fine print," he says. "Now I look for the phrase ‘science class for those not pursuing a scientific degree.'"
Withdrawing from the class did delay his graduation schedule. He couldn't find another available class that would fulfill the requirement. He had hoped to be done by the end of the year, but will need the first term of 2007 to finish.
He's on a roll now and doesn't plan any more decades-long detours on his educational path.
Online Degree Programs: Find an accredited online degree program that's right for you
Online Schools: Explore colleges and universities who offer online degrees
Distance Learning Discussion Forums: Ask others for opinions of online schools and online education
Copyright eLearners.com 1999 - 2008
