I have been looking around this forum and some other sites trying to decide which online college I would like to attend. From what I have read so far it seems like Bellevue University is one of the better online Universitys and it has the program I am looking for. I want to get a BS in Computer Information Systems with an emphasis in Networking. I really like that they have Cisco classes as part of their corriculum. So I am looking to get some opinions about the school from people that have attended Bellevue and especially if you were enrolled in the CIS program.

 

I have a couple of questions about taking online classes. I don't see it has a problem when taking generals but like when I am taking the Cisco course it seems like it would be a lot better class to take in person to have the hands on experience with the equipment. What is it like taking a class like that online? On Bellevue's website it says that it is $335 per credit, does this include books or will there be no books? ebooks? Thanks in advance to anyone who responds. 

I'm currently in their MS program for Management Information Systems but my first course is a CIS course in networking.  So far it's been great, I've been shocked at the quality of the school to be honest but I think it's too early in the game for me to make a strong recommendation as I am still in my first class.  I once studied for the CCNA exam but never got around to taking it.  At the time I was working with Cisco switches and routers which is helpful, but in truth the study aids I was using had "virtual" routers and switches which was way better than doing the real thing as I didn't have to worry about screwing up a working network at work 

Anyhow I think these types of subjects can be readily learned online, especially given that working with Cisco equipment is 95% about software and configuration and only about 5% of Cable A going into socket B if you know what I mean.  As for technology offerings, Bellevue has some of the best thought out MIS and CIS programs I've seen, very results oriented.

Ok that makes me feel better about taking networking classes online. Can you answer this question Cajun?

On Bellevue's website it says that it is $335 per credit, does this include books or will there be no books?

Unless they have some kind of special deal going, it does not include the price of books.  Fortunately they use common, up to date texts that are easy to find used, at least for me it was.  The trick is sell the book as soon as you finish the course and it kind of works out like "renting"

Got it. Anyone else willing to share their experiences taking online classes at Bellevue University?

wisconsin9erfan:

Got it. Anyone else willing to share their experiences taking online classes at Bellevue University?

No, especially since Cajun's the Bellevue expert, but I wanted to say welcome to the forum!

-=Steve=-

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B.S., Info Sys, Charter Oak State College
M.A., Educational Tech Leadership, George Washington University
Doctor of Health Education, A.T. Still University, in progress

So you go to Bellevue Cajun, how do you like it? I have seen Bellevue on my tuition reimbursement list. This could be one of the schools that I look into. I took a quick look at some of their bachelor business programs and I see they have "group' learning. What are some of the pros and cons about Bellevue?

I have never taken courses from Bellevue, but I have never heard anything but good things about the school.  I usually recommend them to others looking into DL programs because they have so many programs available and they have really worked hard on developing their DL offerings.  They are especially military-friendly, if you happen to be a veteran or currently in the service.  The only downside I see to Bellevue is the price, but it's still cheaper than some other programs out there and not outrageously more expensive than others.

 

 

Steven:

So you go to Bellevue Cajun, how do you like it? I have seen Bellevue on my tuition reimbursement list. This could be one of the schools that I look into. I took a quick look at some of their bachelor business programs and I see they have "group' learning. What are some of the pros and cons about Bellevue?

 

So far they've been great.  I've been blogging about them in great detail, I recommend you start there. 

Hey Cajun,

 Another question for you. When taking a class do you have to work within a study group or is it all on your own?

So far it is up to me, but I do see a group project in the assignments coming up soon, I’m not sure how it will be graded.  Also the discussion questions are very interactive which was a little surprising.  They are also about to enable blogs and wikis at Bellevue so collaboration could be a growing part of the program, though you do not pass or fail based upon group work, you are graded independently.  I'm about at the 1/2 way mark this week and everything to this point has been independent. 

 

Cajun, I really appreciate all of your responses but where are all of the other people on the board?

Update!  I just got put on a group project with our first deliverable due in two weeks.  So far I think it's the only one for this course.  As for others, hopefully someone else will chime in.

wisconsin9erfan:

Cajun, I really appreciate all of your responses but where are all of the other people on the board?

There are people, but perhaps not so much with direct experience with Bellevue?

-=Steve=-

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B.S., Info Sys, Charter Oak State College
M.A., Educational Tech Leadership, George Washington University
Doctor of Health Education, A.T. Still University, in progress

I am teaching my first class for Bellevue. For the most part, I've found the university's administration to be responsive and quite caring regarding students and instructors. They use Blackboard as the platform, and seem to be trying to expand their use of it.

I'm particularly impressed with the quality of work students post to discussion threads. True, it's a graduate course, but what I've seen thus far is a cut above the other graduate programs I've taught for.

Many factors enter into a decision to enroll in a degree program. If Bellevue offers a degree in your area of interest, they might be a candidate for you.