New Year, New Student – A Local Healthcare Professional Joins the Click
Philadelphia, PA - February 11, 2008 – Drexel University Online welcomed more than 400 new students in the fall of 2007, increasing the overall number of undergraduate and graduate students at the University. One new nursing student, Mary Jane Gray, of Voorhees, N.J., is thrilled to be an online student studying at Drexel.
“What I enjoy most about the online learning format is that I can attend the University and work toward a degree in the comfort of my own home,” said Gray. “I do not have to worry about being late to class due to weather or traffic. I am able to participate when my schedule allows.”
Gray, a senior case manager at Keystone Mercy Health Plan, is earning her Master of Science in Nursing Leadership in Health Systems Management. She feels that this degree will help her become more competitive in her field. As a new online learning student, Gray had difficulty setting up her computer, but found the technology team at Drexel Online responsive and helpful.
“I am amazed that there are students from all over the world, literally. A classmate of mine lives in Cairo, Egypt with her family,” said Gray. She does note some differences between online and on-campus learning. “Something different about attending online classes is that you do not have the immediate feedback from the students or instructors as you would in a live class,” she said. “However, this is also the reward of taking online courses. I have the liberty of thinking before responding to questions. I am able to compose my thoughts before committing them to the discussion board post and not distracted.”
Gray recommends Drexel Online to other adults who are interested in returning to school. “Drexel has the staff, the technical expertise and the experience to provide an excellent educational format online,” she said.
According to Sloan Consortium, more than 3.5 million college students are taking online courses and earning an online college degree.
“Online learning allows you to work from home, work, or anywhere else without commuting. You can learn when it’s convenient for you,” said Dr. Kenneth Hartman, academic director at Drexel University Online. Hartman recently received the 2007 Penn Educator of the Year Award from The University of Pennsylvania and has many other honors to his name including, the 2006 Partners in Education Award from the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling, and the 2006 Drexel School of Education’s Faculty Fellow and Associate Award.
For new online students, Hartman has the following suggestions:
·Organize your schedule – block out 6-9 hours per course each week.
·Set expectations – let those around you know about your commitments.
·Get to know your instructor – share background, experience and contact info.
·Prepare your technology – familiarize yourself with the necessary course.
·Surf the resources – check out all the resources available for your course.
“We’re very proud to offer our students the outstanding Drexel curriculum within this convenient online format,” said Hartman. “All of our online programs are taught by the same renowned faculty as our campus courses.”
Drexel Online students have the option to choose from over 60 degree and certificate offerings, including programs in business, nursing, and education. Applications for Drexel’s online degrees and certificate programs are now being accepted for the spring term. For more information about this online University, visit Drexel’s online degree website, e-mail info@drexel.com or call (877) 215-0009.
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About Drexel University Online: Drexel University Online, winner of the 21st Century Best Practice Award for Distance Learning from the United States Distance Learning Association, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Drexel University, specializing in innovative, Internet-based distance education programs for working professionals and corporations in the United States and abroad. Drexel University is continually ranked one of the best national doctoral universities by U.S. News & World Report and enjoys regional accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges & Secondary Schools. A pioneer in online education, Drexel has offered programs online since 1996.
Media Contact:
Shawnee Brown
215-895-0513
Shawnee.Brown@drexel.edu |
