Distance learning

Hey I'm about to start a MA course in library and information studies in April by distance learning in the UK.

I am doing the my first two semesters through distant learning (Old Testament Theology), and leaving my upper level classes for on campus learning. So far so good.

What are the requirements for your learning experience?

I'm earning my MLIS through (mostly) online classes from San Jose State in California. So far, the biggest problem has been work management - it's easy to forget about assignments when you don't have a regular class you have to attend. The plusses outweigh the negatives.

I'm taking cataloging next semester - we'll see how well that goes. I can't imagine cataloging without being able to see the books.

Hi, I had to have an undergraduate degree (BA) and library experience. I started a masters in english lit but decided to focus on information science for the moment.
I guess it's more about cataloguing rules and theory than the actual books themselves. It's exciting though.

Although I was a full time grad student on campus for library school, I took two online classes and didn't like it. I learned more (and better) when in the classroom. There's no substitute for personal interaction. You can't do career networking online either.

No but I career network at work; I work in a town with 131 libraries and many conferences!
As for personal tuition, at the start of each module you have to attend a wekk summer school which sets the tone for the year.
I think it depends how motivated you are and how interested you find things. Independent learning isn't all about being online; in my course we hae lots of books to read and assignments to write too!

I don't go to college to network; I go to learn. And I learn best when I can go at my own (fast) pace rather than being bored to death in a class.

Well, if you do want to network in class, there are ways to do that online. A lot of my classes have a general discussion area, where people with similar interests and career paths could connect.

I usually go to professional organizations for networking - I've found it easier to meet people with my specific focus. That's just me, though, everyone has different experiences.

I haven't token any distant learning courses. Though I often find myself quite bored in 3 hour course that really seem like they should simply be an hour and a half. Not all are like this though. I would be concerned about distant learning because of the lack of structure. I wonder if I would ever do the work.

Hi Charlotte (mrsradcliffe)

I've done several advanced/professional courses with the Open University, and am completing a PhD-at-a-distance from York. Several of my employees have done similar MAs (Museum Studies and Archives). They have been very well supported (as I was on the OU courses in post-compulsory education). They are much more set up for people doing day jobs than traditional masters and PhDs - working and practice are seen much more as benefits than as distractions!

Hey there parkersmood! I'm taking the last 4.5 credits out of 81 on my MDiv....all done either at a distance or in 2 week Intensives. I think distance learners put a lot more effort into what they do than traditional students. And I am completely addicted to checking my "classroom."

Because we spend 2 weeks living, eating, and studying together at least once a semester, sometimes twice, we know most everyone pretty well. The residential students who take on-line classes are generally less active in forming on-line community, but it can be done!

Where is your cyber school physically located?

I did my BS with independent learning at Emprie State Coolege, the open university of State University of New York. This was before on line was available and, yes, you do have to be structured. I had gotten an AA in 3 semesters at a community college & my BS 6 months later. This included a lot of life learning credits. Its a wonderful way to learn if you're disciplined.

I am now writing my PhD dissertation in Medical Humanities. I'm at the stage of--Will It Ever End??

Dear Leel,
Be sure it will end! Just make sure you're still alive when it does!

Just think of all the book-reading time you will have!

sk

Thanks for that kind thought! ;) But I just got the WORST news--my director may be leaving next semester!!! My heart is in my shoes. I have a great relationship with him, and there's really no one else that's suitable. Now I'm brooding.

I'm working on a Master of Arts in Integrated Studies with Athabasca University - all online. I find myself addicted as well to checking into my 'classroom'. The online discussions are great because I can ponder before I post my comments. I like the structure because I can fit it into my schedule which changes from week to week. So far, so good!

I did distance learning for a couple of quarters, and although I did well, and learned much through that mode of instruction, I would like to say that I did miss interacting directly and face-to-face with people--students as well as the Prof. In the traditional university class, one is able to build a rapport with instructors (helps for future letters of recommendations), and one is also more inclined to have meaningful discussions that add to knowledge learned in class. The people aspect is important, not only in classes, but also as we journey through life. People skills are rarely learned from a book; my experience has been through practice.
-aggie

I've taken two online and now I teach them. From the teaching perspective, I LOVE THEM. My students are generally a little older, more responsive and responsible, and I do let them work their papers around their work or hobbies or personal interests and get really neat papers. On the other hand, lots of students get in them and get lost and never come out the other side. You have to be 1) organized, 2) self-motivated, 3) capable of asking for assistance when you need it and of knowing when you need it. It does take more time than a face-to-face class, at least the way we set them up (it is NOT self-study nor self-paced) and it takes and incredible amount of time from ME, but they are so RICH!

I am planning to apply for the Fall 2008 San Jose State MLIS program. I am looking forward to it very much! Any pointers?

Make dates for your work if you are not given them and PUT THEM ON YOUR CALENDAR. Then, give them first place "eat the frog first" as my friend says.

19 - Yes! Take 202 with a light course-load. It's a bear on its own.

I am about to transfer to a school that offers an online undergrad library science degree. I am really having trouble deciding between 2 schools. I will eventually go onto get an MLS. But for my B.S/B.A. degree, I can't decided between University of Maine at Augusta (the degree would be a BSLS) or Clarion University of Pennsylvania (B.A. Liberal Arts with a concentration in Library Science). Anyone have any advice about either one of these schools or undergrad programs for LS?? The course rotation schedule for undergrads at Clarion worries me, they only offer 2 LS classes a semester (and none in the summer for BA in LS) since I've already had most of my 'core' classes, I'm afraid it may take me 4-6 semesters to get out just due to the lack of available courses per semester. Any advice? Anyone know anything about either one of these programs at U of Maine or Clarion?

Hi all,

I am currently doing a part-time LL.M. (Masters in Law) as a distance learner through the Professional Development School at Osgoode Hall (York University). It's a program geared toward working professionals. It's offered face-to-face in downtown Toronto and through teleconference for distance students. Some classes are intensives, where students generally all attend in person in Toronto, for 3 days or so. For the weekly classes, many students opt to teleconference in from wherever they are. I'm in Ottawa, where there are several other students in the program, so we all attend from the same location and teleconference in to the Toronto classroom. Live teleconferencing allows for interaction with the Prof. (you can ask questions, make presentations, etc.), while the presence of intensive classes means we've actually met most of the people we see on camera. I'm really impressed with is as a set up. It seems to capture most of what is unique about the live classroom experience and ensure that most of those key elements are present for the distance students. I think it's a really good mix. I likely would not be disciplined enough for anything that was self-paced or did not include a specific lecture time at this point in my life. With working full-time, I need the structure of having actual class nights and deadlines to get my LL.M. done. I suspect is would be never ending project for me otherwise.