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Online Learner Profiles: Molly A.

Profiles of Real Online Learners

Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > Molly A., Master's in Extension Education

What technologies and tools are used to deliver your program?

WebCT (the University's learning management system), Elluminate (an online web conferencing service), asynchronous message board, and NCSU library.

What's the best thing about distance learning?

The best thing about distance education is convenience and the amount of time and resources being saved.

The only way I have been able to balance work/school/and personal life is because of the support and encouragement from my husband, Daniel, and my County Director Lori Ivey. It is very hard juggling everything sometimes and it is tempting to give up, but with the support of family and friends helping me I have been able to succeed.

And what do you believe is the worst aspect?

The worst thing about distance education is getting used to emailing everything and there is a lot more reading.

And what is the most surprising thing about distance learning?

How easy it was, and that the technology is available.

What do you think is the biggest myth about online learning or an online degree?

The biggest myth would be not having contact with the professor or others in the class. Most of the online classes that I have taken have set times where the class meets online and some of them have been very interactive.

Would you consider pursuing additional online educational opportunities in the future?

I think the only way that I would consider another degree would be through distance learning.

Do you have any advice for prospective students who are considering an online degree?

The only advice I would give would be stay on top of things, and don’t get behind in the classes. There is a lot of independent work and if you let yourself fall behind, it is very difficult to catch up. Also, save copies of everything you send and all emails. And, most importantly, don’t give up!

What have you learned about yourself during this process?

I never saw myself as someone who would receive her master’s degree. It’s hard for me to believe that I am almost finished. It seems like forever when you are just chipping away one class at a time. This has been a great experience for me.

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