online vs classroom

happy2learn · Aug 27, 2010

You'll still have clinical in person, so I would imagine you get the experience you need.

Whether online is good for you is a different question. Online class can be more difficult than in class. They can require more discipline.

While some like the convenience of online classes, I've found some to be more inconvenient since some professors felt the need to pile on work since you weren't meeting in person. Many of the online classes I had actually had about twice as much coursework vs the in person classes.

However, it is nice to not have to drive to class and be able to do tests in your pjs.

m_aidez · Aug 27, 2010

Whether online is good for you is a different question. Online class can be more difficult than in class. They can require more discipline.

I totally AGREE! I took an online course this summer and I found that I do not like it one bit. Yes, I did well but I had to work x2 more and harder to get the mark I wanted/needed. I don't know your learning style but if it's anything like mine then I suggest you don't take online courses. In order for me to learn about a certain topic, I have to do the readings first then attend class. Attending class is just another way for the material to be reiterated and for me, it helps me a lot. The big down side when it comes to online courses (at least for me) is that it's harder to ask questions regarding required readings... the prof/instructor can only answer so much. Also, it's hard to approach your prof/instructor regarding mark changes on assignments when it's online; you're basically e-mail-tagging, it's frustrating to say the least.

CNM 26.2 · Aug 27, 2010

I just finished online grad school-and it is harder than classroom-at least for me. I think it really depends on your learning style. In a traditional classroom you can read the material then have it reinforced in the lecture-with online learning you miss the lecture portion so sometimes it takes reading things a few times or asking a lot of questions of your professors or other students. HOWEVER, the convenience of being able to do classes on your time is nice too. I would suggest to check into the online program you are considering and see what kind of support they offer. Some of the classes I took the professors recorded podcast lectures and that was very helpful-if this is offered it helps a lot!

happy2learn · Aug 27, 2010

Yes, I did best in the online classes where the instructor would not only post lecture notes, but they would post powerpoints and those would have notes as well.

Without that kind of help (and it seemed many instructors didn't offer this much help) it was pretty much teaching yourself from the textbook.

Also, I've heard many people say they didn't feel they learned much because when you test, it's open book/notes. Obviously that's not the case if they make you take tests in person at an approved facility (which some places do.)

If you are disciplined, work hard, can motivate yourself, and can pretty much teach yourself, then it's a good option. But if you feel you need more assistance than a textbook and a few notes, then it would probably be a good idea to go on campus.

Maybe you can do both? Take some classes on campus and some online? That's what I'm doing.

DogWmn · Aug 28, 2010

Interesting, I'm an old F..t and I LOVE online courses, I can work through materials at my own pace - I'm a very fast reader and I can sit in my jammies with my dog at my feet. I thought the youngsters who are more electronic savvy would be all for online learning. I get bored sitting in class, with online I can breeze through topics and stop when I need more info and not be waiting on someone else.

Ldales · Aug 28, 2010

I have done both online and in class eduation. If there are scheduled times when you are to be online or due dates I think an online would have been acceptable for me. But I think it's 80% of the population that learns auditory. There are quizes online you can take that will give you your learning style. Think back as well to how you learnt best prior. Nursing isn't something you want to just get by on, you need to comprehend the material or you will have issues later.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Aug 28, 2010

Interesting, I'm an old F..t and I LOVE online courses, I can work through materials at my own pace - I'm a very fast reader and I can sit in my jammies with my dog at my feet. I thought the youngsters who are more electronic savvy would be all for online learning. I get bored sitting in class, with online I can breeze through topics and stop when I need more info and not be waiting on someone else.

I was about to quote this and then saw it was you! HA!

I hate classroom except for math and science, for which I need a human to guide me. The rest of it I ADORE online. But I can't sit still, get bored in lectures, take terrible notes, and don't learn well that way.

I did the LPN-RM via Excelsior and will have a BSN in December via Chamberlain.

m_aidez · Aug 28, 2010

I guess its whatever floats your boat. There's different types of online classes. My friend takes an online class that do not need online participation. The course just gives you a deadline when everything has to be due. The class I took, on the other hand, has online participation plus very strict deadlines on tests and assignments. I find that maybe the reason why I do not like online is because I participate a lot in in-class discussions. I like human interaction and talking. Maybe I'm old school, but I like face to face customer service. I don't like talking over the phone or doing things over the internet. Anyway, another down side, make sure your internet connection is working well. You wouldn't want to be taking a test that weighs 40% of your mark and then your internet connection screws up while taking it. Maybe you can take an online course that's not a nursing course but it counts as an elective of some sort.

LPWalker · Aug 28, 2010

Thank you so much for all your comments!

I guess GE courses are ok online exept Science and Math... Nursing program not sure yet. I just want to go which ever way will make me a confedent nurse, I know your always learning but I want to make sure I have a strong base. not sure if out in the real world of nursing if hospitals or staff look down on someone taking a online nursing course.

DogWmn · Aug 28, 2010

I was about to quote this and then saw it was you! HA!
I hate classroom except for math and science, for which I need a human to guide me. The rest of it I ADORE online. But I can't sit still, get bored in lectures, take terrible notes, and don't learn well that way.
I did the LPN-RM via Excelsior and will have a BSN in December via Chamberlain.

Yup it's me :jester: Hahahaha. Ummm btw Sue, I think you meant LPN-RN???? :lol2: Advanced congrats on your BSN.

I've found where you can take Chem and Micro online and they ship you your Lab stuff and you do it in your kitchen sink...sounds good to me:up:

Like Sue, even though I'm oldern' dirt I prefer online, I do much better, I take all my CE's online and love it, I've done a Web Design Cert online...No more listening to boring instructors drone on and on and on in a monotone voice to put you to sleep.

Decades ago I was enrolled in a BSN program (never made it) but I remember having to take an art history class at 8am while working 3-11 and this guy's lectures were so bad I'd fall asleep everytime and I was interested in the course but I just couldn't stand sitting in class. Ultimately, I couldn't do it, I had to work full time, drive over an hour one way to get to class and it just wouldn't work, when I had to take classes that went over or were only offered in the afternoon, I dropped out. For me the only way I could do any additional schooling would be online unless it was a one time weekend thing.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Aug 28, 2010

not sure if out in the real world of nursing if hospitals or staff look down on someone taking a online nursing course.

They don't.

:)