Microbiology Hybrid or Traditional Course?

[WantAccel.BSN, BSN, RN]

I'm considering taking Microbiology as a Hybrid course through our local community college (I assume the lab is the part you come in for, but I won't know for sure until I meet with the advisor). I've never taken any kind of class online before, and wanted to get some feedback from those who have. It might be helpful to know that I am a second degree-seeking student, I took A&P I (traditional format) and got an "A," and am currently taking A&P II (traditional format) and expect the same grade given current numbers.

My big concerns are: (1) that I won't obtain the same understanding of the material/what the teacher will test on without the lecture (2) because of the way my job is structured--or should I say, unstructured-- it may be easier to block off class time then to try to fit in the classwork where I "have the time" (3) the traditional class is only offered in the mid to late afternoon. I predominately work 2nd shift hours, and this might really mess up my schedule...

To explain, my job is in social services and requires that I "bill" a certain number of service hours working with clients or on behalf of clients who have mental health problems. The working hours are very unpredictable and highly variable.

Thank you in advance for your help! No, really, thanks! :bowingpur

[ybstressed, LVN]

I think online classes are great. Right now I am taking BIO online and I love it. My lectures are laid out on power point slides and I go onto UC Berkley’s webpage and download the free podcast lectures. My lab’s are also online which I find helpful because I complete the labs anytime. But, if you have never used a microscope, I would advise you to take labs on campus. Also, if you are not disciplined online class are not for you. I am very disciplined so I was 2 months ahead of my class before the start date.

But if you are disciplined online classes would be great for you because you can get ahead and when you need a break you can take a couple days off without getting behind. I also bought my book from ichapters so that I can type notes on the actual book pages and print specific sections or chapters that are needed.

Also, if I have any problems with understanding the material I can paste my questions on the class blog or I can meet with my teacher during her office hours.

[Scooter5]

I'm a second degree person as well. I'm currently taking A and P and Micro all online. I like it. They are offering the class online with the lab at the college next year. I had to buy a lab kit and microscope (totaled $435), so that was the downside. Taking classes online, you can't sleep through class- it's all on you to learn what you need to. My micro class has a chapter to read and a 10pt quiz on it every week. I also have an experiment to do and a short lab report to type up. Lab reports are to be handed in the first week of November. Every 3 weeks I have to post a paragraph on the assigned topic- that is our discussion question designed for interaction between students. We have a textbook chapter exam every 3 weeks on the chapters that we read for that section. These were were my first online courses and I've been out of college since 1991. It's definitely do-able.:nuke: