"Well Educated Instructors...
I was surprised that the instructors have such incredible backgrounds (educationally and career-wise). All of my instructors have several degrees and some have worked at renowned companies. The tech support is great and can actually help you with problems rather than leave you wondering what to do super late at night." (Computer Tech; 2013)
"Very Flexible Program...
I was very surprised at how much I learned and was able to do on my own learning online, rather than in the classroom. I was expecting to have a harder time while studying, since I was in the military, but the format that was taught really made it easy for me to pick up and learn with a busy schedule." (IT Manager; 2013)
"The User Interface Was Simple And Easy To Use...
I was surprised that the website user interface was very easy to learn and user friendly. I have had experience with other online sites to take courses on and they weren't as simple as the one I am currently enrolled in." (Computer Technician; 2014)
"Supportive Classmates Were Encouraging...
I was surprised by the online camaraderie I felt with the other students. We encouraged one another to succeed and reviewed each other's work, offering only helpful critiques. Having the support of the online class was really encouraging." (The name of my career is Computer technician; 2013)
"Quality Of Education...
I was surprised about the low quality of work that was accepted and graded favorably. This is not a personal observation as it is frequently discussed between classmates. I was also surprised at the complete lack of test/finals required for passing courses." (Help Desk; 2014)
"Online University's Not For The Faint Of Heart...
I was surprised how difficult it was to discipline yourself to attend an online university. I have also attended traditional universities and I would say that attending an online college, takes more dedication and discipline. This would be due to the fact that the classes are condensed." (IT Major Incident Manager; 2013)
"Online College: Not For Everyone...
The lack of organization between professors" (Information tech; 2014)
"No Good Online Professors...
I was surprised to find that my online college program was pretty horrid. The teachers were not at all taught how to use our schools programs nor did they reply fast enough." (Networker; 2013)
"More Similar To On Campus Then I Thought...
I was surprised that my program provided us with actual lectures from the on campus courses for a particular class. Even though my classes were online, it was as if I could literally attend an on campus course at my time. This enabled me to do far better with my online classes compared to the few on campus courses that I took since I missed zero." (Training Coordinator; 2014)
"More Assignments And Exams...
I was surprise when I realize how many requirements I have to complete to pass my English Composition course. I was doing my homework and exams almost every day. It was a lot harder for me to learn compared to face to face instructions. I thought it was easier. I have never been so wrong." (Computer technician; 2014)
"Lots Of Teamwork Required...
I was surprised that the online school required lots of teamwork. Teamwork accounted for 30% of my grade per the accreditation it had so it didn't really have a choice in the matter, and it was interesting and challenging to work with other people over the Internet on group projects. I was also surprised at how much I learned. The University Of Phoenix has kind of a bad reputation, but I learned a lot. I didn't learn anything too deeply, but the somewhat light coursework gave me a good foundation for future work and it allowed me to have a full time job while doing it." (Technical Support; 2014)
"Less Engaging Than I Anticipated...
Others would likely be surprised by the quality of the online program. It's complete rubbish even though it's marketed as being valuable. Don't waste your time with it, just go into the workforce." (Developer; 2014)
"I Learned Much More Than I Expected...
I was surprised by the level of difficulty - especially during my first course. I think their goal was to "weed out" the people who weren't serious. My class size was cut in half from the first course to the second course. All in all, I was impressed with the experience, though working 40+ hour weeks and doing school 20+ hours a week got tiring. It paid off in the end, though!" (IT Manager; 2014)
"I Enjoyed How Interactive My Courses Were...
I was surprised how difficult it actually was. It seemed like it would be a breeze and not take anytime. It was time consuming and educational." (technician; 2014)
"Group Project Experience...
I was surprised that they had us do group projects. Although this was difficult since most students live in differing time zones it was still enjoyable to do a project together. Closest thing most of us came to having an on campus experience." (Unemployed at the moment; 2014)
"Group Projects Large Part Of Curriculum...
I was shocked by the amount of group based work was involved in the bachelors program. My grade often depended heavily upon the work of others. Be prepared to work with others in an online environment, often being stressed about the quality of their work, or if they'll even complete it." (Support Analyst; 2014)
"Flexible And Accommodating Classes...
I was surprised in the number of students taking the class and the variety of different ages of the people taking it. I was surprised at the level of flexibility faculty provided in deadlines and due dates for homework assignments. This is really helpful if you are working while going to school." (IT System administrator; 2013)
"Easy And Quick...
I was surprised about how easy it is to get a degree online, right from my computer at home. I found that teachers were as helpful or more helpful online than in an actual university." (Computer Technician; 2014)
"Credible School Program...
I was surprised in the fact that Phoenix online program was credible to transfer to my community college and that I got recognition from previous employers about the program and how successful it was in helping careers." (Project IT management; 2014)
"Courses Taught Are Great Preparation...
I was surprised by amount of detail there is in the world of IT that was easily explained by the teachers at CBT. I was surprised the information I was taught, not only help me to get certified, but it helped me learn my job better." (help desk tech; 2013)
"Careless Teachers...
