Studying methods are now wider and more comprehensive than before, some people (including me) face difficulties in completing their studies for various reasons. Such as mobility, , being an introvert, planning for something and happens the exact opposite having a job that prevents studying, and many other reasons.
Hence, after being done with my online degree, I would like to talk about the experience in general, especially since we live in an era where most things are made easier for us (fortunately). This is my personal experience studying computer science remotely at Canada's Athabasca University. My experience may be similar to many others who have studied remotely and may be helpful for anyone considering distance learning.
My Application Process
Before I found Athabasca University, I searched extensively and found another university called "The Open University". I was going to enroll there, but I wasn't entirely convinced, so I resumed my search and found Athabasca University. I reviewed its history and faculties and was convinced, so I applied. At the beginning of the application process, they asked me to submit my documents remotely through another website for the Canadian province of Alberta to verify my admission. This gave me a greater sense of confidence in the university, as they rely on a special government-run process in their province for student admissions. I submitted all my documents and was then accepted into Athabasca University.
The Course Structure
The university's system consists of 40 courses that are supposed to be divided over four years, with 10 courses each year. However, the great thing about this university is that it allows students to complete all 40 courses at their own pace. The main rule is that once you enroll in a course, you have six months to finish it. You can extend the course for two more months, up to three times, for a fee. This means a six-month course can be extended to a full year. There's also a "challenge" option to reduce the course cost. And each course has its own requirements, like finishing it in three months instead of six and earning a specific grade.
As for final exams, they are divided into two types. Some courses require a written exam. This is handled by finding teachers in a university in the student's home country to proctor the exam. The exams are sent to them, and the teacher is responsible for returning the completed exam.
The second type of exam is a live, proctored test with a company the university contracts with, such as ProctorU. This involves a proctor monitoring the student via webcam and microphone for the duration of the exam. After the student finishes, they notify the proctor, who then asks the student to submit the exam. Some courses don't have a final exam at all, and instead require a project submission, which is my preferred option.
Communication with the college is mostly done through a dedicated email system. Depending on the student's question, it's forwarded to the appropriate specialist. Some courses also allow students to contact instructors directly via their email or a specific website instead of the general email.
My Journey and Its Challenges
I started my studies at the university in October 2018 and finished in May 2025, which took me about six and a half years. I began with a lot of energy, but the end was a bit tedious. Overall, the success of this experience and being able to finish it depends mainly on the individual.
- And I still remember my very first course, and how excited I was to study, experience it all, and try out the websites and problem-solving methods. But over time, that excitement started to fade, especially after my third year due to personal reasons. Thankfully, I completed and finished everything. There were times when I wanted to stop and asked myself if it was really worth it. I didn't appreciate its value back then, but with the support of my family and their insistence that I continue, I did.
The Advantages of Remote Learning
- Aside from deadlines, students have complete freedom to study whenever they want, whether it's morning or night.
- You also don't need to go outside in bad weather like dust storms, rain, or snow (though some courses may require outside research).
- You can study anywhere and at any time you prefer, and you can avoid misunderstandings or conflicts with other students or teachers.
The Disadvantages of Remote Learning
- Procrastination: Without the direct pressure of an external source, students may be tempted to put off studying day after day. Suddenly, the deadline arrives, forcing them to rush to finish their tasks in a short time, which might not always lead to success.
- Delayed responses: Some teachers might take a long time to respond to a student's questions.
- Poor communication: Believe it or not, some teachers can be difficult to deal with, even if they've never met you, just like in a traditional classroom setting.
- Lack of social life: It's hard to make friends during remote studies. While it's possible for those who try, it's not as easy as in a regular university environment.
Remote learning offers two different experiences. You'll find comfort in it, but you'll also miss out on the rich social life and events of a traditional university. It makes it easier to get around and gives you more freedom with your time, location, and work, but you may face difficulties with the studying itself.
For example, I didn't have live lectures in most of my courses. I would either get recorded videos, study materials, and parts of the textbook (usually digital, but some books were mailed to my home), or, in a few courses, I had a weekly meeting with the instructor. When I faced difficulties, I could contact them via email or schedule a video or phone call. The difficulty of the studies, however, depends entirely on the student's ability to manage their time and understand the material.
Would I Do It Again?
Yes, I would. It was very beneficial and, honestly, quite comfortable. The feeling of freedom, even though it comes with full responsibility, is wonderful and relaxing. This was especially true during bad weather, since I don't like winter. Or when Covid-19 pandemic hit and everyone shifted to remote work and study, I was already used to it. Even when the world went back to normal and people had to wear masks, I didn't need to.
I'm actually considering continuing my studies to get a master's degree. I'm thinking about studying in Egypt, but not before the end of 2025. And I believe I will look for a remote learning option again.
0 comments