Lavoie is named 'Student of the Year' by University of Phoenix

Date: 11/16/2010

Nov. 17, 2010

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

CHICOPEE -- Joseph Lavoie can testify that taking college classes over the Internet is just as challenging as attending a brick and mortar institution.

Lavoie, a Chicopee resident, just didn't complete his bachelor of science degree in information systems from the University of Phoenix, he was also chosen its "Student of the Year" at its recent graduation.

Lavoie explained to Reminder Publications he had attended Holyoke Community College and then went to Westfield State University (WSU), but that educational experience was "not what I wanted."

Working full-time and engaged, Lavoie decided to try the online program offered by the University of Phoenix.

Lavoie enjoyed the experience and was quick to say the online classes were just as challenging as traditional college classes.

"I sat in front of a computer for two hours every night," he said.

When asked if attending an on-line class was substantially different, he said it wasn't, except he said, "From my days in a classroom, I know some students weren't involved. Online, they were all involved."

Just as in a classroom, Lavoie interacted with fellow students working on projects. He said the greatest difficulty was organizing a working group online.

Textbooks, he explained, were also online.

The cost of the online program was about the same as WSU and the University of Phoenix offers scholarships and financial aid just as other schools, he explained.

The degree he earned is going to enhance his career, he said. Lavoie is employed with Camfour Inc. and Peter Pan Bus Company as a computer programmer.

Lavoie explained that as part of the graduation requirement all students are asked to write a 10-minute speech on their academic experience. He wrote about overcoming obstacles and family tragedies he had faced in order to earn his degree.

Lavoie was surprised to learn that his essay was the winning one and he delivered it during graduation ceremonies recently conducted at the university's Fairfield, Conn., campus.