When Jeanne Bernui returned to the mainland after teaching elementary
school in Hawaii, she couldn't find a teaching position anywhere."It
seemed like there was just a glut of teachers," she says. At the same time,
she had a growing interest in educational technology."I just knew that
was the way the future of education was going to go."
While working for an educational software company, Bernui became
interested in adult education and teacher development. She decided
it was time to explore educational opportunities, and spent about six
months researching different schools before choosing Capella University.
“Capella was a perfect fit," recalls Bernui."From the moment I called to
inquire about programs, the level of service was phenomenal. Later, as
a learner, Capella was so on top of everything I ever needed—that will
always stand out to me."
Jeanne Bernui completed her MS in Education specializing in Instructional
Design for Online Learning. She now works as part of a team designing
e-learning educational tools for associate education, with topics ranging
from new associate orientation to creating 3D simulations and animations
for clinical education. Bernui feels exceptionally prepared by her Capella
education:"Now that I'm out working in the field, I can't tell you how well
prepared I am for the work that I do. It really is amazing how spot-on all
the course work was. It correlates exactly to the work that I'm doing now."
Attending Capella gave her a new perspective and great appreciation for
the work she'd eventually do. She says,"Earning my degree in an online
environment really helped me as an instructional designer. Having been
on the other side as a learner, I know what really works. My credibility is
greater, too. Because of Capella, I have real-world experience as a learner
to draw from."
She believes that learning online provides a uniquely beneficial
educational experience."I want to be engaged, not sitting in the back
of a lecture hall. When you're learning online and you're contributing to
every discussion, you're more involved, and you're learning so much more.
The experience is so much richer."
“I could talk your ear off about this," she says."Can you tell I love what I do?"