Human Growth & Development class offered online during summer...

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Hi, can I please get some input from you all. My school is offering Human Growth and Development class online this summer. I want to do it, but being cautious as I have no idea how hard the class is. If you or someone you know has taken it online, please share your thoughts. Also if you took it in traditional classroom setting let me know if you were offered to take it online instead would you do it? Thanks so much.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

Taking online classes doesn't really depend on how difficult the class is...it depends on your learning style and your own motivation to do the work without a class time prompt. Most online teachers take some training for the medium, and the school usually provides a short screening tool to determine if online learning fits you.

I had a mix during pre-reqs. You have to be prepared to spend just as much (or more) time for online learning as you do for traditional classes. Know the requirements of the class and make sure meet them by deadline--this is a biggie because if you don't know what you're supposed to do or do it on time it will affect your grade. If communicating in writing is not your strong point, you won't do well.

My online lifespan course required weekly written responses to posted questions, online quizzes for each stage of development, LOTS of reading, and responding thoughtfully to at least four fellow students' posts per week. (Just saying, "I agree with you!" didn't cut it.)

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I agree it is more about you. I did this one as an online summer classes and have taken many online and traditional summer classes. I loved them except Chemistry which I should have known wasn't my strong suit. :) A friend of mine who is really smart and has a great gpa practically gets hives if you even suggest she take a short semester class so its all about the individual. Good luck.

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I took developmental psych (through the lifespan) entirely on-line last summer through Foothill College (Los Altos, CA). I thought it was pretty easy and took a lot less time than if I had taken the class in a classroom. Yes, there were written assignments and on-line posts, but you would have those (or something similar) in any class, and I didn't have to drive to campus and sit in class, which was a huge time saver.

My experience with on-line classes is that they're pretty easy and good ways to boost GPA. However, I find I don't learn as much from them. Therefore, I use them for classes that I need but don't have a ton of personal interest in or classes that are requirements but that I don't feel will have a lot of practical information that I don't already know.

Best of luck.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I took developmental (lifespan) psych. and it was fairly easy and an enjoyable class. I took it in the classroom but I could have just as easily take it online. As long as you have a decent teacher and you are a good student you'll do well. Its not a bad class - one of my more enjoyable non-science classes. Good luck!

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

I didn't find this class, but I do really well in my psychology, and sociology classes. They were always my guaranteed 4.0 classes. But others I know struggled in these type of classes. I have taken some online and in class and each had it's own pros and cons. If you are able to do ok with online classes then I don't think this is one of those classes that might be a struggle to do online, like some of the science ones are.

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Specializes in Health Information Management.

When I went through my original (bachelor) degree program about 10 years ago, my classes were all classroom courses. My current (bachelor) program is almost entirely online. Therefore, I have a fairly decent handle on the differences. Online classes are convenient in terms of logistics - you don't have to worry about driving anywhere and most of the time you can complete your assignments at 2 AM if that's what works for you. However, most of my online classes have been more difficult than their classroom equivalents. There have been exceptions - I had to take two classes with the same prof, and she completely slouched through them; I could have turned in "See Spot Run" for my assignments and received an A - but for the most part, the profs design them to push students.

In addition, online classes require a great deal of individual commitment. There's no one to nag you about reading assignments or deliver a lecture to you; you have to read the material, watch the lecture, take part in online discussions in a meaningful way (as another poster noted, profs rarely accept the "I agree" posts as valid for points), and complete your assignments on your own, amid whatever chaotic stuff may be happening around you at home. You basically have to set up an office or "quiet zone" and ensure that everyone respects it during your study time.

So before you do this, ask yourself if you're sufficiently self-motivated and disciplined to do an online class. They work for some people and they're awful for others - it just has to do with your personality and individual learning style. Don't count on your online course being "easier" than the classroom equivalent, because in all likelihood it won't be; in fact, it may be a little tougher. Personally, I love online classes and I've learned (and retained) a great deal from mine. I enjoyed my classroom courses too, but in online classes, I'm much more confident about contributing. Many people seem to feel the same way; discussions in my online classes have been a lot more lively than my classroom courses, because they aren't dominated by the same three or four people each time. On the other hand, it can be difficult to really connect with the professors in an online class; I've only had a couple so far that I've really gotten to know. And as I'm sure you're aware, summer classes always condense things, so you'll have to be very careful to stay motivated about keeping up with everything. That can be tough when it's only the little voice in the back of your head nagging you to study, as opposed to attending lecture and taking notes each day.

I hope that information helps. Good luck with your class, however you take it!

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Happy to announce I have registered and am ready to start my "Human Growth and Development" class ONLINE. Thanks for your input everyone. I am very excited to be going back to school! :redbeathe

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Specializes in Health Information Management.

Good luck - I hope you have a successful and enjoyable experience! :)

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