Profile of a independent learner

opalmRN · Feb 21, 2003

Originally posted by Spazzy Nurse
.... especially when you have raggity little kids biting your ankles. :chuckle

Sort of reminds me when I work from home (on those very RARE occasions). I am working, emptying the dishwasher as I read papers from work, flipping the laundry as I teleconference a meeting, let the dog out while I download a PDF file, peel potatoes while I listen to a taped meeting from a week ago, etc.

Sure does give a whole new meaning to the word MULTI-TASKING!!!

I also agree it was much easier to get up and go to class than it is to get up and be the one responsible for starting the class. Some folks have the disillusion that distance Ed is easier. I have actually spoke with one of my former professors about this very topic and she told me as in instructor, teaching an online class or overseeing a distance Ed course is actually more difficult for the instructors as well. The main reason is the need to outwit the technology. She said that in the classroom she gives one test for those who make the class and one for makeup. When she teaches the same course online, she has to make the test so that each test is different in format and content. Why, two students could essentially be taking the test at the same time online and talking with each other on the phone exchanging answers.

I never really thought about that and admittedly neither did she until she found out that several students had in fact cheated this way. Ahhhh, technology it can be dangerous.

Glad to here you are finished and hope that the future is good to you.

C

kavi · Feb 21, 2003

Congrats spazzy nurse!!!

Hope those ankles heal.

:biggringi :nurse:

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Feb 22, 2003

Thanks you guys!!! :)

litebrite · Feb 27, 2003

I have been an RN for 2 1/2 years. I decided to go back to get my BSN now before I start a family. I was forced to do distance learning because of a foot injury in which I needed surgery and unable to drive. I like it a lot and will probably do the remainder of my BSN on-line as well. I agree though you have to be motivated to succeed. Good Luck to all of you.:)

Tim-GNP · Feb 28, 2003

Nice to meet everyone!!!

Opalm- I have actually added insult to injury--- my PhD isn't in nursing! Many of the 'leaders' *cough* from my MSN program [which was ground-based] "looked down" on my decision to not got a doctorate in nursing... they didn't actually call me a heretic, but they may as well have.

My true passion is studying the adult learner. It is my dream to one day be a distance education instructor to help nurses who are unable to sit in a 'traditional' classroom realize their dreams of advanced education! Imagine... an education for every nurse grounded in existential principles of adult learning! An education for nurses that allows them to explore their interests, and expand their knowledge base consistent with their current and future aspirations... *ah... to dream*

I believe education should be the most positive experience a person ever has. Unfortunately, current methods of instruction in 'traditional' colleges puts the adult learner in a position where they must 'jump' through the hoops... arbitrary hoops that fail to teach anything but how to be submissive to the instructor in the 'ivory tower.'

The nature of the PhD program at Touro is such that individual interests are allowed to be explored in the courses context. It truly like nothing I have ever experienced! My boss wants to go for her PhD, so I showed her some of my courses [including the software that I use for the live courses]... she was blown away with the technology, and is in the enrollment process.

LTNurse · Jan 12, 2004

Hi,

I'm so glad to meet other online students!! My name is Nicole but in this board I go by LTNurse. I was enrolled in a BSN program in Hawaii but last year when my husband received PCS orders (orders to move with the US Army) to Germany I was forced to drop out of the program. I have always wanted to be in Health Care and when I started college several years ago I was a pre-med student but then I found a mentor that was a plastic surgeon and he allowed me to go into surgery with him several times and I also got to spend time at the hospital with several doctors and Nurse practitioners; to be more specific with an Oncology NP, a FNP and a CRNA and it was then that I realized that I would rather become a NP. My mentor was very disappointed with my decision but I felt and still feel that it's what I have been called to do. My husband became and Army Officer and we moved so I decided to take a break from school for a while and went to work as a Flight Attendant for a few years but two years ago I quit my job and decided to go back to school to become an FNP and the first step was to get a BSN. After I dropped out of HPU BSN Program last year I felt lost and without options. While at HPU I took three classes online and I really enjoyed the experience and that was when I decided to research the internet for an alternative. I found EC but was turned down due to my lack of documented health care experience but even then I refused to give up and that was when I came across this board and I read a posting by mona b talking about Deaconess and so I decided to apply to the program. I'm expecting to start Deaconess in May and I'm excited! I realize that I have a long road ahead of me because I plan on doing my BSN, my MSN and later on a Phd all online but I'm taking one step at a time but I'll get there soon enough!!!

