Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - When Deborah Bourdo and her husband originally moved to Kenosha, she received a packet of information about the community that included a flyer about the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's distance learning program. She investigated further and was intrigued by the flexibility alternative education offered working adults.

In the fall of 1990, Bourdo took her first print-based business administration courses. Her ultimate goal at the time was a doctorate in management science. In May 2001, Bourdo met the first part of her goal: she walked across the stage as an honor graduate and received her hard-earned bachelor of science in business administration. Others might have been content with such a major accomplishment. Bourdo was not. She soon enrolled in online courses, now focusing on earning a master of science in project management. This summer, she did just that. In addition to receiving her graduate degree, she was also honored as a Lifetime Pioneer by UWP's Alumni Association.

During her early days as a distance learning student, Bourdo discovered that she had trouble making her coursework a priority, so she decided to adopt a more proactive approach to studying. She set a time frame and developed contracts with herself so she could track her progress. She found sticking with her schedule difficult at first - particularly when career and family demands increased - but she focused on meeting her self-imposed deadlines. "By my fourth enrollment, I was feeling more comfortable with balancing school, work, and family commitments," she notes. "This was important to me because, unlike many distance learning students, I had transferred in only 16 previous credits. I was committed to completing 104 credits through UWP's distance learning program. At times, I must admit it seemed overwhelming."

Having experienced courses through both the online and print formats, Bourdo has been able to compare the two methods. "In many respects, print-based courses provided me with more flexibility in scheduling. For instance, I could complete readings and written assignments at one time and schedule the exams later. I could plan time off for a business trip or vacation without adversely impacting my deadlines or other team members," she says. "The online courses are scheduled to be completed within a semester's timeframe. I find that I have to be online and working with team members on a daily basis. Completing reading, assignments, and team interaction become an adjunct to each and every workday. However, while I had to make adjustments to my scheduling process, I enjoy the online courses. I have the ability to network, both online and offline, with other students who share my career interests. Working on the project teams gives me a 'real-life' scenario and provides added value. Personally, I believe a combination of online and print-based courses for both the undergraduate and graduate programs would offer the best set of choices for working adults."

Bourdo offers some good advice for those who may be contemplating earning a degree while maintaining a career. "As one who has spent years with distance learning, I believe the best advice I can offer is something told to me years ago: 'Plan your work and work your plan!' Put your objectives in writing and hold yourself accountable for meeting them. Ask for support from your family, coworkers, and the staff and faculty of the Distance Learning Center."

UWP offers four degrees at a distance: an undergraduate degree in business administration and online graduate degrees in criminal justice, engineering, and project management. No campus visits are required. For more information, visit online at http://www.uwplatt.edu/disted, call 800-362-5460 or e-mail disted@uwplatt.edu.