Katrina Gonnerman-Manoleas
Master of Arts in Education Adult Education and Distance Learning Version
Milan, Italy
A current resident of Milan, Italy, Katrina Gonnerman-Manoleas is an Arizona native who has spent 15 years outside the US. Today Katrina and her Greek Husband are proud of raising two children (two sons, four and six years old) in a trilingual setting.
What would you tell someone considering University of Phoenix Online today?
Go for it! The program is highly demanding but if you want to learn, this is probably more conducive to learning than in a traditional classroom, where you are often expected to passively learn the material through lectures and text readings. As we are required to actively apply our learning and critically discuss the material, we learn the material more deeply.
Furthermore, it is wonderful to be able to attend class from my home computer in Italy, while my children are sleeping. The convenience and easy access to the program means that I have been able to attend classes, something our parent's generation would not have been able to do. In addition, I haven't had to sacrifice any quality of learning. I got what I put in to the program, and the payoff on my investment has been more than I could ever have anticipated.
What attracted you to University of Phoenix Online?
The University of Phoenix is a leader in online education; this played a major role in my decision to choose this program. Furthermore, they have the curriculum program that interested me, and their admissions counselor and technical support were very supportive in helping me make the decision and start attending class. It was easy to start, I didn't have to invest in any new hardware or software, and I could just use my existing Internet connection and familiar Outlook Express software to attend class.
How would you describe the online experience?
The online educational experience is a highly interactive form of learning, where you are required to participate and apply your learning from day one. At first it seems rather strange to attend class with a click of your mouse, but by the time you start your second course you will have not only obtained the necessary skills to be able to learn in this environment, you may also begin to feel comfortable interacting using e-mails as the form of discussion.
How has the experience and, of course, the degree impacted your professional and/or personal life?
This degree program has highly impacted my professional and personal life. Not only have I engaged in a highly stimulating environment and learned the material through active application and discussion with my peers, I have also updated my technology skills and sharpened my critical thinking and writing skills, which will serve me in all walks of life. Furthermore, I have improved my teamwork skills and learned how to constructively collaborate with others, no matter the distance between our computers. I find myself being able to apply what I learn on a daily basis, and feel more connected to current issues and concerns in my profession.
|
