anyone ever take an online college course?

[skydiver30960 0]

After six years of using my first college degree (engineering) and a year of fruitless job hunting, I've decided to go back to school. I'm starting by taking a course that is part of the cirriculum (sp) for two programs I'm considering (paramedic and nursing) and is pre-req for another I might apply to (physician's asst.) I've had a chance to preview the course's website and it looks pretty impressive: well formatted and user-friendly.

Has anyone here ever taken a course ENTIRELY over the internet?

Did you enjoy the format?

What problems did you have?

Would you do it again?

Thanks for the help!

Elvisio "are there internet based keg parties included with this course" Rodriguez

[indyz 1]

I've taken a half-dozen courses over the Internet. It worked well for me. However, these classes were in subjects that I was already fairly well versed in. The "work at your own pace" system was great for me there. If the classes had been something that I struggle with, like advanced math, I probably would have bombed.

[12500ft 2]

I hated it so deperately that I finally dropped it and will take it again in the fall in person.

For me, what I enjoy most about an academic enviornment is the interaction. I believe I have as much to learn from my peers as my instructor. (However, I'm in a graduate program for people who have been working in the field for some time).

There was a great deal more reading than face-to-face courses and the lack of discussion of said readings made tthem pretty meaningless to me. I wanted to be able to apply them. Also, if anything goes crazy with your internet connection, even for a few days, you are screwed.

Just my 2 cents.

[themitchyone 0]

I took an online course through Orange Coast College in So. Cal. There was a bit more work than I expected, which is a good thing. I felt like I'd learned as much as any course. I would do it again.

The time factor is the plus, not having to drive to campus.

"If the Bible has taught us nothing else, and it hasn't, it's that girls should stick to girl's sports such as hot oil wrestling and foxy boxing." - Homer Simpson

[Rainbo 0]

I have done several courses online. For me they were great. If you get more out of the interaction with other people or the instructor be sure to check out the format. Many online courses have a meeting night that uses one of many different chat programs (whiteboards and the works). This allows for the interaction with other students and the instructor. I have done this where that meeting is either mandatory or optional.

Many institutions have courses that are "adult learner" oriented, especially in the online format. I think your best bet is to really dig into the format and if possible talk to the instructor before signing up to be sure that it fits you. If thje course does not fit you won't learn, in a classroom or out.

Rainbo
TheSpeedTriple - Speed is everything
"Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting."

[ACMESkydiver 0]

I hate interaction.
Actually the interaction isn't sooo awful bad I guess...but when you show up in your holey sweats and your hair in a pony tail looking like you downed a fifth of something the night before, well then interaction sux.

~Jaye
Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action.

[skydiver30960 0]

Thanks to all for the quick replies.

Quote

... Also, if anything goes crazy with your internet connection, even for a few days, you are screwed.

Yikes hadn't thought about that one. I'll need to make sure I have a backup plan if the house's line craps the bed.

Thanks for the heads up!

Elvisio "much too laude" Rodriguez

[Shotgun 1]

I'm taking an algebra class right now that is completely online. It's mostly stuff I learned in highschool, but since I haven't used it in 15 years I am having to re-learn it. I am finding it fairly easy, but I do feel like I am basically teaching myself... so I don't think I would want to take a very difficult subject as an online course.

There is a discussion board for the course where we can ask questions and such, and judging from what I read on there I would say a lot of people are having a hard time with it (and also judging from the class grade average that is posted on there). I get the impression that some of them are having problems because of a lack of computer/Internet skills, so I think that's an important consideration too... and having a good computer and high-speed Internet (I would be hating this class without a high-speed connection!)...

Since it's "go at your own pace" I usually try to do the tests before the day they're due just in case there are any problems...

Oh, and I'm also considering the nursing or paramedic programs.


Edited to say: And Aqua Teen Hunger Force is funny.

[dtpilot 0]

Ok... good luck if you decide to go through with it. I took history over the internet as a fast track 8 week course. Really was stressful. You dont get the teaching aspect of school...if you like reading it is all for you. I tried my best to keep up with the course but reading 3 chapters of something that I wasnt really interested in at the time really took it out of me.

My suggestions would be to check out the course format before you signup and try and find someone that has taken it before. From one of the former students from the college if you can. If it sounds good look further into where the test are taken. I had to drive down to the downtown campus of the school that I went to which is about a 30 min drive every 2 weeks. What is the point in an online course if you can't do it all on the internet.

Just make sure you get all the facts before you sign up...I made the mistake and missed most of the facts.

Good luck

"Believe me! The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously!"
-- Friedrich Nietzsche

[Nightingale 0]

Has anyone here ever taken a course ENTIRELY over the internet?

Yes. I took Oceanography and Genetics through Fullerton College.


Did you enjoy the format?

Yes. Oceanography moreso, because the professor had high quality lectures.

What problems did you have?

A week with no internet connection because SBC f-ed up.

Would you do it again?

As long as the course was offered through a reputable university.

If you take an online course, you have to have a lot of self discipline. the grades in my class were either very high, if you did the work, or very low if you didn't. there wasn't much in the middle. you have to commit to logging on every day, participating in online discussions, and posting on class message boards.

Best of luck!

[Luna 0]

I'm in my first semester of an online Master's degree program, taking 3 classes. I really don't have a choice, as no local colleges offer my degree.

My opinion is that several factors go into whether it's a good experience or a bad one. First, the format of the class. We are using Blackboard software, which is really nice. There is a module that allows for online test taking (multiple choice, T/F, ordering, etc.). Some professors prefer to use other formats for the tests, like I was given one in Word format and filled it in and sent it back. There are many other features in Blackboard that make it very easy to use.

Second is the professor. I have one professor who provides details notes including Powerpoint presentation and Word documents as well as web links for further information for each module. I have another professor who gives a word document with he meager notes for each lesson. You are mostly on your own. So, it could go either way.

Finally, your commitment and attitude have a huge impact. Do you do well on your own? Do you have a lot of self-discipline? Do you have the time?

As others mentioned, at least with Blackboard, there are optional chats (Office hours) available, as well as discussion boards where you can talk to your classmates and professor. One professor who does a lot of chats has been recording them and posting them for anyone who couldn't be there. In other words, it can be as interactive as you want it to be, without having to actually go to campus.

Overall, I like it, and I will do it again, and would even if I didn't have to. But yeah, it does have it's problems.

Good luck!!

I'm walking a marathon to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Click Here for more information!

[Mayberry 0]

If you want to take the fast track, this was on the local news last night.

Don

Don

Here's to friends!