Succeeding in an Online Graduate School

Distance education is growing quite explosively in America. The prospect of earning a graduate degree without even traveling to campus or doing the typical things involved such as attending real classes are truly exciting for many students. This is a challenging endeavor, however, and students could benefit from ideas to make their journey more successful. Books and Web sites are available that give tips to distance education undergraduate students or traditional on-campus graduate students. However, very few resources exist for distance education graduate students. This article provides great tips about selecting and staying successful in an online university degree program.

The Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (GP IDEA) includes Human Sciences colleges at ten universities and offers graduate degree programs and courses in several human sciences fields. For example, students can enroll in the Family Financial Planning graduate program at one university, take classes from high quality faculty at several different universities, and earn a degree without traveling to any campus. Students complete discussion boards, group projects, assignments, and tests online.

Advantages of Studying Online

Participants said distance courses are convenient, efficient, as challenging, and useful. Some students would not have been able to earn a degree if traveling were required because of various reasons, including conflicting jobs and such. They used time they otherwise would have spent driving to complete course work instead. Participants also felt the flexibility of online courses is an advantage. Students can study at their own pace and on their own schedules and contact and do their work whenever. This is especially helpful for students who work or have a family to support, as time is extremely precious.

Most participants thought the quality of online courses was equal to that of on-campus courses. Professors responded quickly to questions, and participants found ways to connect with other students.

How Online Courses Differ From Traditional, on-Campus Courses

Students access assignments, notes, and tests -- basically everything-- online. Audio media is actually used for even some few classes. Many participants said students need to be more self-disciplined in online courses than in on-campus courses. Online courses are more challenging and comprehensive, often requiring more reading and typing than traditional courses. There are weekly deadlines for readings, assignments, and discussion board postings. Students must plan their time well and develop good study habits. Because no professor is present to remind students to complete their work, students must take the initiative to read course material and complete assignments.

Before Beginning: Questions to Ask

Even within GP IDEA universities, there are small differences in the administration of online degrees. Therefore, participants recommended asking many questions before enrolling. They suggested the following questions:

1. Which exams are required?

2. What GPA is required?

3. Are there any requirements to visit campus at any point?

4. How is advising done?

5. How much does it cost?

6. What kind of time commitment is required?

7. What deadlines are involved?

8. Can substitutions be made for certain courses?

There is no yes or no answer to each question. First, make your own desired answers for your questions. Then, based on your interested university, answer them. Whichever virtual university has the greatest match to your personal answers may well be the best fit for you.

Participants reported applying to an online program usually was an easy process, often similar to applying to an on-campus program. Depending on the university, students submit letters of recommendation, GRE or other test scores, and transcripts. Getting a reply to an application can take time, so patience may be required. However, students may want to contact the graduate admissions office periodically to make sure their application is progressing. There are definitely some universities that require little of their entrants, so if time is your enemy, this perhaps may be the best solution.

During the application process, be professional and make communications clear and explicit. Students should have a list of questions about their programs ready before talking to someone on staff. One participant recommended that students go to campus, if possible, and introduce themselves to the faculty and staff members in their programs. This will help a student put faces with names, and the faculty will get to know the student.

Communicating With Advisors and Professors

For many students in virtual university pgograms, an advisor is assigned. Some e-mails may not be answered the same day because faculty members have many responsibilities, but almost certainly will be answered within in small frame of time. For this reason, participants recommended e-mailing questions early and following up if there is no response. Teachers may also be able to answer some advising questions. In addition, support staff in a department office can be great resources.

Some participants did not like the loss of personal contact with advisors. However, they adjusted to this idea and learned how to make the situation work. Participants recommended getting to know the advisor (a few participants even went to campus to meet their advisors) and having specific questions ready before calling him or her. Students should take the initiative to call their advisors and be assertive in getting questions answered. If students have a practicum, for example, they should know their advisor's guidelines for meeting the requirement.

Choosing and Scheduling Classes

Because students take classes from different universities with different systems, each class is administered in a slightly different way. Participants recommended taking the initiative to ask questions at each university if needed. Do not be intimidated because it is online. Always consult your advisor about your class plans, because this may be of significant help to you in choosing the right classes.

Most students want to get their degrees finished in a reasonable amount of time, but do not want to overload themselves during the semester. Some students take one course their first semester, two courses the next semester, and then go back to one course the third semester. One participant is planning to finish in three years with this strategy. Other participants recommended students who are working full time and have a family not take more than one class per semester.

One participant discouraged others from taking courses that are taught simultaneously to online and on-campus students, if possible. According to this student, courses that are designed specifically for online students facilitate better communication.

If a program does not offer exactly the courses a student wants, he or she may be able to take online courses elsewhere and transfer the credits. However, prior to taking the course, students must get the permission of a program advisor to make sure the credits will count toward their degree.

Buying Textbooks

Most universities send a list of required books each semester. Whether participants ordered from the university bookstore, a textbook Web site, or the publisher, all interviewees strongly urged others to buy textbooks early. If participants waited until class began, they sometimes were not able to get the books they needed. If students order from a vendor other than the university bookstore, they should make sure the book is in stock (or it may not arrive in time for class). Participants also recommended keeping books after the course is finished as a resource for the future.

I personally suggest the following Web sites for finding textbooks: amazon.com, half.com, ebay.com, and barnesandnoble.com for cheap yet quality bargains.

