by Marilyn Stevens

Created on: May 13, 2008

I am a convert. Five short years ago, the idea of distance learning seemed bizarre. A terminal student, I loved sitting in a classroom, large or small. I craved the interaction between student and professor, among peers. Arguments, presentations, passionate exchanges. How could distance learning ever come close? When the pop-up ads for xyz college, or "get your degree without leaving your living room" appeared on my computer screen, I deleted them without a second thought.

Never say "never." Because despite being a terminal student, I hadn't actually ever settled on a college major long enough to earn a degree. And my academic clock was ticking. A successful career as an editor had opened the door to an adjunct faculty position at my local community college; to go any further in the field I would have to cobble together something resembling Bachelor of Fill-in-the-Blank. On top of everything else, I was struggling with a chronic illness. The idea of earning a degree from my living room (or bedroom) began to tempt me.

So I started researching the online degree options with two goals in mind: speed and convenience. Of course, accreditation had to be in the mix. I soon narrowed my choices and found myself on the phone with an admissions rep from AIU Online. Within a few weeks, my financial aid package had been approved, and I was on my way to a bachelor's degree in visual communications. I'd determined that with some background in graphic design, combined with my background in writing and editing, that a visual communication degree would open doors.

Shortly thereafter, my books arrived, as well as all the software I would be using in the course. In a matter of minutes I was logged on and introduced to my online campus and first two courses. Although before I began my online classes, I had assumed that my distance learning classes could be done at my leisure, I learned quickly that assignments were due on a weekly basis. I was also required to "attend" lectures by the professors as well as interact with my classmates. However, if I didn't make it to a live lecture, I could always download it at my convenience. Ah, convenience. I worked when I felt good; when I was having a bad day physically, I knew I'd still be able to get my work in sometime during the time frame. And one of the big concerns I'd had about lack of interaction soon melted away in the camaraderie of connecting with my online classmates and learning about their lives Jeff, the ESL teacher in Korea;

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