Online classes

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Oct 22, 2006

My experience with online classes is that the profs. pile on more work than they do in regular classes, kind of as a way of making up for the fact that you don't go to a class.

I couldnt imagine taking 4 of those at once AND working FT and a family. But that's just me.

Jilaweez, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 22, 2006

I am not a huge fan of online classes either. I have found that the professors pile on the work. I was expected to turn in assignments on any given day of the week..which wouldn't happen if I was only in a classroom once or twice a week. I have taken many of them for convenience and they are doable but it was harder for me. I have only earned four B's in college and three of them were online courses. I bet there are people that have been able to do it and have gotten all A's though, maybe you'll be one of them.

Good luck!

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Oct 22, 2006

And another beauty of online classes is that work can be assigned at anytime, so the prof. might spring an assignment on the class that has to be done in 1-2 days.

rainy scarlett · Oct 22, 2006

i would start with 1 or 2 classes to see how it goes. if the courses prove to be more work than you anticipate you may end up with your gpa going down instead of up.

best of luck to you!!

Butterfly3001 · Oct 22, 2006

You all had the same idea that I was thought about online classes. It's a lot of work for online classes maybe I'll just stick with two, or cut back my hours at work. :uhoh3:

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Oct 22, 2006

I would try two and see how it is. Just pay attention to the school's deadline, and if they become too much work, drop one before the deadline, so you won't suffer a grade penalty

lisabeth · Oct 22, 2006

Now I know I dont want to take any online classes. :no:

IaCountryGirl · Oct 22, 2006

Before you get too discouraged, just think about it. It varies by class, by instructor and by college. I take 5 online class - 3 three credit hour classes and 2 one credit hour classes. The three credit hour classes for homework average about 1 assignment per month so a total of 3 assignments a month. One of my 1 credit hour classes has an assignment per week (it's what the instructor suggests, but one can get several done in an evening). I take a science class online and his assignments consist of watching a movie then giving a summary or reading links he provides and answering questions.

My experiance has been nothing but positive. I have a 6 year old, a two year old, I am home during the day (but have appointments, housework, tend to my 2 year old) while the oldest is in school but then I work 6 pm to whenever I get done...usually around 11, sometimes midnight. Then I'm back up at 7:30. While it doesn't work for everyone, it is possible.

The best part about online classes is I can get really far ahead then take a short break if need be. But the biggest thing is you can not proscrastinate.

Butterfly3001 · Oct 22, 2006

Before you get too discouraged, just think about it. It varies by class, by instructor and by college. I take 5 online class - 3 three credit hour classes and 2 one credit hour classes. The three credit hour classes for homework average about 1 assignment per month so a total of 3 assignments a month. One of my 1 credit hour classes has an assignment per week (it's what the instructor suggests, but one can get several done in an evening). I take a science class online and his assignments consist of watching a movie then giving a summary or reading links he provides and answering questions.
My experiance has been nothing but positive. I have a 6 year old, a two year old, I am home during the day (but have appointments, housework, tend to my 2 year old) while the oldest is in school but then I work 6 pm to whenever I get done...usually around 11, sometimes midnight. Then I'm back up at 7:30. While it doesn't work for everyone, it is possible.
The best part about online classes is I can get really far ahead then take a short break if need be. But the biggest thing is you can not proscrastinate.

You're an inspiration, let me say that first and me knowing my self I should probably just take two. I am the biggest procrastinator but I don't know just yet. Thanks for replying

Dreamer-RN · Oct 22, 2006

Majority of my pre-reqs were online (39 out of 42 credits). Some were hybrids (lecture online and few labs during evening or weekend). The online courses were a saving grace for me. I work full-time and my work schedule can be very unpredictable, depending on my client projects (may work a 40 hour week or may work 60 hours or more).

I started my pre-reqs in Fall 2005 and have pursued a full-time schedule for each semester in addition to working full-time. During the period of Fall 2005 through Spring 2006, I was in a long distance relationship, planning a wedding, planning a relocation (out-of-state), preparing my home for sale, etc. I had a full plate. I was able to manage this and pull a high GPA. The keys that helped me get through all of this is being disciplined, time management and prioritizing the various things I had going on in my life (including now). My husband, family, and friends think I am crazy with my schedule. However, they are amazed with how I am able to pull it all off.

It is true instructors usually give a lot more work for online classes vs. traditional classroom. I felt I have learned a lot from my courses, even more so than from traditional classroom because I am forced to learn the materials on my own.

Taking on a full load is doable. If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything. Your success in these courses depends on your comfort level with online classes, your motivation, and managing your time well.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 22, 2006

OP: You sound like you have my former job! My boss was OK with me going to school, but I *had* to attend mandatory meetings that were a waste of time and she was not willing to budge on my work schedule except to give me part-time hours that were not the same every week. This would have interfered with my class schedule and day care arrangements. So, to her surprise I submitted my letter of resignation and I found another job.

Anyway, if it was not for online courses offered this semester (I am taking 3), I would not have as much money saved right now to cover future Day Care expenses (mainly for my 12 hour clinical days). However, I agree with the others that there appears to be a lot more work in some online courses then people receive offline.

Some offline courses I have taken were the exception to this rule (A&P I and A&P II), but many others were not. Most my offline professors dropped an objective or changed a lecture or exam date due to whining students or his/her mood that day. Whereas online courses stick to their objectives and due dates, which is why I like online courses. :twocents:

I suggest if you have NEVER taken an online course before and the subject is relatively difficult because they are time consuming (Biology, Math, Chem), you may just want to take one course. If you are taking a subject that is easy to learn for the average person (History, English, etc), then I encourage taking two.

Being successful in online courses is about time management, as others have posted. It is also about your ability to teach yourself materials and be able to apply it using the methods presented to you (essays, exams, projects, calculations etc.). I am up on 4 hours of sleep because of my Nutrition class and this is not an exam or quiz week. I also do not do anything at the last minute.