Meet 2005 JIU Graduate
Otto de Leeuw
Master of Education in e-learning:
Corporate Training and Knowledge Management, Class of 2005
Otto de Leeuw, 58, lives in the city of Leersum, in the Utrecht province of the Netherlands. He is married, the father of five children—four of them still at home—and he completed his M.Ed. in February. Mr. De Leeuw is a teacher, a curriculum developer, and the International Internship coordinator at Utrecht Business School.
What do you teach?
Business Logistics and Corporate Management. I also lead a management simulation with our graduating students.
What made you want to be a teacher?
I started my career in teaching, then left the field for eight years to enter the business world, which I enjoyed very much. However, I returned to teaching for the deeper satisfaction of working with young people and sharing what I know with them.
What is an “International Internship Coordinator”?
All our students do two internships, and one of them must be done abroad. I assist them in finding places to intern, and maintain a network of our associates and companies around the world.
Have you always lived in the Netherlands?
I was born in Holland, married in South Africa, and lived for a long time in Canada. I spent a few years in Great Britain, and the last 15 years, I have lived in Holland. I would consider moving to another country again.
Why did you decide to go back to school?
By the mid-90s, most institutions in Holland had entered into some form of e-learning and/or distance learning. I jumped in and, like many others, did not have the experience and qualifications. I decided to get a good background in the field. I researched schools that could help me without requiring me to travel, and JIU was one of them.
Why did you choose JIU?
JIU advertised in the Wall Street Journal, which I read at the time, and I went to its website and compared it to several other schools. The JIU website was professionally done, not overdone, and the courses appealed to me, especially the variety of courses offered and the specializations. I took two courses and then applied for admission to a degree program.
Why did you choose Corporate Training and Knowledge Management as your M.Ed. specialization?
I have been interested in knowledge management for a long time. So much knowledge goes by the wayside at universities. In addition, I will be retiring soon (in Holland, this means between the ages of 57 and 61), and I still have strong ties to the corporate world. After retirement, I would like to do freelance work for an international company that is interested in my skills.
Have you changed jobs since attending/graduating from JIU?
No, I still have the same job. Within our university structure, once you have a teaching position the chances to move around are limited.
Has your degree changed how you do your job?
Absolutely. I do a lot more with computers and teaching. I offer a lot of my course material to students digitally on a platform I developed myself, using PHP and MySql. From my most practical courses at JIU, I learned a lot that I could apply immediately to my work.
How difficult was it balancing life and school?
It was a challenge. I have a large family, a busy church life, and a more-than-full-time job. I enjoyed studying very much, but some things did suffer as a result, especially our garden and social life.
Was your employer supportive of your efforts?
My manager was supportive, but left shortly after I started at JIU, and we have a tight budget. I ended up paying most of the cost myself, and I was not allowed to study at work. But I am not complaining. I like my work and the students I teach, and I am blessed with a great wife and kids who were always there to support me, even when it was difficult or weekends were spoiled by my study and work.
Did you have any problems studying in an online environment?
Except for a few interruptions in service, it went fine. After the third course, ADSL became available in the area where I live and that was a great improvement. I made a few mistakes, e.g., not saving my work and then the computer crashing. And, if you travel abroad during a course, you have to plan well. It takes time to get plugged into a system again, and I missed a few assignments that way.
What do you think will be the most valuable thing about your M.Ed.?
The fact that I succeeded in doing it. One day at the time, one course at the time. And the new acquaintances I got to know during my time at JIU. I almost got to meet Oliver Schwabe, who lives near Frankfurt, Germany. I will meet him someday.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Retired from my present job. Training in a corporate environment and/or helping corporations write training programs. Enjoying the family and our garden. A bit of traveling. Recently, I mailed my curriculum vitae to a consulting organization in Lyon, France.
What did you most enjoy about JIU?
The friendliness of everyone I had contact with. You people were great. I sometimes went through difficult times, and there was always a word of encouragement. The few occasions I needed extra time for completing an assignment, it was never questioned.
Any advice or encouraging words for current JIU students?
You are never too old to start. There is no better time to start than today. Try to enjoy it; that makes it more interesting. Try to see the big picture, and before you start a course, read the objectives and repeat that process every week before you start a new module. Knowing where you have to go is half the battle.