Throughout the years, how people learn has changed, but one thing remains the same.  Learn or die.  That is the rule.  There is always something new to learn or improve upon.   Online learning is the gateway to the wide world of adventure! I should know....

 

I was a terrible classroom teacher and knew I needed to get out.  I have no problem admitting that and I wish a few other people would admit it too.  In 2004, I became a librarian and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.  However, once in the library, I realized I needed the foundation that passing a certification test could NOT give.  Enter ONLINE LEARNING!  There are Library Science programs around the world, but I was overjoyed to find out that a fully-accredited, fully-online program was right here in MS.  In hindsight, I don't know why I was so excited about it being in MS.  It was ONLINE!  (I guess the concept was foreign to me at the time.)  That brings me to the greatest thing about online learning, flexibility.  It provides a level of  flexibility unparalleled by traditional learning.  

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To say I appreciate the importance of the flexibility that online learning offers would be a grave understatement.  In 2005, I started working on my Masters in Library Science at USM.  For most, that would not seem to be much of an adventure.  It shouldn't have been for me either.  However, it was the beginning of a life filled with learning to adapt "on the fly."  In true McLain fashion, my grandparents (who raised me) ended up in separate hospitals at the same time.  Thank goodness for online courses!  While I was waiting for the visiting hours at the hospital my grandfather was in, I would sit outside and do work on my laptop. After moving into my grandmother's room with her, I would unplug the phone and log in to classes or complete assignments.  None of this would have been possible in a traditional program.  

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There is literally not enough space here to say how I truly feel about my personal online learning experience, but I am grateful to God for every moment of it.  I have learned lessons, met people, and dealt with many situations all while moving forward.  Regardless of the method chosen, the learning process is different for each person.  No two people will have the exact same experience and that is a great thing.  Learning online taught (or should I say is still teaching) me to be flexible, move forward (even if it's at a snail's pace), and never give up on my desire to be better than I was yesterday.  

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