by Brian Hudgins
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Lonely yet?
Many online learners revel in the fact that eLearning affords them the freedom to "attend" school and study when it's convenient for them. The solidarity of it is empowering, most agree, particularly when it comes to setting their own schedules and fitting homework into their busy lives on their own terms.
That is, until something goes wrong.
Avoiding Techno Turmoil
Take Jeff Sandoz, currently pursuing his MBA at the University of Phoenix Online. He faced more than a few technological obstacles at the onset of his cyber-scholastic endeavor, but overcame such glitches thanks to the school's very-involved support staff.
The 24-year-old, who lives in Lafayette, La., had some anxious moments during the start-up process for his online courses. "That was one of the uncontrollable things. If something goes wrong and you don't know how to fix it, you're in trouble," he recalls. "There were times when I was nervous. If I couldn't even get started, and though 'What's the point?'"
To respond to such techno anxiety, online schools do their best to ensure students become familiar first with basic online learning technology. "They come [to us] with a wide range of technical capability," explains Brian Mueller, CEO of the University of Phoenix Online. "If there is any frustration or lack of confidence at that level, they may decide to go to a brick-and-mortar school, or not go at all."
For even the most serious and on-task students, a technical breakdown can quickly short-circuit even the best of educational plans. If a functioning tech support system is not available to help answer online student questions in a timely and efficient manner, the results can be damaging.
Luckily, Jeff was able to get his online class up and running with some helpful school staffers guiding the way. But then he faced a much different problem when he lost electricity at his residence due to Hurricane Rita.
"After the hurricane, my technical adviser and academic adviser worked with me in case I was without power for a long time," Jeff says.
By communicating with his academic adviser and course instructor, Jeff saw a potentially detrimental situation become more manageable. "It started with me contacting my adviser. He told me to contact my instructor personally," Jeff says. "She was prepared and understanding. I had to participate in class discussion a certain number of days. She was able to waive some of the days I didn't have power."
Because of that support, he was able to keep up with his peers.
"In an MBA program, it's all about working as a team to improve group effectiveness," he says. "The teacher contacted each of my group members and asked them to be understanding and allow me to pull my weight and redeem things later in the course."
Seeking Out Academic Success
For some, tech issues are the least of their concerns. It are the academic ones that cause the most anxiety. While traditional students can obtain assistance during a professor's office hours, or visit a school's resource center, online students need to be more proactive.
Solutions may come from in-house tutoring services run through schools. Tzipora Katz, 50, a Capella University student working toward her Ph.D., says her school's online resources have helped her handle the intensity of a doctoral program workload.
By linking to the school's academic success center, Tzipora, a Cherry Hill, N.J. resident, is able to locate a variety of research tips. "I can literally click on a question and it takes me to a tutorial. Sometimes, it's things that I know how to do, but I need a reminder."
Tzipora also notes that her writing ability has improved exponentially since her first class at Capella, thanks to the combination of the school's writing center and some constructive criticism from an instructor. She refers to her writing improvement as "a life-changing event."
Finding a Career Comfort Zone
Once students get a grip on technical and academic areas, many might wonder how their efforts will translate into career success. Kim Harwell, the director of business development for Westwood College Online, notes a job search should be viewed as a long-term process.
"Finding a job is a lifelong skill. It's not something you do once," she explains. "It's important for us that students leave here with those skills."
Which is why Westwood gives each new student access to a lifelong career planning guide, one that includes information about resume assistance, networking tips, and pointers on effective interviewing.
Dennis Snider, 28, of Stele, Ala., is scheduled to graduate from Westwood College Online in March with an associate degree in graphic design/multimedia. In his eyes, learning some secondary employment skills has provided a much-needed benefit.
Although Dennis admits he did not originally plan on using his school's career services other than for assistance with preparing cover letters and resumes, he's picked up some important skills.
"The main thing I learned is how to present myself to a potential employer in a positive light," Dennis points out. "You are selling yourself. You can take your skills and experience out of play if you present yourself incorrectly.
"It raised my confidence level, something that matters a whole lot in an interview. You have to have the right mindset along with the skills and training," he explains.
One task given to Dennis was to seek out a person with professional experience is his field, graphic design, and learn some of the ins and outs by interviewing that person. Dennis believes the exercise helped him realize what employers in his industry are looking for in an employee.
In cases where online students seek out support, whether it involves technical, academic or career-related questions, there is a common thread. The need for consistent and clear communication between schools and online students is vital.
"Much like a brick-and-mortar campus, online student services has become the customer care center," says Mitch Thomas, the vice president of distance learning for Westwood College Online. "Most students, regardless of the issue, tend to contact student advisers for assistance. This makes it extremely important that we have well trained, student-focused employees in the student adviser role."
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