The classes were somewhat worthless. I knew most of what I needed already anyway. The teachers seemed lazy. I had one professor who would not even bother reading our online discussion posts. Not a good experience." (Repair Technician (PC); 2014)
"Assignment Difficulty...
I was surprised to find out how easily the homework selections were when doing them online. Some may have taken a bit of time, but they weren't extremely hard and actually kind of fun." (Systems Admin; 2013)
"A Great Way To Advance Your Career...
The user interface of the lessons surprised me, there was a lot more learning materials and reference guides than I expected. I had unlimited access to learning materials. I also get weekly job posting from the school, in the field that is relevant to me, this surprises me a lot considering I did the online program about 3 years ago." (Computer tech / Helpdesk; 2013)
"Learning...
I would make sure to be ready to learn." (technician; 2014)
"A Lifetime Of Knowledge...
Don't try to cram in all at once, as you progress through this program you will learn more than you think. Staying dedicated to this program will pay off in the end." (Computer tech / Helpdesk; 2013)
"You Must Keep Yourself Disciplined And Accountable...
You have to have discipline. It's easy to close the lid on your laptop and "forget about class" one evening. You have to keep yourself accountable to keep up on lectures, readings, and assignments. It's much harder to do when you don't have face-to-face contact with your professor." (IT Manager; 2014)
"Time Management Is Key...
Definitely have time set aside for assignments, everything cannot be submitted in 1 day so spread your work throughout the week." (Unemployed at the moment; 2014)
"Take Time For Yourself In Succeeding...
Be sure to set aside a quiet space to concentrate on your online classes and work. Interruptions are a killer." (IT Major Incident Manager; 2013)
"Research: A Must For Online College...
Research your school and it's record before choosing a place." (Information tech; 2014)
"Pay Attention And Get Ready To Write...
Take notes (lots of notes). Spend time taking practice tests as well. Write down flash cards to help prepare for the test." (help desk tech; 2013)
"Participate In Forums...
Be sure to participate fully in the social aspects of the program in the forums. It is a great way to learn something that you may have not otherwise, as well as building connections in the field." (IT Manager; 2013)
"Not Recommended...
Do not bother with online courses." (Repair Technician (PC); 2014)
"Make Sure You Have The Time...
Make sure you understand the instructions fully before submitting your work. You should always spend time doing your assignments and exams. Studying online always takes more time than face to face instruction. Make sure you have the time." (Computer technician; 2014)
"Maintaining Organization Is Key...
I would highly recommend organizing your school materials well in advance of enrollment, and stay organized. If possible, work in a space separate from the rest of your home, and keep all of your school supplies in order there. When you're done with a class or study session, return everything to its proper place." (The name of my career is Computer technician; 2013)
"Learn How To Manage Teamwork Via Delegation...
Be prepared to do lots of teamwork with other people over the Internet on group projects. If you learn fast how to delegate work this aspect of the courses will be much simpler and easier to manage. Be prepared to take leadership of your particular group as others in the group may not be so willing to contribute or lead." (Technical Support; 2014)
"Keep Ahead Of The Game...
Make sure to stay on top of your coursework. Though most assignments aren't due until the end of the week, I recommend starting on them sooner. It is easier to procrastinate with an online school than a traditional school." (Help Desk; 2014)
"Independent Study...
Make sure you are able to work on your own and understand how to work out problems on your own." (Computer Tech; 2013)
"How To Find Success With ITT Tech...
Don't get student loans. Always pay cash, make sure to do other studies on the side to augment your resume." (Developer; 2014)
"How To Succeed...
Spend as much time as possible learning to navigate the online library. Also, create a calendar/schedule and dedicate time to it like you would a job. Obtaining a degree from home requires serious commitment." (Support Analyst; 2014)
"Homework Completion...
Make sure to finish all homework assignments on time. It wouldn't hurt to do some ahead of time too just in case something happens." (Systems Admin; 2013)
"Find The Right Type Of Instruction For You...
My advise would be to attend a college or university that offers both online and on campus instruction and take both. This will help you learn what type of instruction is best for you." (Training Coordinator; 2014)
"Don't Put Off Work...
Don't get behind in the work. Since The work is at the student discretion it is easy to put off assignments but resist the urge to do this." (Computer Technician; 2014)
"Communicate With Your Professor Often...
Take advantage of Professor office hours and email. Keep in touch with your professor and ask a lot of questions. You gain so much more out of the program is you fully engage the faculty staff. Develop a good relationship with the professor." (IT System administrator; 2013)
"College Transfer Credits...
Familiarize yourself with college equivalencies if you plan to transfer the credit elsewhere and gain as much knowledge behind the area of expertise your going into... can't be helpful in programming if you only know half of only one particular code." (Project IT management; 2014)
"Books For Free...
Many courses will want you to buy expensive text books that you can read or download legally online." (Computer Technician; 2014)
"Always Check Your Program...
Spend a lot of time checking over the education software. Everyday you should sign in to see what a professor might have changed." (Networker; 2013)