Online Learner Profiles: Britton
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Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > Britton, B.S. in Computer Science
Computer Science is highly theoretical. Do you ever struggle to grasp programming or algorithmic concepts because of the online learning format?
Meet Britton
Name: Britton Powell
Age: 26
Marital Status: Married
Children: One
Current Location: Birmingham, AL
Advice to Online Students: "Many companies offer some sort of [tuition] help, so it's a good step to investigate what your company provides."
School: American Sentinel University
Target: B.S. in Computer Science, early 2007
Yes. Some concepts are difficult to understand by just reading the text and not being in the classroom. I often look to Google or Wikipedia for additional clarification to understand some ideas.
Sometimes it just takes a sentence to be worded differently for it to click. Mostly, I can understand all of the material; sometimes it just takes some extra work and patience.
Have you had to contact a professor for help? How helpful was he/she?
I had to email a professor once. I got a prompt response, but it wasn't the answer I was looking for (in his defense, he couldn't answer my question without giving away the answer to the problem, though). But I've found that the professors are very responsive.
What has been your favorite course and why?
I have a love/hate relationship with Computational Theory. It is not easy material to learn on your own. But, on the other hand, I do like a challenge. Luckily, my professor also provides great feedback on my assignments.
Approximately how much will your degree cost? How are you financing your education?
I enrolled at American Sentinel University with only 12 classes left to finish, so I am paying somewhere in the neighborhood of $10,000.
My employer reimburses my tuition costs, as long as I earn B's or better. Most employers that provide tuition reimbursement advertise it in some way, especially to entice potential new hires.
Students who want to find out about tuition reimbursement should contact their Human Resources department. It's the best place to start looking. Many companies offer some sort of help, so it's a good step to investigate what your company provides if you're thinking about enrolling in a course or finishing up a degree, like me!
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