online classes

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2008

Most colleges and universities offer online courses themselves (you'd be hard pressed to find a major university that doesn't offer online courses) and certainly accept them as transfers from other accredited schools.

It might be tough to get your lab credits online though.

Go for it.

elkpark · Mar 29, 2008

There are lots of opportunities out there these days, but, before you pay money to register for a class, make sure that the school you want to transfer the distance learning courses into will accept those specific courses from the specific provider.

Also, as Tweety noted, many colleges/universities require the science courses like biology and chemistry include a lab component, which may be very hard to find in an on-line course.

gemberly · Mar 29, 2008

I have taken algebra online, and I think that it was more challenging than a class I take in person. We had to make up story problems and it really helped reinforce the material. Particularly making it so we could understand what we use this stuff for all the time. There was a lot more participation on my part online, than if I were taking a physical class.

I know I am showing my age....but are online courses
actually an acceptable way to take courses?
I need to take algebra, biology and chemistry. I could
do all that online??? What a reputable online school for these types of subjects?

dee78 · Mar 29, 2008

I will be taking A&P1 and Probablity and Statistics online this summer. My understanding is that it is only online. Tennessee has a program that offers an insane number of classes online through the community colleges, state universities, and technology centers. I will be using that program to get my CNA and ADN. I will obviously have clinicals and labs to attend for these programs but everything else will be online.

I will know for sure on Friday but I believe the A&P class will be completely online. The lab is done using interactive software. I may find out something different but that's what is said on the website.

The math class requires participation on a message board. Asking and answering questions, like on here. It is part of the grade. The teacher also hosts live chats throughout the semester for help. The school also has tutoring services if you need face to face help.

rtb611 · Mar 29, 2008

I am 47 years old and have found online classes a very convenient way to take my pre-reqs. I have completed both semesters of A&P and am currently taking Micro and Human Development online from a nearby community college. The laboratory components have to be done on campus, but they offer them at night, so I am still able to work a full-time job during the day. If your preferred learning style is by reading, online classes are a perfect fit. You can always e-mail the professor with questions, but in my experience, you just read the book and take the tests. Some classes have included assignments, such as research papers or participation in group discussions. The flexibility of scheduling offered by online classes is of real value to those of us whose work and/or family control much of our time. Even if you take traditional classes, you have to ensure the nursing schools you are applying to accept credits from the school where you take the pre-reqs, of course. And check the hardware/software/connectivity requirements to ensure that your computer is up to the task. Good luck!

AZMOMO2 · Mar 30, 2008

So far I have taken my pre and co req's online and a few in person. (CNA and now ENG102) The in person were MUCH easier, the online are a lot harder. I think because of all the reading. But they do offer so much more supplamental materials to help you learn. Since you are really doing a lot of self teaching.

MaineEMT2RN · Mar 30, 2008

I think online classes are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Online courses have given me the opportunity to finish my pre-req's and keep full time job until it's time to start clinicals in September. I have done most of my courses on campus, but have done English Lit, Developmental Psych and A&P II online.

Online isn't easier. It requires significant personal discipline and commitment. As a matter of fact, A&P II online is a beast of a class. I would never recommend an online advanced science course - I find in person with an instructor works much better for me for things like this, but that could just be me. However, I did OK with a 92 average. My Lit and Developmental Psych courses required a ton of reading and then writing in Blackboard about the weeks reading. The online courses took as much, if not more, of my time than classes on campus. They were very writing heavy. Again, my final grade was consistent with the rest of my grades, which I think is another indication that online courses aren't "cheating".

I would underscore what the previous posters mentioned about accessing online courses through your community college or nearby universities. Where ever you plan on doing your nursing program would be ideal, because their courses are designed to meet their program requirements and you'll have no transfer worries.