Students
“Distance and Online Education gives me the flexibility I need for studying and working part-time,” says Amanda, a third year Arts student (living in Winnipeg).
With a full course load and a job, every minute counts. “Taking courses both on campus and through Distance and Online Education gives me more opportunities to use my time more effectively,” she added. “The convenience is just great. It is so much easier to work ahead and organize my own time to complete assignments.”
– Amanda
3rd year student
Faculty of Arts (English major)
“With Distance and Online Education, I have the freedom to study and enough time
to work and volunteer too,” says Ian.
A teacher, tutor, soccer coach and a student, he gives top marks to instructors and the flexibility Distance and Online Education offers. A self-described night owl, he often hits the books from midnight to 3 a.m. Studying independently requires more discipline, but, Ian adds, “when I control my own schedule, I can make time to fit in all the other things in my life.”
– Ian
3rd year student
General Studies (Extended Education)
A student athlete, Sopear has loved basketball since Grade 4. She is also a five year veteran of the University of Manitoba’s Women Bisons basketball team. In her final year of undergraduate studies, she faced a challenge. “I just didn’t have enough time to study, make every practice and play basketball,” says Sopear. Friends suggested Distance and Online Education as a solution. It worked. “ I was able to organize my own schedule. For me, the flexibility and convenience were the right combination. It is such a great tool for any student, especially athletes.” Now in her first year of an Education degree, Sopear plans to teach high school. And perhaps coach basketball.
- Sopear
1st year,
Faculty of Education
Learning is all about choices. For Scott, it was his draft year for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football team. “I needed study time that fit around my training schedule,” he explained. That’s two hours a day in the gym and on the track. “I moved back to Victoria for part of my second term to train and continued my studies through Distance and Online Education. I like learning in my own time at my own pace.” Scott was in his second year in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation Studies. His career plan includes teaching and professional football. After his success at training camp, he has since been signed on to the practice lineup with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for the 2005 season.
– Scott
Faculty of Physical Education
and Recreation Studies
Natalie plans to complete her degree in Social Work in three years. But juggling 30 hours a week in two part-time jobs and five courses as a University 1 student means some serious time management is required.
Natalie has found the flexibility she needs by taking some of her courses by Distance and Online Education. “Not having to physically be on campus means I can work at my own pace”, says Natalie. Both a student advisor and friends recommended she try courses by distance to free up her schedule; she’s glad she followed their advice.
“The courses are very well organized and the instructors are just an e-mail away”, says Natalie, who also appreciated the high level of interaction among students in the online discussions. “I would absolutely recommend taking courses by distance.
– Natalie
Bachelor of Social Work
Denis’ life is full: a military career spanning 21 years, a wife and two young daughters and, of course, study. His goal: a Bachelors degree in Geography.
“The work balance equation is not always easy to solve,” he says, “but Distance and Online Education always provides the right answer: it’s possible.” It is the right fit for him. “I was able to access some courses online from anywhere in the world.”
His current job allows him the advantage of attending classes. “In the military you move every three or four years. I was also on shift work. Studying by distance offered the opportunity to schedule and plan my studies.”
“Distance and Online Education can take you where you need to go,” Denis emphasized, “it gives you the freedom to choose. I like that.”
– Denis
Bachelor of Arts in Geography
“Right now, I am car pooling with my daughter, who is in university too”, says Patricia, student and mother of three. The family lives outside Winnipeg, so commuting is a challenge. “I also work part-time as a social services co-ordinator. For me, time is in short supply.” she explains. “Setting my schedule at my own pace is a real benefit. I take my books with me everywhere, and use the chance to study in my spare time. Distance and Online Education enables me to make my degree a reality, not just a dream.” In her final year of an undergraduate degree in psychology, the next step is a Masters in Marriage and Family Counselling.
– Patricia
Department of Psychology
Faculty of Arts
Pam’s goal is to be a teacher. “I could see myself teaching at the elementary or middle school level. I think I would be really good at it,” she says. Pamela currently works in a day care centre part time, and enjoys her time with the children. “For me, Distance and Online Education saved the day because I can do it all: the work I love and time to study on my own personal schedule. Learning this way is very efficient; I can work at my own pace. I always tell my friends to try it - studying by distance has worked so well for me”.
– Pam,
3rd year,
Faculty of Arts
Instructors
“Teaching for Distance and Online Education is a fantastic opportunity,” says Psychology instructor Chris Tysiaczny. His online audio conference sessions hum with concentrated interaction between students and instructor. “Students become very energized in class and in online discussion groups,” he remarks. “I enjoy the constant contact. I am also impressed to see how online participation can build personal confidence and academic success.”
– Chris Tysiaczny, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate
Instructor
Department of Psychology
University of Manitoba
Mary Ann Steggles, an Associate Professor in the School of Art, has taught students by distance for the past 15 years. “It is a remarkable way to learn. I hear that from my students constantly,” she reflects. “As an instructor, I feel I can interact with my students much more as individuals.” She recalls a student who became more computer-savvy, with a new view of the world. And a mother who had a dream: to finish a degree before her daughter. “I am passionate about online learning,” she says, adding “education by distance may change your life.”
– Dr. Mary Ann Steggles
Associate Professor
School of Art
University of Manitoba
“I am sold on Distance and Online Education as one of the many good choices available to students at the University of Manitoba,” says Russell Smandych, a DE Instructor for the past 19 years.
“Typically, these students are self-motivated, very focused and really gain extra ground from ongoing feedback.” That feedback is an integral part of student success. He adds that in his courses, “60 per cent of the assignments are essays, so continuous contact by phone and email is the norm. I enjoy working with students to support and encourage their dedication to studying independently.”
– Dr. Russell Smandych
Professor and Chair, Graduate Studies Program
Department of Sociology
University of Manitoba
Dr. Garry Martin has been a Distance and Online Education instructor in Behaviour Modification Principles for over 20 years. “The academic results for my students have been very good, sometimes motivating them to major in psychology,” he says. “Distance and Online Education students must be self-starters, with good time management skills. I enjoy a great deal of interaction with them by phone and email. My main satisfaction has been observing students develop skills in the application of behaviour modification principles. I believe DE provides excellent learning and participation opportunities for students.”
– Dr. Garry Martin, Professor
Department of Psychology
Faculty of Arts