Online Learner Profiles: Abner
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Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > Abner, M.B.A.
In addition, working for the state government, he has concerns that this state agency could become privatized in the future.
Meet Abner
Name: Abner
Age: 40
Marital Status: Married
Career Interests: Management
Advice to Online Students: "A good supplement for a distance learner is to join a reputable distance learning forum where he or she can feel like part of a group."
School: Aspen University
Target: M.B.A., 2009
"If my agency is privatized," he says, "I wish to be well prepared, and, for me, education is what will make me stand out among my peers." Abner also adds, "Moreover, pursuing an education ties into my love of learning. I think what inspires me to study and learn is a feeling of pride and accomplishment."
Ultimately, the convenience of distance learning is what appeals to Abner. He notes, "I can study and submit lessons when it is good for me. Working full-time and attending class at a traditional, brick-and-mortar university is very difficult."
At a traditional university, he might have trouble getting his work schedule to mesh with the class schedules. For Abner, taking online classes through Aspen means limited course offerings are not an issue: "I don't have to worry about taking some class that is only available from 7 to 10 pm, two or three times a week!"
It also means being able to balance school, work, and his personal life in a way that allows him to enjoy life: "I usually do assignments and study when I get home from work in the evening, or on the weekend. The great thing about distance learning is assignments can be submitted via email or fax anytime of the day or night. Many times I hand write an assignment, go to dinner with my wife, and then type out the assignment in Word or Excel when I get back."
Two modes of online courses are available at Aspen, online interactive and online independent.
For his first class, Abner has chosen the online independent option, which gives him maximum flexibility. "The class is 8 weeks, with an additional 2 weeks if necessary," he says. "There are 8 modules per class, so basically I am trying to shoot for 1 assignment a week." He expects to spend about two hours each night, plus time on weekends, to complete the homework.
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