Slashdot Mirror
Your Online Education Experience?
pspahn writes "I am currently enrolled at a very well-known online school. I was hesitant when I enrolled; now more than a year has gone by, and I am regretting my decision. The main problem is that I am not learning anything. I have several years' experience with Web design, yet I was not allowed to bypass Intro to Web Design 1. Similarly, there are other classes on my list that will teach me very little I don't already know, yet will cost me money all the same. Now, I do have a great desire to learn and to further myself academically, but I just don't see much value in continuing to take classes I could have aced in ninth grade. It is also difficult when fellow classmates clearly have very little intelligent input to offer and our online discussions are reminiscent of an AOL chat room. While it is possible simply to attend a local school in person, I would much prefer an online environment as it seems to be a more natural medium considering the content of my studies. I am interested specifically in Information Security programs. What online education programs have Slashdot readers been happy with and considered successful?"
Those who can't, teach. It's just how it is. I spent most of my undergrad simply chasing "that piece of paper", with a few very cool exceptions that made my days reasonable. Education is not the same as certification/diplomas. Once you grasp that, you'll be able to successfully balance the academic jewels you acquire, and the real-world experience that helps you be gainfully employed. Knowing that those are, at best, loosely correlated will be one of the great lessons you take from this experience.