My Story

In 2003, I decided I was going back to school, 6 years after graduating from the University of Maryland College Park with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education.  I was still teaching and in debt. I could not afford to quit my job and become a full time student.  But I was determined to advance myself professionally and at that time I believed going back to school was the only way.

So before I knew it, I found myself enrolling in a 2 year online program with the University of Maryland University College. I figured, hey, an online program can't be that bad, many people are doing it. 

Then it reality hit me, "Girl, are you nuts? Do you remember how you were the first time as a college student? And then you had more free time."  I was not the most disciplined person at that time and I knew I had poor time management skills. I also did not like using computers, yep I said it. I had technology-phobia.  If my undergraduate days were any indication of how I would perform, I knew I was in for a rough time. 

That first semester was an eye opener.  My anticipation was worse than the reality.  I did face a few bumps but received a lot more rewards.  Here's what I learned:
1) I'm a way better online student, in the traditional classroom I was petrified most of the time to dare say anything, even less to argue a point. 

2) I loved instructors that made themselves available by a variety of means, phone, email, telephone conferences, etc.  They also seemed more creative, which made classes interesting.
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3) Time management is crucial.  I had to set a specific time and place during the week to dedicate to my classes.  I created a schedule that was comfortable and doable and stuck with it.
4) I love technology for teaching and learning!
I loved it so much, that not only did I earn a graduate certificate in Distance Education: Teaching at a Distance, I went back to school, online, to obtain my Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology and Distance Education so that I can help others see the benefits of technology in education.

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