Question for Aspen University students

Hi:

I was looking at the Aspen U website. They mention two modes of learning, on line interactive, and online independent.

I like independent learning better. I believe the website says the two modes of learning can be combined as well.

Can a current or past Aspen U student briefly describe their experience as far as coursework, testing, etc.?

I would be interested in the graduate level, maybe the MBA.

Please advise,

Thanks, Abner P.S. here is the link:

http://www.aspen.edu/distance.htm

 

I believe the only difference is the on-line interactive requires discussion board postings. This means less work for the on-line independent, however, you lose out on the experience of interacting with other students.

 

You say that like it's a bad thing.

I really hate having 30% of my grade contingent upon the work of other people, i.e., my UOP "Learning Team."

 

Exactly!


Abner

BTW, welcome Catlady!

 

The Apen University online interactive is not group work. It simply means you post discussion responses to the discussion board; both your response to the assigned question(s) and replies to the postings of other students. The UoP model of coursework grade dependency on other students does not apply.

 

Is a student required to sign in to any discussions groups/Blackboards at a certain time?


Abner

 

Independant is less structured - which can be good or bad. I finished two classes (I was under a deadline) in two weeks apiece (during vacation vacation).

The transcripts reflected the two weeks periods - rather than simply the semester of enrollment - which reqired some explaining.

Quite often, some good discussion occurs in the weekly interactive topic posts - which you will miss out on - not to mention networking. Aspen gets quite a few senior government (congressional aids, UN, military, Federal bureaucrats) in it's masters classes.

 

Thanks for the info. That's good to know. I am in government as well.

Can a student combine both modes of learning? I thought I read you can. Also, if you do participate in the interactive mode, is it pretty simple/easy to navigate?

Thanks,

Abner

 

You can combine modes within a programme (degree) but not within the same course. Navigation is a very basic web page, early 1990s style, and therefore uncomplicated.

 

Renee,

I do not consider group learning “good” or “bad” but a matter preference. In the two courses that I took at Aspen, I actually opted for the on-line independent. I have heard some negative about the group experience at UOP, but my group work at Liberty University was a very positive experience.

Randy

 

Actually, I took 3 courses with Aspen this summer. As "an Independant" student you do the same questions as interactive students (even tho they say for interactive only required, you get a note saying do em all!).

So could they have an ongoing discussion board with no start/end dates? Perhaps! When I did my accounting studies, a student started a series of E-groups (pre-yahoo) for each course/module. At first they were great for high level discussion then it ran its course.

I have two problems with Aspen: one is the lack of networking, a simple PHP board such as this would be valuable!

As for coursework/testing its what you make of it. I recently had to proctor for another (regional/aacsb-in process) MBA school and I read over their Ops. Mgmt exam for MBAs. There's was below my expectation. Some professors I think must sit at home waiting for the chime of "you've got mail" to mark your papers. The others are when they can you find out their schedule and work with it.

Other then that I'd recommend the program as the cost is great although there are some other good deals out there (Regional MBAs have gone as low as 6k, M.Ed at 182/cr hr at Fort Hayes).

Their tuition sale (now extended to Dec 31/2006) kind of scares me: seems like a fire sale! But I have talked to two others through this board (thanks guys) who prepaid and don't regret it (but they have their paper).

As for the testing, find a local school to arrange for a testing center. Although Athabasca (Canadian school) has this really well done as you can use basically any professional (Dr/Lawyer/Accountant/Engineer/Cop) so someone you know can work with your time or even in a public library. I have found their staff very easy to work with so even if you live in the middle of no where I am sure they can come up with something.

Geoff

PS: as professional who has had to proctor exams for co-workers I must say it is a pain in the you know where!

 

Thanks for your great detailed comments!!


Abner