APU Careers & Learning Online Learning

An Ode to Online Learning

What do you love aboutOnline learning, how we love thee, let us count the ways. Or, in this case, let our students tell you why they are so fond of online education.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we asked students and alumni from American Military University and American Public University to share what they love about online learning. There are common themes with their answers, proving to us that flexibility and convenience are top priorities for those looking to earn a degree.

Flexibility and Convenience

For AMU and APU students, flexibility means being able to login to classes at any time, work on assignments in any location, and earn a degree while working a full-time job or raising a family.

“I am able to take courses while working the overnight shift full-time and sleeping during the day. I would not be able to do this at a brick-and-mortar school. Also, if I am feeling ill I don’t have to try to drag myself out of the house and can stay in the comfort of my bed.”
Jennifer Dowell, APU Student

“The flexibility of being able to go to classes anywhere that my laptop and I find ourselves. Also, not having to make the commute to classes in the rain, sleet, snow, and heat!”
Kay O’Pry-Reynolds, APU Student

“The convenience of being able to take classes from the comfort of home after working a full-time job all day. It was amazing to not have to drive to a campus, sit in a lecture hall for a couple hours per class and drive back home again. I earned my M.A. in Political Science at AMU back in 2009.”
Jillian Shepard, AMU Student

“The flexibility. If I had a rough Monday at work and just want to relax I know I can [login] Tuesday or Wednesday to work on class work. Or if I have to work late one day I don’t have to worry about missing a class. I also had a problem with on campus classes where I felt most of my professors were talking at me instead of teaching or working with me. Maybe they were just bad professors but I don’t have that with online classes from AMU.”
Kim Wood, AMU Student

“Flexibility! I have done classes everywhere from Starbucks, McDonald’s, hotels while moving across country, at work on lunch, and of course at home.”
Sarah May Powell, AMU Student

“Flexibility is number one. There’s no physical college that would let me learn at 2 in the morning. Also I love the fact that I don’t have to deal with people in person; so there’s a lot less pressure if you get stage fright easily (like me). And lastly, I feel like I’m learning more than I would in a tradition environment.”
Douglas Schutz, Jr., AMU Student

Being a Non-Traditional Student

Online students consider education a lifelong activity. Students may be just out of high school, earning a degree to advance their career, or even completing a promise they made to themselves long ago.

“I love that my life’s experiences are appreciated. The flexibility of going to school on my schedule and with great instructors and classmates!”
Michelle Hein, APU Student

“As a non-traditional student the aspect I love the most about online learning is not being judged by students younger than me who might wonder why a 50 something old lady is in college.”
Debra Ann Gray-Elliott, APU Student

Connecting with Classmates Around the World

In addition to the flexibility of online courses, students enjoy working alongside classmates around the world. This can provide a unique perspective that a student would otherwise not be exposed to.

“Going through the experience with people located all over the globe.”
Patty McGuire, APU Student

“I like doing the work on my own schedule. I also enjoy taking classes with people from all area of the world.”
Ruth DeLay Lizardi, APU Student

“For me, creating a network with other students. We all have different careers, interests, and goals for our higher. It was great to learn that in some way, we all have the same ideas. AMU has a wonderful online program that is second to none. Thank you for letting me achieve [my] Bachelors in Transportation and Logistics Management.”
Jametha Wade, AMU Student

Now that you’ve read these students’ answers, we want you to share your own love note for online learning.

By Madeline Roberts
Online Learning Tips Contributor

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