Anyone taken or taking Bio 201 online at Rio Salado??

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · May 22, 2007

Rio Salado's bio classes are exponentially more difficult than in-person traditional classes. I took my A&Ps at my home campus, but I'm just finishing micro through Rio right now.

I have to say, I don't recommend Rio unless you just really need an online class. My instructor is good; I've had good communication with him by email. However, the course is basically your textbook. Every word of it.

I'm working my butt off to get an A. I'd guess that a 'C' through Rio is about the amount of work of an 'A' in a traditional class. For example, last night I finished an online lab. I had to identify 7 unknowns with many questions per item. Safe to say, you do not have to identify that many unknowns in one single lab in person. This is just an example.

I suppose if you don't care about a grade except for passing or if you are willing to do much more work for an online class - ok.

AZmom · May 22, 2007

I started BIO201 at Rio, but dropped it two lessons in. It was just too difficult (and I had taken an online science before, so it wasn't that). Too much concentration on the piddliest of details, so much so that I felt I might lose myself in the details and walk away not knowing a darn thing about the big picture, if you know what I mean.

The testing was awkward. I actually entered into the first homework/quiz not knowing that it was timed, and I wasn't ready for that! The course also relied heavily on what was in the book, with little other direction given, unlike my previous online course.

Like I said, I dropped and took it in a classroom instead. MUCH better experience. Perhaps for me, for this particular course, I just learn better in a classroom setting. Having pictures explained to me, often accompanied by a story of how it relates to the real world......it just makes it easier for me to learn, and more fun.

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · May 22, 2007

I suspect this is the problem with Rio. You have to understand and be able to recall and explain every single sentence in every single chapter of your textbook. There is little context and it doesn't seem like you learn to see the forest for the trees. If that makes sense.

Hoozdo, ADN · May 23, 2007

I took BIO 201 there a few years ago. It was difficult. I would say I spent about 40 hours a week of homework on it. I ended up with a B. I took BIO202 in a real classroom........I figured it had to be easier than BIO202 online!

AZmom · May 24, 2007

Wanted to add.....Multi, I think you just convinced me to not attempt Micro through Rio. I'm going to see if/how I can work it into Spring semester, or sometime thereafter even if it takes me longer.

I just received the text, so I can study ahead. The subject matter looks interesting, and I think the in-person labs will really aid my understanding.

peeesh · May 24, 2007

i took micro at Rio it was very hard... i got A's on all the homework and test but the finals I could not do them... it was very hard to understand the labs..and was tooo much material that i was not confident on i walked out of the mid-term test it was at like pv mall upstairs..werid.. the computers are really really old there... you could hear everyone typing really really loud...i could not concentrate at all!!!! I was so annoyed.. i left halfway through the test..i just couldnt get the answers.... looool and i usually get A's in science. I took the class during summer school at scc and i learned so much I loved the labs its so much better when its hands on.... i do not like rio at all.. icckkk waste of money... i felt like i didnt learn hardly anything... and i study alot... i bet rio makes alot of money... i know tons of people that have dropped a bunch of classes ... =/

ryguy · May 24, 2007

I took all of my pre-reqs through Rio online and am now in the Nursing program at PC, I am finishing up block 1, I will say that if you find the Rio A&P and Micro difficult, then you havent seen anything yet, because the A&P and Micro were cake compared to Nursing school, I am pulling A's in Pharm and Process, but it is very difficult, like a whirlwind, you have to learn and absorb as much info in 1 week as in a month of any other class that I have taken before. It is difficult but if you are truly dedicated you can manage. Good luck to you!

Ryan

2spr0ut02 · May 24, 2007

Taking AP with them now. I find it easier than AP in person at UAB in AL. This way I have more grades then I did at UAB. won't be taking Micro with them though because the school I'm transferring to, wants you to take theirs.

MsBruiser · May 24, 2007

I took all of my pre-reqs through Rio online and am now in the Nursing program at PC, I am finishing up block 1, I will say that if you find the Rio A&P and Micro difficult, then you havent seen anything yet, because the A&P and Micro were cake compared to Nursing school, I am pulling A's in Pharm and Process, but it is very difficult, like a whirlwind, you have to learn and absorb as much info in 1 week as in a month of any other class that I have taken before. It is difficult but if you are truly dedicated you can manage. Good luck to you!
Ryan

Actually, nursing school (Block III for me) is a breeze compared to Rio. Whoever said you have to memorize every tiny detail is correct. I feel like they spoonfeed you in nursing school, in comparison.

RNfaster · May 24, 2007

I used Rio for my prereqs. I was unimpressed with their curriculum. Much of it was lifted from the book and unsourced (interesting as they required students to source their materials) and links (many broken) to OTHER institutions.

I found a couple of my teachers sorely lacking in English writing skills. My microbiology professor had issues with the language and with logic. Overall, I was unimpressed with the faculty and did not gain much to speak of from them.

Toward the end of my work with Rio, I came up with a study system that seemed to work pretty well: read the book very carefully and do all the homework at the end of the chapters, pay careful attention to histology images in the textbook and the lab manual, prepare all the essays (even though you are not required to turn them in). I also used a coloring book study guide, Tabers, and other textbooks (bought dated versions of pathophysiology and pharmacology that were about $10 each).

I attended Rio as it was convenient for me while I worked a full-time job with traditional hours.

Glina · May 25, 2007

I hope it's ok if I ask something here, I didn't want to open a new thread. I am taking BIO 156 through Rio...what is on midterm and final test? I guess it should be pretty much the same for all bio classes? Are there questions from your previous online tests?

Thanks,