Korean Job Discussion Forums

newinseoul · Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Location: Busan

I'm deciding on what program to take and also what University to take it with. If anyone has done a distance program in either of these programs, I'd like to hear your recommendations.

There is so much information out there, but I would appreciate hearing from someone firsthand, that has had a good experience with a distance program.

Thanks

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

The MEd opens up more doors long-term, plus you can always knock out a CELTA/DELTA, or even another MA in TESOL in no time flat should you ever need to.

Just my opionion, but it's always better to keep your options open. You could even go for your EDd and get into administration where the real bucks are.

spyro25 · Joined: 23 Nov 2004

PRagic is right, but if you have an MA TESOL it can be put to good use on a doctoral thesis of your choice, whether it is TESOL related or general education related. I guess if you would like to teach in the public system back home in a non TESOL field then you should probably go for the M.ed, but just because you go the MA TESOL route doesnt mean you can't do something else later on.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

I am taking mine through the University of Missouri. I'll warn you, though... it's not a walk in the park. There are a few different ways you can take it, depending on if you have in-state licensure. With the exception of one course or so, it's mostly the same.

It'll take me about 2 1/2 years by the time I'm all done -- 2 months of break total per year. It is NOT a quick in-and-out 1 year thing like you'll find at USQ, for example. I put in about 10 to 14 hours per week, and I'm only taking one 3-credit class (intensive split over 8 weeks). Later classes are 16 weeks, and hopefully aren't as intense. I have no life past work and these classes, and it's becoming taxing. We're getting into applying for research grants now.

Online classes are not necessarily easy compared to regular ones. My final was online in my last class -- open book, yes, but it only had 20 questions and took me 3 1/2 hours. Some answers were multiple-choice, but you have to come to your own conclusion on an answer based on what you read -- the answers are not something you can find easily. Also, there were essay questions. In addition to 2 textbooks, I'm required to read multiple .pdf's at about 50 to 100 pages each per class. I also need to submit several papers and make daily online postings and responses.

Total cost should run me around $13,000 US.

They have other programs, too. See here: http://education.missouri.edu/academics/online-programs.php

I would also suggest you look into Ball State University in Idaho (David Letterman graduated from there, and they have a decent school), the University of Illinois, and Michigan State University (prohibitively expensive).

spyro25 · Joined: 23 Nov 2004

try and find a place that does not distingush between the distance and online element in case of some wanker employers who dont like distance courses (although if you get any hassle from anyone - find another employer!). My course at london uni is supposed to omit the (by distance) section from the certificate and transcripts. determined employers will check you up, but again, if they don't like the distance degree, then they probably arent going to be a nice place to work anyway, so **** em

newinseoul · Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Location: Busan

^I hope that stigma with online (distance) courses is changing. As most people would rather work and study especially if living overseas.

Thanks for all the information guys. I do have my CELTA, and if I want to stay in the ESL field than doing my MA TESOL would make sense. I may look into MEd programs to see if there is anything interesting or even ESL based.

I will look into the programs that you suggest Bassxpander. I also wondered if there was any chance of getting a scholarship or loan for a program like that. We aren't talking little money for these programs.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

Are you British? Then look into a British school like Birmingham. If you're American, look at an American one. That's my opinion -- depends on where you see yourself using it in the future. Although, I'm sure a degree from Birmingham looks very good in the USA, too.

If you want quicker, then try USQ. A lot of people have MA's from there, and all is well so far. Some people talk like they're becoming a degree mill though, so at least beware that such talk is about.

If all you're ever going to do is use it to teach overseas, then maybe it's not a bad thing.

cdninkorea · Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

Another university I'm looking at is University of New England, Australia. A co-worker of mine is doing it and assures me it's challenging, and, therefore, a serious program. It's an MA in Applied Linguistics, and a thesis is optional (encouraged from many employers, as many will want to see it).

Especially now that the Australian dollar is one of the only developed country's currencies to be weaker than the won, it might not be a bad idea. I'm going to apply for a Febuary '09 start myself.

http://www.une.edu.au/bcss/linguistics/maal.php

Scott in Incheon · Joined: 30 Aug 2004

I did my MEd at Deakin U in Australia. Nice because you could really tailor the courses to fit your needs. Thesis or coursework.

They also have a M Tesol program where you can do a practicum in Aus and get a teaching cert. I am foggy on the details but I remember seeing when I was going through the website.

HapKi · Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Location: TALL BUILDING-SEOUL

http://www.cels.bham.ac.uk/programmes/distance/tefltesl.shtml

polonius · Joined: 05 Jun 2004

Has anyone looked into the University of Phoenix online MEd. program? I have done some research on it, but I am curious if there are any out there into the program.

My mother, who was a principal for the Toronto Board of Education said that a degree from there would be considered on the same lines as a prize out of a Cracker Jack's box. Although, they seem to have some accreditation through TEAS and some education boards in Canada.

jackson7 · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Location: Kim Jong Il's Future Fireball

I'm currently doing my M.S.Ed-TESOL through Shenandoah University in the States. Cubanlord (do a search) also attended this school and has written volumes regarding online MA/M.Ed. education versus in-class. The research done by professionals in the field has shown that good online programs generally require much MORE work that their in-class counterparts. I have found this to be true in my own coursework. I spend A LOT of time taking part in the online discussions, preparing and researching responses, reading texts, and watching the DVD lectures.

Regarding the Phoenix gig, don't. They are a degree factory, not an educational institution. The fact that their "campuses" often reside in shopping malls in the States should tell you something about their credibility. As to their accreditation, beware. Accrediting bodies themselves can often be fake or connected to the company itself. Do a search on the accrediting body and see other unis in the states/canada that are connected with them.

legalquestions · Joined: 25 Mar 2007

I have an MA in applied linguistics from USQ, in Australia. It was a full time, two year degree (including a mandatory teaching practicum). Many of the courses required participation in weekly chat sessions with the prof and other students. Tons of reading and homework assignments, also.

USQ certainly wasn't a diploma mill when I did my degree there. In fact, it was just as difficult (requires much more motivation) as either my undergrad degree or my grad law degree, maybe even more so. And those two degrees were traditional brick and mortar degrees, not distance degrees.

I'd recommend you do your degree "on campus" if at all possible. It is waaaaay easier than doing it online, especially if you are having to work at the same time, as I did.