Stats courses

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Nov 26, 2008

I thought about doing statistics online because they only offer two sections at my school and they are both at sucky times. I decided not to because in my experience, online classes are a lot of self teaching and there is really no replacement for hearing the teacher explain things in a lecture. My nutrition class was online, and the teacher posted power points that were our "lectures," but they didn't really add anything to my understanding of the material.

Since you haven't taken math in a while, I would definitely advise against it. I'm taking algebra this semester, and I will read something in the book that makes absolutely no sense until the professor walks us through an example problem online.

mama_d, BSN, RN · Nov 26, 2008

Personally, I'd be leary of doing an on-line math course. I've never been one who can learn math just by following the book. Are there resources available to you if you find you start to do poorly or need extra help? My college has a tutoring center that is staffed when the library is open (something like 7am-10pm) where you can sign up for extra help. I'd also be concerned about being able to find the time to dedicate to learning math on my own with a toddler in the house.

I totally understand, my littlest one just turned two. I've done just about every on-line class there is, just to get credit hours without leaving the house.

tinybabynurse · Nov 26, 2008

I am finishing up an online Stats class right now...I'll take the final on Monday. I too was very concerned about doing a math course online and it had been over 15 years since I took math. I need to score 10% on the final to keep an A, so it has gone very well for me. My advice would be to go ahead and do it if:

1. you are good at math in general...even if it's been awhile, it will come back.

2. you scored high on Accuplacer...if not, it could be a rough ride.

3. you are self-motivated and good at time-management...it's a bad idea to try to cram a unit in a day or two before the deadline for a test...especially if you end up not understanding parts of it.

I know that there are quite a few people in my online class that are regretting taking it online, so it could go either way you just need to know yourself and what you're capable of...I say if you have done very well in math in the past to go for it. I found Stats to be easier than other math in a lot of ways.

Good luck!

Mossback · Nov 27, 2008

I'd recommend that you be cautious about taking an online statistics course. Stats is considerably different from other math courses, so even if you have a facility for math, I think you'd be better served by a conventional class.

I'm currently enrolled in a conventional stats class that is running in parallel with an online class. Despite having the same professoor, same lectures (the online students can access videos of the lectures), same instructional materials, same assignments, and same tests, the online students are doing substantially worse than the students in the conventional class.

I'm a big believer in online education, but I don't think it lends itself well to math or science. The complexities of those subjects seem better suited to a conventional classroom format.

Of course, your mileage may vary...

itsinthegenes · Nov 28, 2008

Thank you for all the advice, and based on my own concerns also, I think I will do a classroom stats course! Been figuring out my timetable today and it should work out. I will be doing A&P2 Monday and Wednesday 9-12, then Stats is 6-7.50 the same evenings. As I have to have 12 credits, and only have 11 of pre-reqs left, I have decided to do a 1 credit walking class (how random!!!) and that falls from 1-2pm the same days. So hour for lunch, an hour of walking, then I have 4 hours until my evening class in stats, where I can do my work for Lifespan development online!!! That way, hopefully I can get most of my work done in college on Mondays and Wednesdays and have the weekends, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at home with the wee man!

Thank you all once again!

CAguyinMO · Nov 29, 2008

I know it's a bit late to jump in here, but I just wanted to tell you that I think you absolutely made the right decision. I'm currently finishing up a 3-hour stats class here. I'm pulling an A in the class, but I don't think there's any way I could have accomplished that if I'd taken the class online. Statistics is very unique academically, and I cannot imagine trying to read a textbook and figure it out myself. My professor's terrific and does a great job of explaining the concepts and formulas. But the only way I can benefit from his expertise is, for all practical purposes, in the classroom. Good luck to you!