According to the Office
of Extended Outreach and Education, the distance learner must possess
many of the same characteristics and skills as a traditional on-campus
student: time management, self-discipline and motivation. But the distance
learner must also possess a unique set of characteristics due to the
unique nature of distance learning. Click here for
some more tips.
Here are some ideas on how taking classes from
your home or attending short courses might benefit you.
Joan
Christen is a graduate of the distance M.S. in Entomology
program. She
is also a teacher at Beatrice High School in Beatrice, Nebraska and a Ph.D.
student in the Department of Entomology at UNL.
"The
program is successful because of the staff and instructors. It
is like they have a vision of the world to be and are at
the forefront of innovative teaching to fulfill that need."
Brandon Hunnicutt is a
current student in the distance Master of Ag program and proud
dad of 3 young daughters. He farms with his father just outside
of Giltner, Nebraska, where they raise corn, seed corn, wheat,
soybeans and sorghum. Through the Master of Agriculture program,
he hopes to learn more about key technological and agronomical
areas that will benefit their farm and others in the area. He
is also on the board of directors for the Nebraska Agricultural
Technologies Association (NeATA).
"Trying to juggle farming
and class work and a couple of active young girls can be
very time consuming. With the Internet, though, it
is easy to e-mail questions to the professor and look things
up at all hours of the day and night.
I'm broadening my knowledge
in areas that can be applied on our farm and pursuing research
that could change the way we approach some areas in farming.
Being involved in production agriculture, I'm also able
to use my distance education contacts to run experiments
on the farm."
Jolene Williams is currently the Department Head of Environmental Programs Department and Environmental Programs Manager for US Naval Hospital Okinawa (USNHO), and manages all environmental programs listed in the Japan Environmental Governing Standards (JEGS) and OPNAVINST 5090.1B. Jolene entered the program to complete a previously-begun traditional MS program in Biology that was interrupted by transfer overseas.
"The MS in
Entomology fulfilled my desire to complete a MS in a zoology
based science. That the study of insects was enjoyable
was a surprise to me - I've always seen 'bugs' as
just food for the lizards and turtles that I really love,
but am glad that I studied entomology - it completes the
'big picture' of
ecology.
This program has enabled me to
complete my masters degree while stationed in a location
that does not offer a traditional program."
Charles
Courtney is a current student in the distance
Master of Ag program. He is also a sorghum researcher for Monsanto
in Texas.
"The ability to take classes
on the internet allows me to increase my knowledge and understanding
within my field of study. Distance education offered
a UNL is beneficial with its flexibility to work around my
schedule and the ability to work toward a degree. As
Joan has stated the staff and instructors are helpful and understanding. I
would recommend this type of educational opportunity to those
who are looking for knowledge and challenges."
These professionals get
cutting-edge research information.
Karen DeBorer is an Extension Education in Sidney, Nebraska.
