What are distance learners doing after graduation?
Q: Hello Terrie, you are recent graduate of The University of Toledo. You received a Bachelors Degree in Health Information Management. Could you tell me what drew you to distance learning program at The University of Toledo?
 
A: I was about to graduate from Stark State College of Technology located in Canton Ohio.  I knew that I wanted to pursue a Bachelors Degree.  I also wanted a distance learning program that would accept all the credit hours I had already obtained at Stark State.   I knew that Stark State and The University of Toledo had a consortium in which I could take more classes at Stark State that would help me obtain my goal.   I also wanted an online program that would “ease” me into a Master’s program when I was ready to pursue that avenue.  The other option I was looking for was regular full semesters.  I didn’t want an accelerated program.  I know my learning capabilities: it takes me awhile to get the “flow” of classes. I need a full semester to do my best. With a distance learning class, I felt I would not feel the intimidation of a large classroom. 
The University of Toledo distance learning classes fulfilled all of these requirements. The final reason was I had received information from Marie Janes that if I enrolled in the fall semester the registration fee would be waived.  What more did I need?

Gary Carr the Director of Student Services in the University of Toledo’ Distance learning program was able to help me select my first online learning class, and get me enrolled in the University of Toledo.  He also aided me in selecting a class at Stark State College that I could attend while transitioning into distance learning.
 
Q: Graduation is an exciting experience but, how was the experience you had attending The University of Toledo.

A: Oh my! Where do I start?
I was surprised that I would receive several Success Scholarships from UT.  I received one every semester for four years. Summer semesters were the only semesters I did not receive the scholarship.
My first positive experience at The University was with Gary Carr and his assistance with my “first” online registration. He also assisted me with the selection of my first online class. I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Carr at a “Northwest Ohio Health Information Management Association” seminar!

Gary was always available to help, and when he was away on vacation or at meetings, his staff in eLearning and Academic Support was also a pleasure to work with and offered me great service.

Q: Where there any Professors that you could think of that made a positive impression on you?

A: Critical Thinking, the first course I was enrolled was tough. I just wasn’t getting it!  The professor (I am sorry I don’t remember his name), called me on a Thanksgiving evening, and spent 2 hours on the phone with me until I finally grasped the concept.

Professor Paul A. Fritz; and I believe his class was a Conflict Resolution.  I never spoke to him on the phone, but he somehow brought out the creative writing part of me.  He encouraged me through his comments on my papers.  He was strict about grammar and punctuation, and I grew to appreciate his high standards.

Professor Selena Griswold; her classes really opened my eyes to a whole different world that I didn’t know existed.  She made me think about discrimination, about whether the history books told it correctly, and she made me research and question.  Awesome instructor!

Professor Robert Schwartz: what a kind hearted person!  We communicated through email even after my class with him was completed.  He advised me on how to further develop of my management skills.  He was never too busy to encourage me through emails and through his thought provoking questions in our class.

The “cream of the crop” is Professor Marie Janes. She could be tough when I was a student, and I needed her to be tough.  She could also be a student’s biggest supporter! If I had to describe her it would be; intelligent, witty, creative, independent, and wonderful.  She taught me to be tough, to never give up, and to persevere.  Her online classes were creative, informative, and designed for ease of use.  Marie is a mentor, a teacher, and a friend all rolled up into one great person. I was going to give up and quit completely after only one semester.  Marie Janes called and told me to hang in there, it would be ok, that was all I needed to keep going. 

Q: Would you recommend someone pursue online classes? 

A: Absolutely! And if anyone thinks because a class is online it is easier, they better think again.
An online course makes the student completely responsible for scheduling their time wisely, meeting deadlines, and utilizing technology to their advantage.  It is an independent adventure into learning.  And I don’t believe it is for everyone. 

I had several projects that I had to work with others through email, chat rooms, and phone calls. I was sending reports through email to be compiled by another person. I learned how to communicate through email with others so that we were able to reach a goal successfully.  I feel I received a quality education, achieved my scholastic goals, and I did it all with the convenience of not leaving my home.

I do however highly recommend a decent computer set up and high speed internet, and your own study area to optimize the experience. 
Also, a word to fellow procrastinators:  Don’t wait until the last minute to turn in your assignment or take that quiz or exam!  If you wait until the last minute it may be the time the system is a little bogged down; because others have also waited to the last minute to turn in the assignment or take the quiz or exam. You may experience a slow down either through your provider or the schools.  Thanks U.T.!  Go Rockets!

Editor’s note: Terrie graduated on December 20, 2008 with a Bachelors Degree in Health Information Management from the College of Health Science and Human Service. She started working for Stark State College of Technology on January 12, 2009. She is the Coordinator, for the Medical Coding Certificate program. She is also about to take her Registered Health Information Administration (RHIA) exam.