Alicia Francis, B.A. ’10: Beyond the Textbook

Let’s face it: Choosing to go to college is a huge financial investment.

These days, many students have to, or choose to, work their way through school, or even take time off to work. In light of this economic challenge, online courses are becoming an increasingly attractive option. But is the quality of education the same online as it is in the classroom? Alicia Francis, B.A. ’10, enrolled in online classes at Adelphi and found a deep level of dedication from her professors and fellow students alike.

“I wasn’t really sure what to expect,” said Francis, who is working toward an M.S. in Healthcare Informatics through the College of Nursing and Public Health while working full time. “I was worried about not having the same teachers and that the levels might be subpar. I must say that the courses and teachers have gone above and beyond for the courses.”

She said that she has been surprised by the sense of community that is established in the online forums.

“Though we lack the classroom setting, I’m never more than an email or phone call away from the answers that I need,” she said. “We, the students, have become friends and a support unit for each other. If someone finds something interesting that a professor didn’t mention, someone in the class might post it. You have people from all different fields and backgrounds and we share everyday experiences.”

This community has given Francis the tools to excel. She currently works as a medical secretary at Advanced Sports physical therapy in Queens, New York, and intends to continue her career in the healthcare field in a management position. “This degree helps me to be more well-rounded in the field and truly understand how the system works,” she explained.

With the online courses being taught by the same professors who teach on campus, Francis is getting the same information and course work as students in traditional classrooms. And, having taken a total of six courses so far, ranging from Survey of Statistics and Computer Applications to Introduction to United States HealthcareU.S. Healthcare System and Management Information Systems, she is closer than ever to reaching her goals at her own pace.

The online program “has taught me to manage my time,” she said. “A lot of work is on you, the student. Online courses force you to go beyond just the textbook.”