I have been to real uni and am now doing distance learning.

Because I learn so much better myself, I am definitely getting more out of the Open University than I ever did at Kent, because at Kent I had to sit in lectures with PowerPoint presentations and I learnt sweet FA. Now I have proper class textbooks and I can study when I want.

What you prefer definitely depends how you learn.

I wouldn't do it, unless you understand every part of your course, it is likely you will it difficult, especially when there isn't anyone to help you out, not only that if an employer want someone with a certain degree, I would think most would choose the person who has upped their life and attended university and shown dedication, instead of just sitting on a computer in random spare time.

It's not always about just "having spare time".

I'm a mother, soon to be of 2 children even, not just one. Between that and working, and taking care of my house, since I don't live at home with my parents like most people my age - I don't have the time to attend classes when they're offered - nor the childcare. So if I have to do schoolwork at 2am - well, that's when I have to do it.

The best way isn't through colleges that are purely online though. Take online courses through your local community college - that way you know they're good.

(And there are people to help you. Professors always have emails and/or phone numbers available, not to mention should you choose to, you can get together with other students from the class and get help that way - if you take them through a local college.)

some online schools (like umuc, phoenix) actually have face-to-face classes in some locations. i very much doubt an employer is going to judge a degree based on it being online. and online classes do take dedication, particularly when you don't have someone to sit there, monitor your work and remind you twice a week what's due.

as for no one to explain a concept, professors encourage questions. what's so different from having something explained in email over the internet and something being explained in the classroom? it sounds like most people think it's the lazy person's way out, but i had to switch to online classes to fit my work schedule, and there's no reason people should look down on that.

'if an employer want someone with a certain degree, I would think most would choose the person who has upped their life and attended university and shown dedication, instead of just sitting on a computer in random spare time.'

My neighbour runs the HR department at the NFU. She was asked recently if she looked at where people studied when considering their job applications. When she said no, people were shocked. She said as long as you have a good CV, relevant work experience and have obtained a good grade then it really doesn't matter.

Plus, online studying is not just 'sitting on a computer in random spare time.' Hell no! I am doing so much more studying with the OU than I did at Kent.

Thats because you are doing a different course all together, the previous course you attended is one that requires very few hours of work whether online or at a university. You cannot compare a vocational course with an academic one.

Drama isn't all singing and dancing you know. It is very academic. If you don't know your practitioners, your styles of drama, your history, your plays... you were up shit creek.

Two of my flatmates do drama, 6 hours a week in uni, so far no essays or write ups, just watching films and reading plays for homework.

Gosh I'm jealous!

Trust me, my course was nothing like that.

I'm jealous too!

im taking online classes through Lincoln College Online for advanced medical coding and billing. I just got done with my first semester and I love it a lot. If you need help the professors are always there to help you, and they have a tutoring program. You only take 3 courses at a time because trust me its a lot of work. If you aren't someone who can stay on task then online courses aren't for you.

To quote Transit:

"I would think most would choose the person who has upped their life and attended university and shown dedication, instead of just sitting on a computer in random spare time."

Ever tried doing something like Open University? Go on, I dare you. Then you'll find out that actually, it requires a hell of a lot of dedication - finding the motivation to do the Uni work in your spare time is dedication. Especially when you work full or part time and have other interests/committments that you have to honour. The materials are provided, they're good materials - Books, DVD's, CD's, Online Projects. They encourage you to think about your ideas, and look at things from various perspectives and you're encouraged to review your learning style and adapt it to a way that suits you best. You're provided with software so that you can communicate with fellow students and tutors, including your own tutor group. You can also contact your tutor by email, phone or letter if you have a question or are stuck with something. You get in depth feedback on every single assignment. You can go to tutorials at your local centres, get careers advice, get course advice, revision sessions are available, skills sessions, there's a student union/ association that meets regularly. You have just as much support as you would get from going to an actual university.

I spend at least 1 of my 2 days off a week doing uni work. I also take my uni work to work with me if I'm on long flights or if I'm on airport standby, so that I can get ahead with it. I work damn hard on my Open Uni work, and I'm proud of it. And I'd like to think that when I come out with a 2:1 with honours at the end (I'm determined, and currently achieving 80-85% in assignments) that an employer would choose me over someone from a mainstream university who achieved an unclassified degree.

The Open University is respected and has an excellent reputation around the world for providing an excellent standard of education on a part time basis. Don't knock it until you've tried it.

I like this a lot :) I definitely agree. Although Transit has pooh-pooed the OU before so I don't expect a different response this time around.

I do know that employers regard the OU very highly, as it shows more dedication to do your uni work along with other commitments, as opposed to just getting drunk at another uni.

Yeah I have done OU actually, it was rubbish.

The fact is, online uni isn't for everyone. Some people can do it, others can't. Some people prefer to have the flexibility online gives, others need the structure traditional gives. Just because one person had a bad experience doesn't mean the next person will. Just because it's online doesn't mean it's lesser quality than traditional. You have to do your research into online uni's. Is it accredited, for one thing. If it's not, don't bother because it'll be a waste of money. And if you get six months into it and realize it's not for you, there's nothing wrong with that, you'd probably just be better off in a traditional environment. Doesn't make one method of education better than the other, it simply means each person is different and will benefit from different types of schooling.

Shannon is taking one online course along with his traditional courses at his college right now. He hates the online course because he's not the type of learner that does well in a self-directed learning environment. Like you said, it's not for everyone.

And see, I do so MUCH better in a self-directed learning environment. It's all about personality. Which is why it is great that there ARE these options.

I do too! I love online classes. It's so funny though - our learning styles make total sense given our personalities. lol.

I want you to think about a few things first. Are you absolutely sure what your major will be? Most online colleges that are career oriented cost a lot more than community college and you're pretty much stuck in one major. Also, major sure they're accredited so if you decide to switch schools, you can do so. Also, aim for an associate's degree at minimum. A certificate of acheivement isn't always accepted, especially in these hard economic times where you have people with Master's degrees looking for work. Another thing, how will you pay for this? I've been going to my local community college since 05 and have spentabout 2k a year on classes. Yes, I should'vegraduated by now, but I've switched my major about 20 billion times. THat's why I say make sure what you sign up for is what you actuallywant to do or else you'll be paying off a 20k loan for classes you never finish.