I was a college dropout...but I'M BACK!
Written: May 09 '00 (Updated Oct 29 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: easy to use format, convenient, interaction with people from all walks of life!
Cons: expensive
The Bottom Line: Just do it!
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| ttee06's Full Review: University of Phoenix |
Yes, like most adults, I work! About three years ago, I decided it was high time that I earned my degree so I decided to apply at California State University of Long Beach. I attended for 3 semesters and completed five courses. When I moved to Northern California, I applied for a transfer to San Francisco State. One day, while surfing the web, I came upon a degree program for working adults. "Hey," I thought to myself, "why bother commuting across the bridge, paying for parking, sitting in three hour lectures for weeks on end when I can do THIS!"
The University of Phoenix Online Distance Learning Program is perfect for me. I am earning my Bachelor of Science/Marketing degree sitting right here in front of my computer. U of P is tailored to specifically meet the needs of people like me. Here's how it works:
Courses are limited and class sizes are very small. I have had anywhere from 8 to 12 students in each of my classes. The small intimate setting is conducive to group adhesion and allows for individual attention by the instructor.
Each class only lasts five weeks. In one year, I have completed 7 classes. That's two more than I had completed at the traditional University and in 1/3 the time.
Instructors are professionals who typically work in the field in which they are teaching. The quality of instruction has been excellent, with only a couple of exceptions. Most instructors have been enthusiastic in the subject matter and responsive to issues or questions.
U of P courses are administered in a newsgroup setting using Outlook Express or directly via the web. Typically, each class has the several newsgroup folders: One for course materials, one for assignments, one is the main "room" for discussions and one for your study group. What's great about this format, is that I can attend class anytime I like. When I log on, I can see other students responses and respond with my own comments at my leisure. Some students prefer to log on in the morning, some during their lunch hour, and some late at night. This format offers a lot of freedom which is welcome for the working professional! Students are required to sign on and participate in some way at least five times per week.
Study Groups are formed in each class, and are given the responsibility of completing assignments together throughout the class. It can be challenging sometimes to acquire a successful means of completing the work, but I feel I have learned a great deal with these exercises. Everyone has different ways of approaching things and I have gotten value from each and every student I have interacted with.
Which brings me to my conclusion. In a traditional University setting, I would often sit in an auditorium with 200 other students and stare blankly at an instructor. At the end of the semester, I would take a test and regurgitate whatever I had memorized over 16 weeks. At U of P, I have the opportunity to learn interactively. I take part in my own learning and am solely responsible for whatever I gain from the course. Courses move quickly, so I have the opportunity to gain a great deal of knowledge in a short period of time...keeps me from getting bored! I have built relationships with many of the students in my classes which was never possible in my classes at the big, scary university. University of Phoenix has been a lifesaver for me.
Oh, I shouldn't forget to point out some of the downsides:
U of P is very expensive. I'm shelling out about a thousand bucks per course. Financial Aid is a godsend!
U of P uses their own proprietary books. I'm spending about 70 bucks a course on their "specially published" books. The buyback program is not very generous and they seldom have used books available. Fortunately, I have a friend joining the program who has agreed to buy my books from me at 50% of their value. (I'm being nice, but perhaps someone a bit more capitalistic could fare better!)
Sometimes the web server goes down and it is difficult to submit assignments or participate in discussions. Instructors have always been helpful, though, in extending deadlines and such when these things occur.
Have you been putting off going back to school? Don’t let these few items deter you....GO FOR IT!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
ttee06
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Location: The Capitol, CA
Reviews written: 31
Trusted by: 25 members
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