After many weeks of not doing a blog, I realized that I kind of miss it. So, I thought I'd type one out this morning as I have a pause in homework, house chores, and other stuff demanding my attention. I am half way through this semester and am taking two classes, Math 105 and Psy 201. I want to talk about my psy class as that is an online class. I've never taken an online class before, and I'm finding it more frustrating than a traditional class. I feel disconnected to my classmates, teacher, and the material. I understand that I'm teaching myself basically, and I guess that could be said for most classes, but it still feels wrong somehow to pay tuition and teach myself. And, why is the online class more expensive than a traditional class? It is extra per credit and an administration fee is also paid on top of that. There's no real explanation why this is so, and without a teacher in front of me lecturing a class room, I'm not sure WHY it costs more. I get the feeling that the printed material is the same from semester to semester, so class prep time is really cut down once the initial work is done. I also found out there are three professors who are part of the online psy classes, so I'm not really sure who is teaching and answering questions.
It is convenient though. There is a schedule we have to keep within the week with deadlines, but when we do our homework is up to us. We usually have to read our textbooks and class notes on the weekend, do an assignment some time through the week, take a quiz by Friday, and start all over the next weekend. There are two exams throughout the semester that are proctored and a final exam that is proctored at the end of the semester. But, if I need to take my quiz at midnight, I can. Or post my homework before I go to work in the morning, I can. I guess what it boils down to for me, is whether or not the extra money is worth being able to post my homework at 5am? It's also convenient if someone has constraints on attending class. If you have child care issues or work schedule issues for example, this might be the only way you can get your degree. I just don't think they are for me. There will be classes I have or want to take in the future that are only offered online, and I also think it is the way Universities will offer most classes in the future, so I better get used to the idea and practice.
I just never thought I would like a math class better than something else.
I saw my Eng 102 professor in the school parking lot the other day and he asked me if I was able to do any writing. I answered a little essay work with my psy class, but otherwise, no. It was then I realized that I do miss writing and my blog came to mind. He was the one that got me (and the class) started on blogging as part of a requirement for class. It is a good outlet to try and keep up writing skills and to hone turning random thoughts into (hopefully) something intelligent to say.
I guess I'll be back to write some more stuff here and there, when time and chores permit. I'm not sure if anyone will read this, but that's ok. It isn't much different with my online class and I don't get graded here.
See ya....
