Progress Report

I have been an active student at WGU for nearly a year now and would like to share my thoughts on what it has been like and some of the pros/cons and how to deal with them:

1) Online schooling takes a great deal of discipline. You MUST be a self starter or you won't make it. I was coming up on an exam and had tickets to an NBA game; I gave them to a family member and because I needed to study. I miss my favorite show (Burn Notice) and end up watching new episodes on re-runs. I take a laptop to work with me and spend lunch breaks studying. And I study every day according to a strict schedule I have created rain or shine. My car hasn't been washed for weeks. These are the kinds of sacrifices that need to be made.

2) Faculty support is top notch. You can call course instructors, instant message them, e-mail them, and they will get back to you. They also know the material. Mentors are similar to counselors; they motivate you and help you with non academic matters.

3) The learning resources are excellent. Videos are fun to watch, texts are detailed and accurate, websites are easy to navigate, and you don't pay extra for books. There are some recommended additional texts once in a while but are not required.

4) Traditional universities have the advantage when it comes to labs. While online universities do give access to multiple operating systems and give you the materials needed, if you want a true lab experience you will need to purchase the parts to build multiple computers and do the labs in your home. I have such means, but others may only have a single laptop or PC.

5) Online universities have the edge when it comes to time and money. You have the opportunity to graduate sooner and the schedule can be adjusted to your own schedule. Many adults who have children or full time jobs CAN'T go to a traditional college (without it taking years) because certain classes are taken at various times of day or on various days of the week.

6) Administration matters such as Financial Aid go much smoother with an online U. No lines, and someone always answers the phone.

7) If you like meeting people in person a traditional college is for you. If you like message boards, e-mails, and IM, online U's work great. People are quite friendly here and there are students who put together study groups for those within driving distance.

8) No walking and no driving to class ='s you get more work done. This saves money.

So far I think this has been a great investment. I have gotten a lot for my money and haven't paid a cent for supplies including books. The only thing I notice is a traditional college has computer rooms, science labs, art rooms, etc. but so far I have been able to do everything I need.