Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > David I., Master of Science in Forensic Studies
What is the hardest thing about distance learning? (Continued from previous page)
Another aspect is group projects. It is inevitable that when a group project is assigned, everyone in the group will say, "Let's get this thing done early—tell me what my part is and I'll get it done."
Name: David Ingram
Age: 44
Marital Status: Married
Children: One stepson
Current Occupation: Dockworker & Yardman
School: Villa Julie College
Target: M.S. in Forensic Studies, 2008
Never happens. This is a downfall of online learning, however, it applies to brick and mortar institutions as well. Another student may have a say in the outcome of your final grade. Personally, I cannot stand that, because many students just want to do what it takes to "get by."
And what would you say is the easiest thing?
The easiest thing about online learning is the availability and ease of getting assignments and not having to attend class, at a regular time, every day. You can study at 6:00 in the morning or 11:00 at night. As long as the work gets done, no one cares what time a student logs in.
I love that aspect of online learning. I can study at any time and do not have to worry about attending classes and fighting traffic every day.
What has been your favorite course and why?
A course called Technology Law and Enforcement Activities (FSIS 640 at Villa Julie). I dreaded this course because it dealt with subjects like patent law, trademarks and copyrights. I thought it would be very boring. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
We had legal abstracts due every week and I could not wait to find new cases (relating to technology law) and present them in this short format. I really learned a lot in this course.
Do you plan to pursue other online degrees after this?
If I am fortunate enough to land a job with the IRS, I may pursue another Master's degree in Forensic Accounting.
Approximately how much is the total degree costing you, and how are you paying (savings, loans)?
The master's degree will cost me between $16,000 to $17,000 (including books) at Villa Julie. My online bachelor's degree cost me right around $30,000 at AIU Online. This is what you get when you don't do your homework with respect to online schools! I am paying for both out of pocket.
What advice do you have for people considering online education?
It is a great way to pursue a degree in my opinion. If it wasn't for online education, I would not have been able to complete a bachelor's degree or pursue my master's. Also, be prepared to allocate your time wisely. If you get behind in online courses, it is really hard to get caught up.
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
