Student Profile: Danny
A conversation with Danny BaileySeoul, South Korea
Master of Arts in Teaching Science Education, UT Dallas
Expected graduation: Summer 2008
UTTC: Danny, why did you decide to pursue an online master’s program from Texas while living in Korea?
Originally, I’m from Justin, Texas. After earning my bachelor’s I moved to Seoul, South Korea to teach English. Working here has allowed me to save some money and pay off some student loans. One of my goals has been to earn my master’s and, since I can pursue the MAT-SE online, I can do that while I work here in Korea. I thought about returning home to Texas to go back to school but the idea of taking on more student loans didn’t appeal to me.
You had a lot of options in online learning…what made you select UT TeleCampus and specifically, UT Dallas for the Science Education program?
I admired the variety of master’s degree programs that the UT TeleCampus offered. I especially liked the Science Education program. I also researched the Master of Public Administration as I believe that this field will affect our future greatly. But, being a science junky who believes we’re here to teach and learn, I had to go for the MAT-SE program. And I’m thankful I did.
What were your concerns about learning online from another country?
I heard a horror story from a friend who had an online teacher (not UT TeleCampus) change material on his syllabus one week before class started. This involved buying a different book than was previously listed. My friend also lives here in Korea, so having a book express mailed will cost her a fortune. Another friend of mine joined another online program – one of the accelerated ones that tries to move you through the program quickly. She ended up with a degree plan consisting of 5 classes in one semester. Online intensive graduate courses at that course load would involve the self discipline of a saint. She failed her first semester, flushing lots of money down the drain. I’ve researched and found that these problems come from the lack of instructor experience in online education. The professors in the MAT-SE program have made the transition from a traditional classroom to a virtual classroom.
Currently you teach English at the middle school in Seoul. What is your career plan for after your graduation? When I complete my work with the MAT-SE program I plan to return to the U.S. I hope to continue the work I am developing through my thesis while I also attain a position teaching Science.
What kind of research work are you developing?
My graduate research is in the field of online education. I focused my attention on teaching English online; however, I am now attempting to integrate teaching English with science - online. This has directly advanced my ability to teach English in the classroom. I can now see improvement with my students’ speaking abilities much quicker than before beginning the UT courses.
Everybody comes to the online classroom with a few expectations, and then sometimes find a few surprises along the way. How about you…anything different from your expectations?
Well, I tried to begin my first course with an open mind, but previous courses I had taken elsewhere for my undergraduate degree gave me a few preconceptions. For instance, the MAT-SE program through UTTC is much more developed and well thought out than any other online course I have ever taken. The independent projects, combined with group projects which build on themselves, create a perfectly documented profile of my academic accomplishments. This is something previous instructors of mine, traditional or online, had never been able to assist with. Actually, I took a course at DeVry and one teacher, my computer teacher, was able to properly teach how to build class profiles as progressive records of assignments that build upon themselves into a relevant whole, not hole.
Also, my communication with my fellow students as a graduate student is different than I expected. We build professional relationships – in my case with some healthy competition, not personal relationships really.
How does online learning work with your lifestyle?
I am pushing thirty and I have a daily routine that makes even the most convenient night courses difficult to attend. For example, it is 3 a.m. here and I have just finished “class”. On top of this, I like to travel. I live in Korea and if I want, I can move to Taiwan, China, Japan or even back to my home state Texas within the school year. The world is becoming smaller and smaller through technical innovations and there is no reason why we should limit our academic options to geographic locations.
What do you think is the greatest challenge to learning online?
I believe each person has their own unique challenges when learning, both in traditional and online settings. My biggest challenge is that when learning online, success is defined differently. The instructor’s job is not to lecture, but coach the student. Therefore, I push myself, not to impress the teacher, but to build on that particular semester’s academic profile. This is in contrast to learning in a traditional classroom which is, in my experience, monitored and marginalized by the teacher. This may limit the student’s ability to build independent project based skills because a beaten path to a successful end has already been laid, and less independent thought is required. Traditional courses do have many positive aspects but should be combined with online technology.
What advice would you offer other students as they begin their online studies?
It’s not easy. Be prepared for anything. The teachers only facilitate your learning, they are not going to spoon feed it to you. You, as a student, make it happen through independent and self-disciplined behavior. Make sure that you are self motivated and can work independently.
Any parting thoughts?
My grandparents instilled a strong emphasis on education which has always stuck to me like glue. I am an avid reader and will continue to learn as much as I can, equally through books and experience. I’m a workaholic. I feel we are given a check of 24 hours a day, and the freedom to spend that check in what ever way we choose. I like to find a balance between work, education, and entertainment in how I spend that time. Each moment is special and should be enjoyed.
I believe a meaning in life is to learn, and that we are all students and teachers. That’s one reason why I enjoy teaching and am taking the MAT-SE.
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