Published Mar 20, 2008
sassiebaz
614 Posts
For those of you who have heard me talk about my reluctance toward algebra, I am wanting to tackle this and get it out of the way so I can move forward in my pre-req's. I see that Phoenix college has an online course this summer. Is this a bad idea for someone like me, where doing algebra is literally greek to me?
West Valley
140 Posts
Can you PM me and let me know who you are taking it with and what math class. I have had much success with the math teachers at the school. I am terrible at math and got A's in both math classes I have taken. I can probably let you know about the instructor or class.
catmania
15 Posts
I'm also a math dunce but I had a wonderful teacher at Gateway CC and came out of her class with an A. I asked her about online classes and she said that with all the resources available (tutoring through the college, ability to email the teacher questions, etc) anyone should be able to make it through an online course.
Good Luck!
MassagetoRN
330 Posts
Ok, I am going to go against the grain. I would advise not to take it online. Don't get me wrong, I have taken many online classes and really like them. However, I have learned, the hard way, that classes that you think will be difficult period, are even more so online. If algebra isn't a strong suit for you, you would be better taking it in person. Good luck!!
tobimikal
47 Posts
Im going to go against the popular opinion also. I am soooo horrible with math also and I attempted intro algebra with Rio this semester. Two weeks into it I withdrew because I couldnt even grasp the simple concepts. I probably could have stuck with it and pulled a C but I was afraid that I wouldn't understand enough to take intermediate algebra. Plus I am not okay with a C in any class. So I chose to take it over the summer on campus to savor my GPA and make sure I get the most out of the class. But everyone learns different. Just my .
Zphreaky1
43 Posts
Math is about practice. You struggle to learn the concepts and then practice practice practice. I took MAT 122 online and it was a piece of cake. I am a HS dropout who has not had any algebra in over 15 years. You need to set aside time to do many problems. You need to be disciplined and do it every night. It is no biggie, you can do it if you want to.
Glina
269 Posts
I wouldn't take it online. Take a class, find a tutor and practice a lot.
Knit1Purl2
93 Posts
math is about practice. you struggle to learn the concepts and then practice practice practice. i took mat 122 online and it was a piece of cake. i am a hs dropout who has not had any algebra in over 15 years. you need to set aside time to do many problems. you need to be disciplined and do it every night. it is no biggie, you can do it if you want to.
i do like the system they have for the math classes, you have a million practice questions online and they walk you through it by video or next to the problem step by step in helping you solve the equations. but it is what it is, as zphreaky said it is all about having the time and practicing. for example, i was not smarter than a 5th grader because "my" 5th grader was helping me with concepts from my mat 142 last night and telling me i needed to practice more, which led to
:smiley_ab
i digress.
you'll be fine if you have the time.
i do like the system they have for the math classes, you have a million practice questions online and they walk you through it by video or next to the problem step by step in helping you solve the equations. but it is what it is, as zphreaky said it is all about having the time and practicing. for example, i was not smarter than a 5th grader because "my" 5th grader was helping me with concepts from my mat 142 last night and telling me i needed to practice more, which led to:smiley_abi digress. you'll be fine if you have the time.
ditto! go for. i think you have a supportive instructor. you just have to be willing to put in the practice. good luck:nuke:
lol that's pretty funny, fortunately i am still smarter than my first grader. i have heard of this problem before though. the bottom line is this, are you taking the class online because you think it will be easier? it won't it will be more difficult. i know lots of good students who wouldn't dream of taking any math online.
if you are taking the class online because of the flexibility the online format offers you, you are along the right path.
the biggest thing you gain by taking a class in a classroom is you are "forced" to sit in class x days a week for x hours a class, and can use that time to learn.
taking math in a classroom does not guaruntee you will learn it will from the instructor, you may still need to find a tutor etc. so for me it boils down to what the reasons are for taking the class online.
i have taken many classes online and i find them more difficult to buckle down in. on top of my in class load, the online class seems to get thrown to the backburner. as a result, every class i have taken online i ususally squeek out an a, as opposed to being in class where i am close to the highest grade possible. i am not sure what grade this translates for you, but it's something else to consider.
btw, i am taking stats (psy 230) online now and just finished fon 241. i am going to start precal in about a month. that is on top of in class micro, a&p i and human development. the online track works well for me because i stay home and care for my three children. it offers me the flexibility i need to be able to load up on credit hours. (22 fall '07) (22 spring '08) i do not recommend anyone loading up on credits like i do, but i know my limits and i like to live right at the edge of them
good luck with whatever route you decide to take, keep up with the work, and practice, practice, practice!
Zphreaky,
How are you liking Stats online (psy 230)? I am going to be taking it online in the fall. Lots of math involved? Hows the instructor? Feel free to PM if you'd prefer. Thanks!
chadash
1,429 Posts
I am not totally opposed to the idea of your taking Algebra online.
It really depends on your learning style. Are you interested in this approach because you would feel less pressured to perform and would be able to do it at your own pace? Are you very self motivated, and able to keep going even when there is no one to push you? Do you have support from others who could assist you if you hit a road block?
If math is hard for you, you will need a support system. But many online courses are handled in a skill building way: you must achieve one level before you proceed. I see this as an advantage over the classroom.
Of course, make sure the online class is accepted for credit.