Ever taken an online class?

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 22, 2005

Good luck. I've found they aren't too different than regular class. You work just as hard. I definately like the convience of online. :)

zacarias, ASN, RN · May 22, 2005

Hello... I have registered to take a 3 credit online pharmacology class this summer. I have never done an online class, but I figured I'd rather get it over with than try to take the actual (classroom, 1 credit) class in the fall with other classes. I wonder if anyone has any advice, or can give me an idea what to expect, tips, etc... I would sooo appreciate it!! Thanks!

I've taken a few online classes and they offer a great alternative to a sit-down-in-a-classroom situation. You have to discipline yourself enough to be able to do the work. Some online instructors have everything due for the week on a certain day and others will have different things due on a couple different days. When you first start you will read the syllabus and make sure you know what is expected of you.

Having your first online class be three credits instead of five I think is a really great idea because you can ease into it.

WickedRedRN, BSN, RN · May 23, 2005

I have taken several online classes and I love them! They offer more flexibility in my life by not commiting me to specific class times. If I am up at 2AM I can log on and do coursework without worrying about finding childcare, or driving downtown.

You do work just as hard, if not more than the students in the traditional classroom. I would not recommend taking an online class in a subject area you struggle with though. In that situation, I found I must have the lecture time and the ability to face to face with the instructor.

Hope this helps, good luck!!

Trauma Columnist · May 23, 2005

I've done many online classes. I think you have to be very focused and set aside "class time" just like you would if you had to go to class.

NurseFirst · May 23, 2005

I have also taken many online classes. Many schools that have online classes have a little survey to ask you questions to see if you are a good candidate for online classes. One of the questions, I think, has to do with procrastination. If you are inclined to procrastinate, this may not be the solution for you. But I'd recommend seeing if you can find the survey and take that. I'll look around to see if I can find it for you.

Here's one link: http://www.cvc4.org/student_prepare/quizaccess.htm

One important thing is to have a computer with online access, as well as a backup, in case something goes wrong with yours.

NurseFirst

CathRN · May 23, 2005

I have taken several online courses, and I love them! I enjoy the flexibility, but you do need the self disipline to do the course work. I printed out my syllabus and tried to work at least one week ahead of schedule so that if something happened in my personal life, I wouldn't be behind. Good Luck!

totallytheresa · May 23, 2005

Thanks for the advice everyone... I figured that with science classes, I do my best learning AFTER the lecture, at home, I would be ok.. I'm just a little worried about the technical part. :) Theresa

Kabin · May 23, 2005

There are good online course programs and not so good programs. Good programs have course and lecture objectives clearly stated. And as long as you've studied the objectives you know you'll do well in the test.

Some of the, not so good, online professors/teachers treat e-mail as if it was received from a normal course and don't respond sooner than 2 days. That makes it difficult if you're trying not to procrastinate.