Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > Cindy W., Ph.D. in Business Administration
How do you manage work, school, and your personal life?
I organize from day one, using simple office tools like three-ring binders and file folders. I get out of bed about an hour earlier than I need to, and use this time to work on assignments or check on my student newsgroups. My books and notebooks or whatever project I am working on is always with me in my briefcase. If I am waiting at the doctor's office or taking lunch at my desk, I am working on an assignment or reading.
Name: Cindy Wolfe
Age: 47
Marital Status: Married
Children: Two
Biggest Struggle: Time management; working full-time and being a professor
School: Northcentral University
Target: Ph.D. in Business Administration, 2011
When gathering materials for papers and projects, I make sure that I know how to research in the online library that is provided. I have learned some short cuts through practice. I use APA software (StyleEase) which takes the stress out of the details of writing papers, and I can concentrate on the subject itself.
My children are now grown, and my husband is my best cheerleader, giving me opportunities to retire to my home office to "work."
I believe that I would not be able to keep up if my family were not as supportive as they are. They believe in my success and make sure that I know it—and believe it myself.
What is your biggest challenge as a distance learning student?
My biggest challenge is time management.
I have so many responsibilities that time flies away from me. I have found that taking a vacation day and writing a paper all day long is about the best way for me to keep up. I am tired at night when I come home from work and it is hard to concentrate on a paper.
What are the best and worst things about distance learning? Please give examples.
The best thing about distance learning is the self-paced instruction. At this point in my career, I do not need to sit in a classroom to read and learn about a subject.
I like to be in charge of my learning and education. The second best thing is getting back a good grade on a paper that I struggled over.
For me, the worst thing is doing research online. I miss the dusty halls of the library and the beautiful learning that occurred there. Online research can be hit or miss. There is so much information available; sometimes it is difficult to narrow a topic.
Do you have any advice about distance learning for potential students?
I believe that it is imperative for potential students to weigh all of their options. Distance learning is not for everyone.
The distance learner must be organized and focused on his goal. Asynchronous learning is very different from "normal" classes, and the student must be fully in charge of their learning experience.
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
