Can someone describe online courses, this will be my first go at it

bebbercorn · Dec 12, 2013

HI rnmindy, first of all congrats on getting in! I'll tell you this about online courses... get organized! You have to be meticulous. Read the syllabus and check your email every day. Every online course I've had has been different, but my setup is usually... first day, write an introductory post or email. There are usually requirements where you have to post your work and have others comment and vice versa. Some have group projects. It all depends on the setup of the school and the course but make sure you read everything and highlight dates! Best of luck to you!

rnmindy · Dec 12, 2013

Thank you! so can you log on to post things when you can or do you have to log on at certain times? I am currently working full time M-F so I am trying to make sure it will be flexible. I just know nothing about how online courses work. So thank you so much for your input!

zmansc, ASN, RN · Dec 12, 2013

Flexibility is up to the professor/program, so your mileage may vary. At my program most assignments can be completed anytime up to a certain date (due date), so you can work around your schedule. Exams are usually open for several days (mostly m-f of the week of the exam). Group work is the least flexible, as everyone wants to work around their particular schedule... Usually when you have a good group a group chat (or facebook forum) allows us to coordinate the project, break it into pieces and get the tasks done semi-independently. With a bad group it can be like pulling your teeth out, but hopefully those will be rare.

BritFNP · Dec 12, 2013

More info: :)

Our tests were always in a lockdown browser and our last year they added audio and video recording. I will agree with zmansc that group work is the pits. I remember thinking that group work wouldn't be so bad because this program is for responsible professionals...wrong. There are always people who will get by with making little to no contribution and some that are real go getters. Also as far as postings, in my program, you had to post so many times a week on so many numbers of days. For example, you could not sit down wednesday and do all 5 of your postings. They had to be spread out between 2-3 days so that the instructor knew you were active/responsive to other student's postings. You will just have to see what your discussion board rules are in your syllabus.

Also, it will be over whelming when you log on for the first time and have 3-4 classes each with their own requirements. Just take it once class at a time. Usually the first week will be very introductory and non stressful. Once you get the web navigation down you will be a pro! Good luck!

Averylove1 · Jun 7, 2014

Hi BritFNP Can you tell me what the workload for your online program was like? Did you works full time while you attended your FNP program? Imm trying to not only choose an online FNP school but also if I want to attempt a full-time or part-time program. Any info help.

Thanks:)