capohanka
Jul 6th, 2009

A New Journey

You never know when a tweet might change your path.  For me, it was an innocuous tweet by @injenuity sometime last January or February.  She sent out a tweet that her husband had sent her a link to a University of Florida online doctoral program.  I wish I had saved or favorited it, but at the time it didn’t seem that significant.

And that got me thinking…I could do an online program to get my M. Ed.

So, now months later, I applied to the Univ of Florida online M.Ed. program, got in, and now I am in the stages of figuring out financial aid (easier said than done).

Who knew something so important could come from a tweet?

I am thrilled about starting this new journey.  I bought my first Florida t-shirt on Saturday and I can’t wait to get started.   I know that many of you in my PLN have gone back to school, and may have even done an online program.

Any words of wisdom?  Please!

5 Responses to “A New Journey”

  1. # Jenon 06 Jul 2009 at 10:16 am

    Wow! Congrats! 2 pieces of advice. 1. With my MEd, I did all my projects based on what I was currently doing at work, or what I could see myself doing in the future. If an assignment didn’t seem like it would serve me, or it seemed like busy work, I negotiated with the instructor to do something more authentic. 2. Consider the cost one of the best investments you’ll make in your lifetime so you don’t stress about the money. How many of your purchases actually give you the chance to improve on you and your family in such a substantial way?

  2. # wmchamberlainon 06 Jul 2009 at 10:24 am

    I found that when I was really busy, or under lots of stress, I would forget that the purpose of taking these classes was to make me a better teacher, not just getting another sheepskin. That was my loss. Between you online classes and your great online network, you will have a great time learning (and applying what you learn).

    Bill

  3. # capohankaon 06 Jul 2009 at 10:27 am

    That is great advice on both counts. This program is specific to current teachers so I am hoping they make the assignments authentic, but I will certainly speak up if need be. I am often described as straightforward and outspoken. Who knew?

    Thankfully, though it is a big financial obligation, it is an investment that will help for the long run, for sure! Plus, Florida charges in state tuition for its online programs. I can go there cheaper than any of the Virginia schools I looked at. Go figure!

    I am excited to be doing something for my career and for me.

  4. # SKingon 06 Jul 2009 at 11:19 am

    Congratulations for taking the step. As one who has just finished that journey I can tell you online classes are challenging and engaging if you choose to be. With the little I know of you I think you are more than ready for this step as you are already a reflective educator and that will be huge for you.

    Two things that may help on your way: check with your school division to see if there is money available for course work – my division paid my full fare in exchange for a four year commitment. And also check into short term ed-leave; when the pressure was on to complete my project I was able to get 5 days with pay!

    Hope this helps and good luck! I look forward to some interesting tweets related to your classes!

  5. # Judion 06 Jul 2009 at 11:41 am

    Congrats on taking the leap! I got my MA in Ed Tech in one of the first online programs back in 1999-2000 and it was a great experience. My best piece of advice is to *step away from the computer* – seem counterintuitive? It’s easy to get so wrapped up in the program and projects and to spend every waking hour online. Don’t forget to take breaks, get outside, breathe the fresh air, take a walk, clear your head every once in a while.
    Your work and your life will be better for it.

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