Class dilemmaa

bluescrubs16 · Jan 20, 2014

Is this your first online course? They are certainly not for everyone. Some people excel through auditory learning and prefer the traditional classroom setting. What aspect is it that you find unappealing? Personally I enjoy online courses. I always print off the syllabus so I know exactly what is due when. Then I try to work a bit ahead so if I have any issues I can get in touch with the professor. Occasionally you get that one professor that you are not exactly sure what they expect and that may result in a low first grade. If that happens email your professor and ask for feedback and specifics as to what they are looking for. Most instructors really want to see their students succeed and are there to help - don't be afraid to reach out to them.

If you attend a school that offers both online and seated courses, you could talk to your instructor and explain the situation. Chances are if your professor offers the same course in a classroom setting s/he may allow you to switch to that course. If s/he doesn't talk to your advisor. They may offer a switch to a seated course with a different instructor or point out some additional resources to ensure your success!

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2014

I took several online classes including English. These classes are not really "taught". Online classes is for people who are self motivated to learn. You have to teach yourself in a ways and I liked them all.

What exactly don't you like about it? Have you emailed the professor to see if he or she can give you some tips to improve your learning experience?

georgiarose, ADN, RN · Jan 20, 2014

Yes it is my first online course. The issue I am having is not knowing what the instructor expects. I have emailed with specific questions and they are answered but there is still that lack of assurance that I am doing the right thing. It seems I am not the only one that is having this issue based upon the comments made on the class blog. I am motivated to learn just want clearer instruction on when she is wanting assignments and such. Her expectations.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2014

Good day, georgiarose:

You'll find good and bad online instructors as you will find good and bad on campus instructors. While I've had actual cases where RateMyProfessor was completely off, it can be a relative guide along with asking other students as to who are the better teachers.

Now, to your class, did you get a syllabus? Did you review the syllabus for what is required, when, how it is to be delivered / provided, etc.? Does the online class have a discussion area that you can ask your fellow students for help? Does your school have a local campus you can visit to get help on campus?

I've found online classes to be considerably harder than on campus classes for a number of reasons:

* Discipline, organization skills, and time management skills are required to stay on top of all readings, assignments, and work.

* Not all online classes provide students with tools you generally get in a class room. In the class room you get audio (teacher talking, students participating), visual (teacher presenting -- blackboard, projector, PowerPoint), as well as other interactive elements. Some online classes provide none of those -- here is the book (you buy), and your reading assignments. Other online classes are as close to the on campus experience as possible -- audio / video (often lacking class participation), etc. Whether or not you get a study guide varies from online class and professor to online class and professor.

* Study time for online classes should be calculated the same as on campus -- at least 2 hours per credit hour per week. So a 3 credit online class should have a minimum of six hours per week set aside. Personally, I find myself setting aside 3 hours per credit hour when I can as online classes are often more self taught, self motivated than not.

Thank you.

georgiarose, ADN, RN · Jan 20, 2014

Thank you so much for responding. I do have a syllabus and have been following it along with other info that has been posted. In reading and interacting with the class discussion blog there are others that are having the same issues. I'm scheduled to go in and meet the instructor for a proctored essay on Thursday...I guess I will see how that goes from there.

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ShelbyaStar · Jan 21, 2014

To be honest, I had very similar frustrations with my first college writing class, as well as speech and those were not online but taught primarily by grad students. I am good at those things but I had a hard time figuring out what the teachers wanted and I was really frustrated with both, and complained a lot! In the end I got As in both although I got really low grades on the first couple drafts. I don't think this has a lot to do with it being online, just the frustrations of transitioning to the college setting.

Sounds like you're meeting with the prof which is good. I would figure out their office hours and drop in on those a lot too. Most writing teachers are happy to give your work a look over before you have to turn it in. Most schools also have some sort of writing center where you can get extra help there too.

While it's comforting to know that others are experiencing the same problem, I also would caution against paying too much attention to complainers. I was amazed at how much complaining happened in one of my classes last term- people were swearing up and down it was impossible to do better than a C, it wasn't even worth going to class, etc, all the while I was getting high As on the tests. People often want to blame anyone else when they obviously aren't putting in the work.

I'm not saying that's what you're doing- like I said, I've been through the same frustrations. I would just caution against too much bellyaching among other bellyachers. It's contagious and your grades can suffer from it.

If you truly are having serious difficulties with this class, you can most likely withdraw and try again another term unless this is your last one of prereqs? You can also try attending lecture even if you aren't registered for it to try to gain some clarity.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jan 21, 2014

Educator here - with a confession.

I have actually taught both classroom & distance (virtual group as well as self-paced) classes. I have also experienced all types of education from a student perspective. I discovered that (for me) "education" requires real time interaction with my instructor & fellow participants. As a student, I 'could' do very well in asynchronous (self-paced) online courses, but I really disliked them & felt that something was missing.

If you're an education enthusiast, John Dewey's learning model is essential. Dewey pointed out that "incidental learning" (the things you learn that are not part of the actual curriculum) is the heart of adult learning. It fosters intellectual curiosity & makes learning much more emotionally satisfying. This is the component that is missing from asynchronous online learning. So, if you find yourself in the same boat - you're not weird, just providing more validation of a fundamental educational philosophy & theory. Now, doesn't that feel better?

georgiarose, ADN, RN · Jan 22, 2014

HouTx that is exactly how I feel. Hoping after I meet the instructor on Thurs I will feel better. I have looked into possibly transferring to one of the on site classes. Whatever I do I don't want to set myself up for failure.

georgiarose, ADN, RN · Jan 24, 2014

Just an update.... Met my instructor today and let her review my work. She said I am on the right track. That's exactly what I needed reassurance. Yay!

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jan 24, 2014

Good day, georgiarose

That is very good to read. Good job for both being on the right track, and staying the course.

Thank you.