Pursuing An Online Degree Offers A Liberating Experience

Damielys Duarte/Staff Writer

I’m part of a group of pioneer students who have crossed the digital divide at FIU by pursuing an online degree. 

I went from living on campus my freshman year and attending five classes scattered over the Modesto Maidique Campus to working a full-time job my sophomore year while undertaking four fully online undergraduate courses. 

The experience? Liberating.

I now have total control over my learning experience; you can decide what days you want to dedicate to a class and even where. You’re no longer in the confines of a stuffy classroom but in a space that offers the ideal learning environment for you.

There are the usual deadlines, of course, but the time in between is yours to take advantage of. This especially worked for me since my full-time job doesn’t give me much time to drive through 6 p.m. for class.

And despite school and work, the time saved going to class has allowed me to pursue other extracurricular activities on campus. I now have the option of writing for PantherNow, another online-heavy activity but one that worked with my schedule and interests.

And for the average student, online means 24/7, unrestricted access to partake in on-campus events without the constant headache of class management. 

However, I must warn you that online school is not for the faint-hearted or computer illiterate. It requires a diligence many are not accustomed to with the generic college experience.

There are no flesh and blood professors reminding you of deadlines or physically handing out tests during class. You must be in charge of your schedule and make time for tests and assignments, some of which only have a 24-hour window for completion.

Any and all computer glitches or issues need to be taken up with Canvas support. Professors will most likely never accept a computer malfunction as an excuse for a missed assignment or test.

And for my financially strapped students, each online credit is an additional $30 and is not covered by Bright Futures, meaning the minimum 12 credits for full-time students would cost you an additional $360. Any extra scholarships or funding will take care of that, though.

But most importantly, you learn on your own. The main objective of FIU Online is also the biggest drawback for most students. Here, learning takes place in instructional videos, interactive webinars and assignments. You will hardly interact with the professor and additional help with a subject will have to come from you. 

My advice for those eager to jump into the future of education: take a hybrid class or one online course and see how you assimilate before going all in. 

In this aspect, FIU is striving to fulfill its “international” title by offering its students a connection to the digital world and the limitless opportunities within it.

 

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

Featured photo from FIU Flickr.