When Ryan enrolled in his first online course, he was concerned that his instructors would devote more attention to their traditional classroom students than their online students, but he soon discovered this wasn't the case. 

"I always feel that I am getting full attention from all of my instructors," said Ryan. "I am still surprised how much communication is possible through e-mail and the online classroom. I have been very impressed with the course sizes, which have ranged from 4 to 16 people.  This has allowed the instructors to give the personal touch that I was hoping for."

Traditional classroom learning worked well for Ryan when he didn't have a family and full-time job, but now that he is married and working 40 hours a week, he appreciates the flexibility of the online program. Initially, he found it difficult to get back into the routine of studying every day. He learned that online courses require extra effort as students participate by asking questions, joining in discussions, and submitting homework. 

As the semesters have passed, Ryan has become more comfortable allocating his time between family, school, and work.  He credits his wife, Anna, with supporting his educational endeavors.  "Whether it is doing extra work around the house so I have more time to study, or proofreading a paper of mine, she has really made it easier for me to focus on classes," said Ryan.

Ryan also receives support from his academic advisor at UW-Platteville. "I have had a chance to get to know my advisor, Lisa Riedle. She has provided helpful input and guidance along the way," said Ryan.

Ryan suggests that students beginning an online degree program take one course for their first semester, because it will give them a chance to determine if online courses are right for them and give them a good indication of how many courses per semester they can manage in the future. He also advises new students to remember that "Online courses are only as online as you want them to be.  Meeting your classmates face-to-face or having a phone conversation are all ways to aid in the learning process."

Ryan is currently an electrical engineer for the Distribution Protection and Reliability Group at Wisconsin Electric-Wisconsin Gas in Milwaukee.  In the job, he focuses on protecting customers, employees, and equipment from the dangers associated with electric power, while trying to increase the reliability of the electric distribution system. He says that his recent online statistics and project management courses have given him the skills necessary to plan and organize his projects for increased efficiency and effectiveness.

Ryan hasn't decided yet if he'll follow the management path, continue as an engineer, or teach at the college level with his master's degree, but he is sure that obtaining his master's degree will give him an advantage in the future.