Online Courses vs. In Class Courses

Chaotic94 · Jun 29, 2012

Personally, I love online classes. I did a lot of my general ed classes that way. It all depends on your strengths. I aced all of my online classes as well as my campus classes. I didn't feel I was shortchanged whatsoever. The learning is what you make it. For my online Communications class, for example, I don't think I learned much but that's bc I didn't care to. All the tests were easy and the main project was a group presentation on campus - piece of cake. Psychology was much different. My professor had a lot of weekly assignments and quizzes and a huge reseach paper. I really applied myself and I felt I learned a lot. I was only able to take one semester of math online. When it came time for the harder subjects, I had to take it on campus bc I knew I wouldn't be successful in an online math course. Just know your limits - you will know what you classes you can get away with taking online and which ones you can't. Good luck :)

NyLALove · Jun 29, 2012

Thank you for you sharing your experience. This Fall semester I have Medical Terminology as an online course. Should be ok since it's mainly vocabulary (from what I've been told by a pre-nursing student). My Literature and Composition class is half online and half in class.

Another reason why I hesitate taking online courses (forgot to mention this before..), is that I tend to get interrupted a lot even though I'm clearly studying. :no:

Chaotic94 · Jun 29, 2012

Oh, you will be fine! I took Medical Terminology online as well. It's mostly a lot of memorization. Just make flashcards and have someone quiz you :) For me, the tests were on campus but they were still fairly easy. Obviously your experience will vastly depend on your professor, but don't stress yourself out over it. In my opinion, that's a good class to take online. As far as the interruptions go, maybe try going to the library or a book store. No one can interrupt you if they don't know where you are :lol2:

NyLALove · Jun 29, 2012

Ha ha ha.. yeah I'll have to go hide somewhere.

I've actually already started studying my med terms. Oh lord, I'm such a nerd.. I know.

LaceElaine · Jun 29, 2012

I'm not a fan... I took an online math class and a music class. I got a C in my online intermediate algebra class but got an A+ in my non-online College Algebra class. :/

With an already tough course load, I couldn't find the motivation to do the online work without physically attending a class. I'm not a procrastinator and I have a tough time with online classes. It's not that they're always overly difficult, it's just trying to make yourself do the work when you still have all semester. You start thinking "I can do this next week". Then that turns into next month and you find yourself cramming at the very end to finish an entire class during finals. Don't do what I did. As soon as you start, I suggest you hop into it at full speed. Get as much done as soon as possible before your other classes start picking up speed. I'm not trying to scare you. Bottom line: DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! Good luck! :)

Rox.G · Jun 29, 2012

Thank you for you sharing your experience. This Fall semester I have Medical Terminology as an online course. Should be ok since it's mainly vocabulary (from what I've been told by a pre-nursing student). My Literature and Composition class is half online and half in class.
Another reason why I hesitate taking online courses (forgot to mention this before..), is that I tend to get interrupted a lot even though I'm clearly studying.

I took both those classes in the same format that you're going to be taking them. I too am hesitant about online classes bc my kids interrupt me all the time, but those 2 classes are doable in that format.. I made a lot of flash cards for med terms, and it def helps you in a&p.. Good luck this fall!

missnurse01, MSN, RN · Jun 29, 2012

i have taken many many online classes (although no sciences) and never had trouble. But...you need to be very very motivated as the other poster said, esp if there are not weekly due dates for things, if it all is just due at the end of the term or you have one major test. Then it becomes very easy to get behind. But with having kids and working nights-I found plenty of time to complete them. At work, and when they went to bed. Going to the library is another awesome idea as the other poster said. Most hosp also have free wifi, so you could always go camp out with ear phones at the hosp cafeteria or their medical library!

good luck!

DogWmn · Jun 29, 2012

I LOOOOOOOOVE online courses, it allows me to either take my time with something I'm struggling on or breeze through something I'm not. I hate sitting in classes...boooarrring. Yes, you must be motivated, but I find I am, and I'm more determined to "get it", they let me have books out or open another window to clarify something or dive down into something I'm interested in.

They are not for everyone, but for me they are grrrreat:yelclap:

mzrainydayz, BSN, RN · Jun 29, 2012

Online classes are the best, it allows you to work full time, be at home more if you have kids. My school also have hybrid classes where you do half online and half at school. I am am taking a online dosage calc class, I only go to the schools testing center to take my test. My advice would be to get you a planner or calendar, and write down all your homework, test dates. What helped me the most was to stay a week ahead of my assignments, for ex when week three work was due I had already completed that and was on to week four assignments. I ended up getting sick one week and if I had not completed that week assignments I would have gotten a zero. Best of wishes with your online class.

lovedijah · Jun 29, 2012

I think it really just depends on what class you're taking.

I wouldn't take a class that you think will be difficult, online.

For instance, the only section open for A&P was online.. so I took it online. It is so much information and I think I would really benefit from getting a lecture from a professor. Also we have about 9 lengthy homework assignments for every chapter. If this was in person, the homework would probably be "optional" and again, I'd benefit from a lecture. My teacher is the book, but in person I'm sure a teacher would have clever ways to remember things. Honestly, some days I find myself wanting to go to sleep when I log online to do the class. August 8th can't get here soon enough.

But then again, I've taken some pretty "easy" courses online and did well. But again, I wouldn't take a hard course online.

dkmamato3 · Jun 29, 2012

I am taking 2 online pre-req classes this summer (nutrition and dev psych). These are my first online classes too. I like the format because it allows me to be home with the kids for the summer and not having to plan for childcare while I am physically in school.

I am a little nervous about it but determined to stay focused and do a good job.

Good luck!