Michael Burgess
FSU Distance Learning Essay
I began my education as a graduate student on the campus of Florida State University in the Fall of 2011. I was excited to join the Seminole community and thrive in a top notch academic environment. Unfortunately, midway through my first year at FSU tragedy stuck my family, and I had to make the decision to leave graduate school and be there for my family. I assumed my graduate education was to be on hold for a long period of time, but I was soon advised by my father to look into the programs offered through the Office of Distance Learning at Florida State. After some research, I discovered the Criminal Justice Studies online graduate program and determined it fit directly into the academic interest that drove me to pursue a graduate degree. I was accepted into the program and was able to transfer my courses in.
My experience taking distance learning classes has been incredible. The quality of education parallels that of any lecture course I have ever taken. Professors are attentive to student’s needs, are readily available at any time, and make the necessary course information constantly available. My initial concern was that there would be a disconnect between myself as a student and the course material that was to be studied. I found, however, much more than simple articles and assignments. My professors have uploaded video lectures to courses that give a sense of personal one-on-one lecture while also being able to put a face and voice to the instructor. PowerPoint assignments contain voiceover sound to accompany each slide. Additional readings are easily put into folders and the navigation through the course was set out and easy to understand.
In fact, I prefer distance learning classes at FSU to any lecture course I have ever taken. Distance learning classes provide me the opportunity to possess a full-time job while also enhancing my educational goals. In my work of business, in the financial services industry, online self-directed trading is becoming increasingly popular. Investors like the ability to have their investments and financial futures in their own hands, while also being able to trade and make decisions on their own time. I correlate this direction of thinking with the benefits of distance learning. I have found that I have the ability to deepen my knowledge of a course subject more than I regularly would in a traditional classroom setting. Like self-directed trading, I am able to conduct research and fulfill my course requirements on my own time, while having the ability to progress a professional career. Traditional courses have a set class time, and attendance is mandatory. If a class is only offered at 2 pm, the opportunity to have a full-time job is very limited. Yet with distance learning classes, you create your own class time, often times committing more time to a week’s course topic thAn if in a traditional course.
The most unexpected surprise I received in distance courses I found was the multitude of resources available to students. Careerservices online website has been an exceptional tool in helping to create my resume, search for jobs, and add to my professional portfolio. I can attest that such services are not offered at other academic institutions to distance learning students. Distance learning courses have made me feel at home as a student at Florida State University, and I have not once felt like I am not a true Seminole. In fact, I was just nominated as a Seminole Torchbearer!
My experience as an online student has had an impact on more than just my own education. I am happy to say my father is now following his dream in receiving a master’s degree online through FSU, and hopes to teach in a Florida community college. My connection to Florida State has never been stronger, and I look forward to one day being a proud alumnus.