Excelling in Class

In some cases, an instructor is new to teaching classes online. Participants advised others to be patient while the instructor adjusts to the system. The professors probably will welcome student input and ideas (given respectfully) about what methods do and do not work.

If students do not agree with comments a professor gives on an assignment, they should not be afraid to challenge the professor--as long as the student has cited sources to back up his or her ideas. Remember, however, that the faculty member is an expert in the subject matter and sees a range of student work on each assignment; he or she uses a set of standard criteria, and gives each grade based on the quality of the assignment.

When using the discussion board, one participant pointed out the importance of students being sure of their facts. Because the discussion is in writing, other students have more opportunity to challenge what is said, so students should think carefully before posting a message.

Sometimes students are required to complete group projects. E-mailing one another on group projects can be a slow process and deadlines can approach quickly. Instead, participants recommended scheduling time to work together in a chat room.

Do as much networking with other students as possible. Support and help one another with course concepts and tasks. Do not be afraid to ask questions; other students probably have the same ones.

Using Technology: Computers and the Internet

A student should make sure his or her computer meets or exceeds the technology requirements for the course. Consider buying a new system if the current computer is out-dated. Participants recommended using broadband rather than a dial-up Internet connection because it is much faster. Make sure the Internet provider is reliable. Also, it will be easier to use the same software as everyone else in the course (and use the latest version of those programs): Microsoft Word@ and Microsoft Excel[R], for example. If students are feeling uncomfortable with the technology, they should find someone to assist them or consider taking a workshop in computer basics. (Search for opportunities at http://www.microsoft.com /traincert/default.asp.)

Regardless of computer knowledge, participants strongly recommended submitting assignments early in case there is a problem with the technology. E-mail the instructor to make sure he or she actually received the submission. Save work often.

Studying and Time Management

Every interviewee stressed the importance of working consistently to keep up with course work. Participants said courses took about five to twelve hours per week to complete. Falling behind is "miserable," so participants provided several tips about how students can manage their time.

1. Use the syllabus and a planner to sketch out the semester.

2. Organize and prioritize tasks.

3. Plan homework time around a work schedule if necessary.

4. Study at an office or library to avoid distractions at home.

5. Study after children go to bed.

6. Work on assignments several days before they are due. Then, if there are problems, students have time to contact the professor with questions.

7. Be disciplined, read the online discussions, and do some work each day.

Students should allow time for reading and take the initiative to get it done on their own. Participants were adamant: Reading cannot be skipped, and students must keep up with it throughout the semester. Schedule time for reading--block time at the end of the day, or read while traveling on business trips

Completing a Thesis or Final Project

Depending on the program, most students will complete a final project. This may involve writing a research thesis, completing a practicum, or designing a unique project. Students work with an advisor to determine exactly what the project will entail. Talk with several faculty members before choosing a project; they can often provide examples or ideas. They may also be willing to share data they have collected.

Students should choose a topic or placement they are interested in. They will be working on their projects for several moths, so it is important that students like their topic. If students are writing a thesis, it may be a good to idea to start with a paper they have already written for a class. They can take that work and expand on it.

Networking with Other Students

For some participants, a lack of face-to-face interaction was the biggest drawback of an online program. However, many participants said there are ways to connect with others, and have even made close friends through their programs. Interviewees said participating in phone conferences, chat rooms, message boards, e-mailing, and calling one another helped them feel connected to class members.

Getting to know others personally, outside of class-related interactions, helped participants feel connected and allowed them to work through their programs together. These participants suggested other students should look for someone on a discussion board with whom they may have something in common. E-mail or call that person outside of class time. Some participants planned to keep in touch with these new friends after graduation. Although this may seem like a strenuous task, it is actually quite a good idea.

Balancing Family and Course Work

Studying online can be especially stressful with a family for whom to care. Family members are accustomed to having more of a student's time. Thus, starting a degree program can be an adjustment for everyone. However, participating is one of the sacrifices to do well and get a degree. Nonetheless, if you feel this is too much and do not enjoy it, talk to your advisor or virtual professor for some advice and adjustments.

One of the most important factors for students is getting the support of their families before starting a program. If family members know why a student is pursuing a degree and "buy in" to it, then they may be more understanding of the new schedule. Family members may need to share computer time or do more chores at home. For example, family members may be able to help with child care.

Setting a schedule helps some students. That way, they finish work and can more fully enjoy their family time knowing the work is done. One participant completed course work away from home so he could spend time with his family when he arrived home. Participants who do not leave home recommended making sure family members know study time will still be needed for class.

Discussion

Getting a graduate degree online can definitely be a challenge. However, many interviewed students and recent graduates felt an online graduate degree was an excellent option because it allowed these students to earn a degree without commuting to campus, and they could complete course work at their convenience. Participants said planning ahead is very important in the overall program, in communicating with instructors and advisors, and in completing course work. Networking with other students can be accomplished through e-mails, discussion boards, and phone calls. These connections can be extremely helpful both in completing course work and in providing a source for personal/emotional support. Using this advice from participants who have excelled in online graduate programs, other distance education students can become more successful as they progress through their own online programs.

Success in graduate school online is not for everyone. Normal dedication is required, and the amount of perseverance is matched at a real university. However, online universities can be attractive options for many people. Good luck with your online university match!