WGU is popular among students for several reasons, mainly because of their favorable experiences and the support it provides for their academic journey. As a student-focused university, its primary aim is to ensure that all learners can benefit from their WGU experience.
See the top five reasons that students love their experience at WGU.
If you're looking to obtain a degree that fits your lifestyle and budget, Western Governors University (WGU) could be a perfect choice. Here are five reasons why:
Affordable, accelerated learning
WGU's tuition model is based on terms, not credits. You can take as many courses as possible in six months and pay a flat-rate tuition per term. If you accelerate your program and complete your degree requirements early, you'll save on tuition costs.
Online learning with personal support
Despite being an online university, WGU provides one-on-one mentor support for students from enrollment to graduation. There are also student communities where you can connect with peers and receive further support.
Flexible scheduling
With WGU, you can study whenever and wherever it suits you. There are no set class times or due dates for assignments, so you can create a schedule that works for you and fits around your life.
Accessible learning resources
All course materials and textbooks are available online so you can access them from anywhere with an internet connection. This means you can study on the go or at home whenever you need to.
Competency-based learning
WGU's unique learning model focuses on your knowledge and competency rather than seat time. Once you prove competence by passing an assessment, you can move on to the next course. This allows you to accelerate your progress through the program based on your knowledge and experience.
The role of mentors and course mentors
At WGU, you have a team of experts whose top priority is to help you succeed. WGU faculty members are highly knowledgeable in their fields and are dedicated to providing personalized instruction and support to help you succeed in your courses and degree program. You will regularly interact with these faculty members to stay on track, get answers to your questions, and achieve your goals.
There are three types of faculty members that you will primarily interact with at WGU: Program Mentors, Instructors, and Evaluators. Program Mentors and Instructors use phone or web interactions to offer tailored instruction and support in their respective areas of expertise, while Evaluators provide feedback and perspective on student assessments. This "division of labor" ensures that each type of faculty member can provide the best possible support to students.
Popular classroom apps in the online learning environment
Technology is all around us every day, in the form of phones, computers, and smart devices we use all the time. This technology can be used to improve education in classrooms and save time. Apps, social media, and games can help students learn better. Digital programs and resources are entirely changing the way we learn things.
Feedback and input - SurveyMonkey, Google Classroom, AnswerGarden, Edulastic
Educational apps provide a unique and enjoyable way for students to engage and communicate in the classroom. With the help of these apps, teachers and students can interact with each other in a fun and interactive way. This approach enhances the learning experience and adds excitement to the classroom.
Gamify lessons - Class Dojo, Kahoot, Socrative, Wordables, Scratch
A lot of students enjoy using game apps to learn while having fun. Using gamified apps, you can learn and practice every subject, from math, history, and spelling to science. Technology can make learning skills and lessons more fun and exciting. Students can often approach problems and subjects in a different way when there is a virtual game involved.
Collaboration: ClassPulse, Conceptboard, brainstorm, Padlet, Quia.
Collaboration is crucial in education. Apps can help learners work together and share education resources seamlessly. Collaboration apps are essential for group projects you assign to learners and can help them stay organized and work together easily. Digital, educational projects become something students are excited about when the resource is something they connect to.
Interactive discussions - Chatzy, Backchannel Chat, Prezi, Dotstorming, GoSoapBox, GroupMe
As technology has advanced, communication has changed a lot. By using interactive discussion apps in the classroom, teachers can help students learn from each other and get ready for interactions they might have in the future. Students need to learn from one another in education, and online learning environments can help with that by making discussions more engaging.
Unique guest speakers - FaceTime, Skype, Google Hangouts, Facebook Live, Twitter
Today, technology can help us connect with people from around the world. Students can learn from guest speakers and make friends with other students from different countries. Reports on different states or countries can become more interesting when students talk to people who live there.
Resources in the online learning environment
As a student at WGU, your primary responsibility is to study hard and pass tests to show what you have learned. WGU is responsible for providing you with all the necessary tools to do this effectively, quickly, and enjoyably. WGU offers high-quality learning resources from the best academic, scholarly, and industry sources. These resources can be accessed directly or through partnerships with other education providers, and they are listed in your Degree Plan. You will work closely with your Program Mentor and Course Instructors to use the learning resources that best fit your needs to develop your skills.
Resource Formats:
- E-textbooks
- Library services
- Web-based tutorials
- Simulations
- Online classes
- Learning communities
Support systems for students
You can start a personalized learning journey with 24/7 access to online resources that you can use at your own pace. This allows you to focus on areas where you need more help and move quickly through topics you already understand. You can also receive one-on-one support from faculty members who provide personalized instruction to help you succeed.
Is WGU a good school?
Western Governors University (WGU) is an undoubtedly good school that has consistently received positive feedback from its current and former students. They highly praise the quality of education, their learning experience, and how WGU has helped them in their careers. Currently, WGU has also earned many awards and recognition, underscoring its ability to provide top-notch online education.
