Saylor Academy: Hi Ethan! How did you find out about Saylor Academy?
Ethan Yoo: Thomas Edison State University, a public New Jersey university where I am completing a second bachelor’s degree, has a partnership with Saylor Academy. I also found references to Saylor Academy while browsing a forum dedicated to flexibly completing undergraduate degrees (especially through credit-by-exam and competency-based education).
SA: Which courses have you completed?
EY: I passed the Saylor Direct Credit final exams for BUS206:Management Information Systems, BUS208:Principles of Management, BUS209:Organizational Behavior, BUS402:Project Management, and CUST105:Customer Service. I’ve also gone through several other courses materials (i.e., without taking the certificate or credit exams).
SA: What are your career goals? And how has what you learned/the skills you obtained through Saylor Academy prepared you to achieve those goals?
EY: My career path will involve working at the intersections of technology and social justice. Racial justice and disability justice are particularly important to me. I also believe in the importance of creating and sharing open educational resources to promote access to information.
SA: What has your experience been taking our courses?
EY: I initially used Saylor Academy’s assessments as “challenge exams” after reviewing the course syllabi and study guides. I have also used some of the lessons as supplementary learning material. I like being able to move from lesson to lesson without penalty (e.g., cost or grade).
Student Spotlight- Ethan Yoo: "Using Saylor Direct Credit courses, I was able to earn credit for two of the required classes (Principles of Management and Management Information Systems) for an Undergraduate Certificate in Operations… Share on XSA: Which course is your favorite so far and why?
EY: While I haven’t taken the assessment for it, I think the content in “College Success” is important. (I added it to the resources page on my personal website a few weeks ago.) I think many first-generation college students – among whom I count myself – could especially benefit from it.
SA: What is your major, or what are you studying?
EY: I am completing a second bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Thomas Edison State University, a partner of Saylor Academy. I was awarded my first bachelor’s degree (Special Major in Political Science and Educational Studies) by Swarthmore College, a private liberal arts college in Pennsylvania.
SA: Do you have any advice for adults looking to finish their degrees or return to school?
EY: Whether it’s for a day, a term, or longer, recognize the importance of taking breaks! Be willing to ask for support: academic, mental health, social, etc.
SA: How has Saylor Academy and the flexibility of our courses helped you in your journey to complete your degree?
EY: Using Saylor Direct Credit courses, I was able to earn credit for two of the required classes (Principles of Management and Management Information Systems) for an Undergraduate Certificate in Operations Management at Thomas Edison State University.
SA: Would you recommend Saylor to others looking to finish their degrees?
EY: I’d recommend they ask an academic advisor if their school will consider ACE credit recommendations and how specific transfer credits might fit into their degree. I think the open educational resources currently offered by Saylor Academy can still supplement or support other learners.
SA: What are your plans for the future, after graduation?
EY: I’m really excited by opportunities that involve both social justice and technology! I’ll be starting a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science later this year.
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