Online Training for a New Career
Tracy Stewart, Vice President of Information Technology, Dean & Executive Director of the School of Undergraduate Studies at Regent University, shares her expertise about online training for a new career in this exclusive expert interview.
Introducing Tracy Stewart
Tracy Stewart supports all the academic and administrative computing and telecommunications needs of Regent University while providing leadership, strategic planning, technical contribution and the direction or assignment of the work activities for all employees within the Information Technology department. In addition, Ms. Stewart supervises the Departments of Information Technology, Institutional Research, Center for Teaching and Learning, Media Services, the university webmaster, and Central Enrollment Management.
Ms. Stewart is an information technology professional with more than 25 years of experience and an extensive background in management and software systems development. She has a proven track record of building strong relationships throughout organizations and using a team work approach between IT staff and business units, including sales, marketing, public relations, human resources and finance. She also serves as the Executive Director of the School of Undergraduate Studies.
Is there a "typical" student in an online degree program?
Yes. Females between 25-34 years old. There is no skew to a particular ethnicity; it's a very ethnically diverse group.
How can someone know if he or she would make a good online student?
Hard Skills
You need certain technology skills to succeed in an online program. You must be familiar with:
- Sending and receiving emails
- Opening or sending an email attachment
- Searching the Internet
- Using Microsoft Word
- Downloading files
Online students are required to have a computer and Internet access. For official computer recommendations, visit the Information Technology Web site.
Soft Skills
Various soft skills also are associated with successful online learning. You should be self-motivated, self-disciplined, and be able to:
- Work independently
- Manage your time wisely
- Communicate effectively in writing
Lifestyle
Online learning is best suited for those students who do not have the time or ability to make it to a physical class. These students may include:
- Busy career professionals
- Professionals who travel frequently
- Nonresidents
- Military personnel
- Stay-at-home parents
Factors to Consider About Online Training for a New Career
What are the advantages to studying at the post-secondary level online?
The number one reason is convenience; it works around your schedule. The advantage to an online course is that you decide when and where you want to study. Also, interacting with a class of people from very diverse backgrounds means students are learning the material from each other. This collaboration with fellow students through learning management tools make for a very rich environment in terms of technology and diversity.
Is this an effective way for someone to upgrade their skills or or look to online training for a new career?
Yes. We offer high quality and accredited programs that are just as rigorous as our on-campus programs.
Are there any disadvantages to signing up for an online degree program?
There is a need for basic technology skills and a stable Internet connection is required, as well as the ability to push yourself to work independently. Students without these capabilities are at a severe disadvantage with an online program and should look into campus-based programs.
Is an online degree recognized by employers in the same way that one awarded to someone who studied on campus is?
Most schools do not notate whether the degree was earned online or on-campus. Regent has not heard any negative feedback from employers. Each of our programs, whether online or on-campus, covers the same material, uses the same books and has the same expectations.
The Future of Online Career Training
Studying online is a growing trend. Why do you think it is so popular among adult learners?
There is no need to invest additional time commuting to a class and the time allocated for school can be used completely for learning.In addition, most online schools offer more class starts than typical on-campus schools so there's not a lot of time wasted waiting for classes to start. Regent, for instance, has six starts per year so students can take classes year-round.
How do you see this type of study evolving in the future?
The number of students will continue to increase and the challenge is to continue to ensure all online programs are being monitored for quality. We know online programs can be delivered effectively.Technology will continue to play a key role in online learning. We want to continue to offer robust learning environments that include video, audio, text, etc. for the students. We cater to a diverse group of learning styles and the faculty needs to continue to find out what works best for each subject area.
Tips for Online Career Training Success
What tips would you give to someone who is thinking of pursuing an online degree?
- Many schools offer free online orientation courses. Take them to familiarize yourself with their technology and how their courses flow before you start your first class. Communication is crucial. A professor cannot read your facial expression if you're having a difficult time with the material. Do not hesitate to contact the faculty member and ask for clarification and assistance.
- Make sure your computer and Internet connections are stable; there is no need for additional obstacles.
- Keeping up with reading and assignments that are due is imperative. This is no different than an on-campus class.
- Find out what other resources the school provides - like online tutoring for math or an online writing center and make sure the school has a robust online library for student use.
- Also, it's important to check out the type of faculty that would be teaching your classes. You want the best and the brightest in your discipline teaching you!
LoveToKnow would like to thank Ms. Stewart for taking the time to answer our questions about online training for a new career.
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