E-learning can be a great way to complete a degree and gain many useful skills. Just remember that it is new way to learn and although faculty can make it a good experience it still up to you to learn.

There are many websites with questionnaires that can help you determine if e-learning is right for you. Check out http://www.elearners.com for an example. Also, if you want to improve your skills before you begin an online degree you should check out http://www.how2elearn.com .

As for colleges/universities there are many options and you should see which fits best with your interests and schedule. One program that gets marks is at George Washington University ( http://www.gwu.edu/~etl).

Best of luck with your decision and studies.

quote:

Originally posted by flashfly:
Could you share more about what you found especially valuable about their program?

Flashfly,

There were so many things I liked about Boise State. I felt they had a great curriculum which emphasized the basics, yet left room for new ideas. They are big believers in human performance improvement. And their faculty is well-respected. I also found them pleasant to deal with. Even with the distance aspect, I always felt like a student and colleague rather than an anonymous number.

Good luck with your program search. I definitely recommend Boise State. Let me know if I can answer any other questions.

And by the way, if you're coming to the ASTD ICE in June, we're having a BSU student-faculty dinner one night where anyone can come and meet people and ask questions.

Jay

I recently graduated from UMBC's ISD graduate program and would have to say it was outstanding! They place a strong emphasis on Applied Learning.

You can learn more about their program by visiting www.umbc.edu/isd

For specific questions, contact Dr. Greg Williams at gregw@umbc.edu

Good luck!
Jason

Hi flashfly,

Last fall I had the privelege of presenting at the European Conference of ISPI (Intl. Soc. for Performance Improvement) in Prague. Two of my fellow presenters -- Tony Marker and Linda Huglin -- were senior faculty from Boise State, and I got to spend some quality time with them over many a Pilsner Urquell.

We talked quite a bit about their online program and the philosophy behind it. I have to say I was very impressed, not only with the calibre and attitudes of the people behind that program, but with the quality of the online pedagogical approach. If I were looking to do an online Masters, I'd shortlist Boise State without hesitation.

Godfrey Parkin

I am also in search of a quality on line program and have been looking into San Diego States Masters in Educational Technology. I have not looked into Boise state but will after looking at these postings.

Does anybody have any feedback on the program at SDSU?