Kate Morgan

Meet Kate Morgan

Name: Kate Morgan

Age: 36

Children: One

Career Interests: Webmaster, IT supervisor, Graphic Designer, Photographer

School: Savannah College of Art and Design

Target: M.A. in Interactive Design and Game Development, Spring 2007

When it comes to pursuing a creative career, you may think you have to be in the classroom to learn material and get the much-needed criticism from fellow students.

But for Kate Morgan, an Allentown, Pennsylvania-based webmaster, IT supervisor, graphic designer and photographer, she's found Savannah College of Art and Design's e-learning program to be just as fabulous. The school is based in Savannah, Georgia, and with the help of the Internet, she can attend from her home in the Northeast.

The 36-year-old mother of one was searching for a degree in interactive design and game development. She nearly settled for an MBA to obtain a higher degree that she thought would be useful.

The Master of Arts Degree In Interactive Design and Game Development that she is pursuing helps to prepare students for careers in interactive art and design, particularly with large design firms, advertising agencies, product manufacturers and education.

"When I found SCAD Online, I knew this was what I wanted to do. No regrets!" says Kate enthusiastically. "I really feel like I have learned a lot in my classes and I use that knowledge daily in my job. SCAD caters to exactly what I do."

Things have improved at work since Kate began pursuing her degree, which she expects to finish up sometime in Spring 2007.

"My boss has given me more responsibility and academic project management," says Kate. "Additionally, I am eligible to teach at the university level and will be teaching credit classes very soon."

What is the hardest thing about distance learning?

The hardest thing about online learning is the self-motivation and discipline. When a concept does not click, it takes a lot of time and effort to figure things out or communicate with the professor via e-mail or phone. Many times I am working late at night and I know I won't get an answer until the next day, so I try to figure things out on my own.

Have you succeeded in self-teaching in some respects?

My trouble-shooting skills have gotten really good. I have also learned that time-management is vital for a successful online learning experience.

I initially had some problems when I was challenged to use software that I was very new to using. I had to teach myself how to use Macromedia Flash before I could work on my project.

Have the professors and traditional on-campus resources been helpful been helpful?

My professor was extremely helpful with troubleshooting and pointing me toward online reference sites, but I did not sleep that much during that quarter. SCAD has really stepped up as far as online tutorials and that is a big help.

The writing center was also a great help to me when I took Contemporary Art (ARTH 701). I haven't written a paper since my undergraduate years and Chicago style is foreign to me. Without the writing center, I would have been totally lost.

Is convenience the easiest thing about distance learning?

Obviously, the easiest thing is the convenience of logging in whenever from wherever. I can work at 2:00 a.m. or on Thursday one week and Tuesday the next.

Flexible learning is a huge asset to online education! Especially for adult learners who are working full-time and raising a family!

Besides that, what aspect do you personally like best?

I really like the myriad of students. I have always had an international cast of classmates who bring such a great perspective to each class.

Critiquing each other's work and learning about different cultures of design and perception is an amazing asset to this environment. It adds so much to the traditional mechanics of class.

What has been your favorite course and why?

I loved the Photography courses I took: PHOT 714 and 724, Digital Craft and Digital Craft II. The course description reads, "This course explores the techniques, aesthetics and ethics of photographic image modification through the use of computer technology. Topics may include the use of scanners and other input devices, image editing software, various output options, projects in photomontage, layout and image sequencing, development of skills in color calibration, duotones, color separations and compositing."

I think photography is a great virtual class because pictures are universally appealing and the teachers were wonderful and helpful. These classes really enhanced my Photoshop skills.

Also, since I understand this field, I was comfortable in the environment. I wasn't struggling to understand the mechanics and therefore I was willing to experiment more with my ideas.

Anything you wish more of with regards to your distance learning experience?

I wish there was more "real time" connection opportunities. Now that Breeze is becoming such a popular online communication tool, I hope that classes have open forums, optional meeting times, etc. I think a little more face-to-face can go a long way in terms of connecting online students.

Do you plan to pursue other degrees online?

I haven't really thought about it. I just want to finish this one. I love learning, so it is definitely a possibility.