Online class VS Traditional class?

I did the last two years of my bachelors degree in an online program. I would say that you really have to be a "self-starter" when taking online courses. I think this is where it is hard. The curriculm for your course is probably the same whether you take the course in a classroom or online. However, the difficulty factor comes into how well you can work alone without a lot of guidance.

Personally, I love online classes. I also have 3 children (all under 9) so it is virtually impossible for me to take a course on campus. The way I look at it, in the time it takes me to drive to and from campus, I could have already logged on and got my work done in my course. Most of the time, I do my online work after my kids have gone to bed. I'd sure have trouble finding a traditional course that meets after 9 at night!

I've recently gone back to school as well for a nursing license (my bachelors is in education). I've been working on chemistry and pharmacology via the internet. I don't have a background in chemistry (at all), but I feel I'm learning just as much in my online chemistry course as someone sitting in a traditional classroom. It's just that now I'm in charge of when my class meets.

Hope this helps!

I am working on my pre-entry courses to get into an RN program. I trying to decide wether to try an online class VS two evenings a week (6p - 8:55p). English 1 is what I will be taking, summer semester, 8 weeks.

The instructor required a phone chat with me before she would grant permission into her class. I am an A student, love deadlines and working under pressure, have a reliable pc/server/printer and good pc skills, am a self starter, and have a strong background in english, so she said if I want to do it online, I can. I decided I had better think about it a bit more to make sure. One thing that concerns me is that she said the online classes are 5 - 10 times harder than face 2 face. She also said that even tho she talks to potential students on the phone to make sure they know what they are getting into, she still has about half drop or fail. I do have 3 children, tho I have a very supportive husband and family, so I am not worried that I won't have time. My mind set is that failure is not an option.

I wanted to hear from others who have done online classes, please give me the low-down. :rotfl: . My original plan was/is to try the online classes while working on my pre-entry, then do the RN course at the college, then if it all worked out, do online classes toward a BSN. I look forward to hearing your experiences! Love, Jenn

Thank you very much! Yes, it did help. :) I think I am just going to go for it and give it a shot. Thanks! Love, Jenn

Sounds like she's being a drama queen. If it was indeed 5 to 10 times harder the students would revolt, and word of mouth would be not to take it.

I've done both. I've taken many many classes traditionally and several online. I've opted to go totally online for my RN to BSN.

In my opinion (and it's only an opinion) the online courses are no more hard, and no more easier than traditional. Sounds like you'll do fine, and with your hectic life, it will be nice to be able to schedule classwork around your life rather than the other way around.

I'm an online class veteran. I'm currently taking two classes online, and I'm thankful for that option. I don't have to take tests or have classes at specific times, but there are still deadlines that have to be followed. Also, I have to pretty much teach myself about the subjects, since the professors aren't "lecturing" you in class. If you're the kind of person who is self-disciplined and can work on your own, then online classes might work for you. I was very nervous about taking classes online, but I wasn't able to get the required classes at the times that I needed them, so I bravely took a shot at them, and I haven't regretted it. The only thing that I don't like is the timed tests, with the timer running down in the corner during the tests. That just makes me freak out. Also, I found online classes to be just as challenging as "regular" classes. Basically, I enjoy taking classes online, and I wish you the best with your studies. :)

I hate that timer also! I know it promotes my anxiety:) I keep a piece of masking tape on my computer and any time I take a test I put that piece of tape over the clock. It really does help not to have to stare at the clock counting down.

--Marci

I'm an online class veteran. I'm currently taking two classes online, and I'm thankful for that option. I don't have to take tests or have classes at specific times, but there are still deadlines that have to be followed. Also, I have to pretty much teach myself about the subjects, since the professors aren't "lecturing" you in class. If you're the kind of person who is self-disciplined and can work on your own, then online classes might work for you. I was very nervous about taking classes online, but I wasn't able to get the required classes at the times that I needed them, so I bravely took a shot at them, and I haven't regretted it. The only thing that I don't like is the timed tests, with the timer running down in the corner during the tests. That just makes me freak out. Also, I found online classes to be just as challenging as "regular" classes. Basically, I enjoy taking classes online, and I wish you the best with your studies. :)

I will have to watch out for the clock thing! :chuckle

I just called the instructor and told her I want in the online class. I figure absolute worst case scenario, I could always drop and take it later F2F. I am not planning to do the RN until fall of 06' and I only have a total of 4 pre-entry classes to do, so time is on my side. I am sure I will do great tho. Probably will end up liking it and doing all 4 pre-entry classes online! LOL :rotfl: I am so excited to get back to school! Thank you all for your feedback! I really really appreciate it! Love, Jenn

Does anyone know if it is possible to get your LPN online? Im moving and trying to stay in school and just graduated with my A.A so I have some prereqs. out of the way. please if anyone can help let me know. thanks