LTNurse

kimlpn · Jan 12, 2004

Hi everyone! What a great post topic. I have been an LPN for 8 years. I just completed all of my generals for the ADN program last semester at my local CC and have taken both NC1 & 2 already through EC. I am currently working on NC 7. I love the flexability that EC allows--the main reason for not attending my local CC for the ADN program is my 2 year old that I prefer not be in a daycare setting all day! The program is not easy, but so far I am learning a lot:) I am still taking generals at my local CC that will later apply to a bachelor's, but they are on-line or telecourse--requiring only a few testing dates to be on campus. It is so nice to meet others in similar situations.

Kim

nurseangela407 · Feb 23, 2004

Hello all!

My name is Angela. It feels wonderful to know that there are so many others out there that have chosen "the road less traveled" in distance learning. I have wanted to be a nurse as long as I could remember. I whizzed thru LPN school . Got married and had a child after graduation. Attempted to take the boards very pregnant and very stressed and didn't pass the first time. I was so disappointed. Left it alone for a couple years and worked different realms of healthcare. However, everything came to a head when my mother was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer. She was on failry new medication that several Dr.s and nurses had no experience with- and I was their quickest source of information. Needless to say, I tightened my belt to care for my Mom during the last year of her life. When I did have free time, I started studying to take the boards again. I had to because I promised her and she knew that it was my dream. My mother was laid to rest on Feb. 2,2003 and I took the boards on Feb 5. Passed with 85 questions. I haven't stopped since and don't intend to. Excelsior is my choice because it gives me a realistic option of finishing what I started. Glad to know I'm in good company!

Angela

" It doesn't matter how rocky the road may be. The road will clear if you keep walking."

mona b RN, BSN, RN · Feb 23, 2004

Hello all!
My name is Angela. It feels wonderful to know that there are so many others out there that have chosen "the road less traveled" in distance learning. I have wanted to be a nurse as long as I could remember. I whizzed thru LPN school . Got married and had a child after graduation. Attempted to take the boards very pregnant and very stressed and didn't pass the first time. I was so disappointed. Left it alone for a couple years and worked different realms of healthcare. However, everything came to a head when my mother was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer. She was on failry new medication that several Dr.s and nurses had no experience with- and I was their quickest source of information. Needless to say, I tightened my belt to care for my Mom during the last year of her life. When I did have free time, I started studying to take the boards again. I had to because I promised her and she knew that it was my dream. My mother was laid to rest on Feb. 2,2003 and I took the boards on Feb 5. Passed with 85 questions. I haven't stopped since and don't intend to. Excelsior is my choice because it gives me a realistic option of finishing what I started. Glad to know I'm in good company!
Angela
" It doesn't matter how rocky the road may be. The road will clear if you keep walking."

Good for you! Keep on trucking til you get there.

There is alot of good information about EC on this forum. Have fun :)

mona

opalmRN · Feb 23, 2004

I haven't stopped since and don't intend to. Excelsior is my choice because it gives me a realistic option of finishing what I started. Glad to know I'm in good company!
Angela
" It doesn't matter how rocky the road may be. The road will clear if you keep walking."

Good for you! You will find a wealth of knowledge, experience and support on this board.

Welcome!

purplemania, BSN, RN · Feb 23, 2004

Hi all. I too am a distance learner, working on MSN. Even though the school is only 1 hr away, traditional classtimes, etc. are so hard to do for me. The best part is learning on my own time and the worst is chat rooms with the whole class/instructors. Too much chatter and a waste of my time. The instructors have to give frequent feedback for it all to work. Some emphasize "online community" too much. No offense, but I don't really care what other students are doing. I just want to do my thing and get out of there. WDYT?

macmagick · Feb 23, 2004

Howdy Everybody! My name is Mac and I am a diploma RN and have been a nurse for 24 years. I have played around with taking a course here and there for several years and decided to get serious with finishing my BSN via an Online RN-BSN program. I have taken online classes at California State University, Domingeuz Hills and will be starting back there hopefully Summer, 2004. My goal is to work toward an MSN with emphasis on teaching nursing.