I don't want online courses!

[Pin Wizard]

Today was the first day of the semester we met for Algebra. We were informed that the college is considering a new textbook for next year, and we are the ones testing it this semester! We're being STRONGLY encouraged to do as much of the work online as possible. I intentionally stay away from online courses. I want a REAL teacher in a REAL classroom. I checked to see if there's an opening for a class using the current textbook, but according to the website, all the classes are filled. I guess I'm stuck here. But I'll keep trying to get in a different class through Friday since that's the last day to drop a class. Hopefully, a spot will open up. Not a happy camper.

 

[olena]

I agree. I prefer real teachers. Hope you get a spot.

 

[Ricola]

I am not sure how taking a class which requires "work" to be submitted makes it any less of a "real" class; do you not still have lecture sessions with a teacher and all of that?

 

[Pin Wizard]

Originally posted by Ricola
do you not still have lecture sessions with a teacher and all of that?

The instructor says it's up to us if we want to come to class or not, but we should show up occasionally just to check in. He said the only thing we really need to "be there" for is the final! After class I let him know that I'll be in class. I'm paying them to be taught by an instructor, not to figure things out on a computer. Back in my years of high school, Algebra WAS NOT required. Last semester was the first I had it since any really basic stuff in 7th or 8th grade. And all the assignments, quizzes, and tests are on the internet. We complete them and the instructor automatically gets our grades online! He doesn't even physically see our answers.

 

[browneyes]

I took 1 online course and I LOVED it. It was Humanities though. If I took it in class, I would've snoozed straight through. They play documentary movies EVERY day-85% of movies of any kind puts me to sleep. Online, I had to do more reading. The only movie I had to watch was Hamlet. I had the option of watching the Kenneth Branaugh or the Mel Gibson one. I chose Mel. I didn't fall asleep.

I would NOT take algebra online. It's toooooooooooooo hard. Thank goodness I'm done with algebra (I got an A in the class too ).

Good luck Sandy!

 

[dmslush]

I am finishing up my degree online. Honestly, except for not being in the classroom, it is pretty much the same. A instructor, assistant, 20-30 of us students. We post on boards similar to this, do group projects, take exams, etc.. It took a while to get used to, but now I really enjoy it.


BUT, there is no way I would be successful at an algebra class online, nope couldn't do it!

 

[#1 Disney Fan]

I think I would like to try an online course as opposed to having "real lectures" for all of my classes, but I can see why you're personally opposed to it for algebra. Have you gone to talk to the department directly to see if it's at all possible to get them to bump up the max enrollment limit of one of the real classes by one student to let you in even though it's full? It's going to depend on your school's policies, and the specific department, and a lot of the time they won't budge, but I have also seen it done many times as well, so it might be worth a try, especially if you conveyed your worries to them.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Originally posted by browneyes
I took 1 online course and I LOVED it. It was Humanities though. If I took it in class, I would've snoozed straight through. They play documentary movies EVERY day-85% of movies of any kind puts me to sleep. Online, I had to do more reading. The only movie I had to watch was Hamlet. I had the option of watching the Kenneth Branaugh or the Mel Gibson one. I chose Mel. I didn't fall asleep.

I would NOT take algebra online. It's toooooooooooooo hard. Thank goodness I'm done with algebra (I got an A in the class too ).

Good luck Sandy!

Thanks, Shannon! I've got a couple snoozers this semester...U.S. History and Music Appreciation. Algebra and Bio Lab will keep me awake. I would choose the Mel Gibson version also. Congratulations on the "A"! In intro Algebra last semester I pulled a B. I was happy with that. Math was never my thing as a kid. We'll see how this goes. I'm told this class is where we learn a bunch of formulas. Frightening! LOL!

 

[Pin Wizard]

Originally posted by #1 Disney Fan
Have you gone to talk to the department directly to see if it's at all possible to get them to bump up the max enrollment limit of one of the real classes by one student to let you in even though it's full? It's going to depend on your school's policies, and the specific department, and a lot of the time they won't budge, but I have also seen it done many times as well, so it might be worth a try, especially if you conveyed your worries to them.

I'll keep that in mind. I thought I'd try directly through the instructor first. If that doesn't work, I'll try a different route. Thanks!