Testimonial -- Susan

Which course are you taking-- an internet or a hybrid course?
I am currently in an internet course and was in one previously as well. I have not taken a hybrid course. I am hoping that CVTC converts more of the marketing classes into internet classes soon!

What City do you live in?
I live in the City of Altoona.

What program are you in?
I am enrolled in the Marketing Program.

Job?
I am employed full time. I work at Ayres Associates in the Corporate Marketing Department. I have just completed my 17th year with the company.

Age? (You could lie a little bit if you want we won't tell.)
I am 41 years old, but getting closer to 42 than I am to 41.

Why did you choose E-learning at CVTC?
The main reason I chose CVTC was because of the internet course offerings. I have a family (kids ages range from 21 to 12), I work full time and my job requires a fair amount of travel. The internet/e-learning allows me the flexibility I need to keep my priorities straight. With e-learning I can still attend my kids school and church activities, I still have a social life (although it is somewhat restricted), and I am able to meet my work commitments without a lot of adverse effects on my classes, assignments and learning.

What are some things you like about E-Learning classes?
One of the main things I like about my online class is that I am able to study and do my homework, take quizzes and exams at a time of the day that works best for me and my schedule on a weekly basis (since my schedule changes a lot). I also think that I study and do my assignments when I am in the right mind-set. For the most part I have been able to work ahead (at my own pace). This is extremely helpful for me with my work and family schedule. I have also found that my instructors have been quite responsive (timely) to my questions when I have had an issue, to my surprise.

Anything you don't like about E-Learning classes?
I am a social person and there have been times that I would like to actually meet my instructor and classmates and put faces with names and personalities. However, this is not detrimental to my learning. It is just a personal preference.

Are you able to interact with other students attending online classes?
Both of the internet courses that I have taken have had interactions with other students through use of the discussion board. The instructors have both had us post responses to questions and then we are to read other postings and respond to a minimum number of our classmates. This gave me a chance to interact with others in the class.

Do you have a favorite class?
No, I dont think I can say that I have a favorite class. I have taken one course in my major area (marketing) and another general course (psychology) online. I have enjoyed both courses both having their own high points.

Any common misconceptions about online classes that you would like to set straight?
I am not sure what conceptions are out there. One thought I had before taking an online course was that I was wondering if I would learn as much online as I have in a traditional setting. I think in some ways I may have learned more online than I would have in a traditional setting.

Any advice you would like to give to future online students?
To succeed in an online course you need to be pretty self-disciplined. I do think that where there is no lecture time that you must spend additional time to teach things to yourself and concentrate harder on reading materials and put forth greater effort on assignments to be sure you understand concepts and ideas.