My fundamental goal for returning to college for a second master’s degree after many years was increasing knowledge beyond the sort I could get from self-study or on-the-job experience. As a classroom teacher, I felt I had fallen into a repetitive learning pattern and sought an appropriate environment where my learning experiences could be extended and enriched. I teach outside of the US, and needed an online program that could meet my requirement of portability backed by academic services that supports my online learning needs. I chose Illinois online because of its proven success with online education and its reputation as a first rate university.
I completed the CCTL program in 2008 and have since enrolled in the eLearning certificate program. It has been an easy decision. I feel like am a part of the Illinois experience- a member of a vibrant learning community. The program establishes a learning environment in which I have an opportunity to connect my everyday experience to my conceptual practice so that they become useful in my daily role as teacher. In each of the different courses the learning objectives and structured learning activities differ, but the overarching goal is my increased learning. The result is a personal experience in two ways; in my making sense of the subject matter by actively building knowledge, and internalizing what it means to think as experts do. Both have implications for making me a better educator.
Professional growth is varied and complex, it is under continuous construction and, what I discovered at Illinois, depends in large part on the notion of care for the learner. Thanks Illinois!
Name: Aaron L.
Post On: May 24, 2010
Grade: A-
This is my first CCTL (Community College Teaching & Learning) graduate education course, but I enjoy it so far. The synchronous sessions are great and the information is applicable to my goals.
Name: Kelley
Post On: May 3, 2010
Grade: A
Being a busy professional and mother made me very hesitant to try for a master's degree. UIUC not only has a top quality program, but a manageable one that will help me advance in my career. I am very grateful for this school and the opportunities it will provide for me. I have learned so much regarding teaching strategies, assessments, curriculum design and how working in a cohort setting really improves the quality of this education! Well done!
Name: Aaron
Post On: April 26, 2010
Grade: A
This program has given me the opportunity to meet and network with some of our nations leading HRE professionals and professors. They have also supplied me with valuable work experience pertaining to career development and social networking.
Name: Deanna
Post On: April 26, 2010
Grade: A
I was very hesitant to enter into an online program, especially going back to school so many years after receiving my bachelors degree. The online program at U of I for CCTL was amazing! It was very structured and having a required class meeting every week with the instructor and all of my classmates online really helped me stay on track. The environment for learning was diverse with both text and live chat available and it allowed me to really get to know my classmates. The professors were very knowledgeable in their fields and have invaluable information to share.
