What do you do if you're torn between online and in-person continuing education programs in Process Design? (2024)

In-person and virtual will ultimately depend on the learner. Some of the questions to think about are:Can learners attend in person? Is there a budget for in-person? Are there facilitators that can be onsite? Virtual programs lend itself to being able to meet the needs of a variety of leaners and works well if there are budgetary issues.

This choice ultimately comes down to you and your own learning preferences. I've earned degrees from both in-person and fully on-line programs. Both were rigorous, both helped shape me and my professional career. Both take personal discipline, motivation, and grit. What are you comfortable with? If you have never taken an online course, try one first before doing a whole program. If you are new to the school, perhaps take a course from an instructor at that school first to find out what kind of fit there may be for you. Decide and then just do it. You got this.

Historically, online classes have the highest failure rate and highest drop rate. People are converting that they will "get around to it" and generally fall behind. If you need online because of time or location restraints, it would be better to go with a hybrid class. This ensures you have adequate interaction with the instructor.

As a previous associate professor in higher education, I started strictly teaching face-to-face in a cohort model and also taught online. Both are successful depending on the needs of the learner and the teaching style of the instructor. I had authentic conversations with applicants to ensure they could succeed in their program choices. I also provided tiered support to each learner who faced obstacles or setbacks. Weekly check-ins and quick feedback helped with student success. As full-time faculty and department chair, I found the best relationships were formed with the online students. Each environment has its pros and cons. Students need to select the best choice for them and a program that provides student success supports.

With online courses it is up to you to find the time each day to dedicate to the class. In my experience you will need to be able to dedicate time nearly everyday to participate in discussions or other collaborative activities. With F2F courses you will need to budget both the class time, travel time, and time to do the work. I find F2F to have a greater impact on my schedule than fully online. With fully online courses I would ofter do coursework late at night or early in the morning while the rest of the house was sleeping and outside of my normal work hours. Both are challenging, so find the solution that works best for you.

Many people already have a full life schedule. They believe that online classes will work for them. If you ascribe to the Carnegie credit hour system, you need two to three times the class time for homework and study. It is almost impossible to be a full time worker and a full time online student. Generally the education will be sacrificed.

Networking is key to success in your career so take advantage of the opportunity to connect with your fellow classmates and instructors. Connect on LinkedIn. Engage with their posts and take the opportunity to engage with their networks as well.Take the time to get to know the people in your courses and connect with them. Develop an extended team of experts that work well with in your courses and in life. You never know where your next job will come from.

I have often asked students about networking during online classes. They may recognize some students and their contributions, but no relationship is developed. I prefer hybrid classes where students actually meet each other and find commonalities to form study groups and friendships.

Do your research. If you are going to get into a degree program, check out the school and the program extensively before making a decision. Talk to the faculty, and the students. Visit the school in person and online. See if you can sit in on a class, especially with a faculty member you would be studying with. Explore an online course, does it fit your learning style and expectations? Look beyond the glossy trifold and home page of the website. Seek out graduates of the program on LinkedIn, connect with them and ask them about their experience.

Being a student these days requires access to technology no matter if it is F2F, fully online, or Blended. Most schools use a learning management system and will require you to complete tasks that will require you to use technology in one form or another. Get comfortable with the basics and see help for what ever you are not comfortable with. Have a solid internet connection and a decent computer that meets the needs of your chosen field of study. If you are not sure what technology you will need to be successful, reach out the faculty in the department and find out what they suggest. Connect with graduates of the program on LinkedIn and ask them about their experience.

What you get out of your own education is more a factor of what you put into it than anything else. Make informed decisions about the program and modes of instruction before you invest in the degree. Ensure the School and program is a fit for you. I spent more than 25 yrs working in higher education, and in that time I was always amazed that education seemed to be the only industry where the customer was happier the less they got for their money. No class today? No homework, super happy students.You are paying for your education! Show up to class, do your homework, learn the materials, and work at your highest level. Expect the faculty to work equally hard; they want you to succeed but it is up to you to put in the work.