Online classes...do they really work?

Question

I'm interested in doing online classes with PennFoster. Has anyone ever took online classes? How was it? Or how is it? Is it all a scam or is it for real? Just wondering before I spend $960/ a semester...thanks!

Answer 1

I've taken 2 online classes. One was great and the other I wish I had class room instruction.

I'd suggest taking online classes if you know you'll be disciplined enough in making sure all of your assignments are done. Online classes, IMO, can make you lazy because it's easier for you to put off your work.

Depending on how your classes are set up you'll meet only on test days and you'll meet the first day of class. I graduated 7 years ago, so things may have changed.

You will and can forge a study group. So if you take an online class...make nice with some of your classmates. All interaction with your instructor will be via email and/or blogs. The instructor will give you a web address where all needed materials for the course you're taken can be found. Some intructors even require that you read/respond to different articles just to make sure you're understanding the course. Now, if you're looking for something more structured...take the class in person.

And to answer your other questions...online classes are not a scam...they are real. I truly believe they are designed for those individuals who lead busy lives.

With all of that said...choose wisely and good luck to you,

J

Answer 2

At $960 a semester that is a bargain! Go for it! I have taken online courses for the past 3.5 years. My MBA @ University of Phoenix and my PhD @ NorthCentral University were/are being done via online class.

How are online classes/how is it?

From my experience:

1. Online courses do not have a set "time." You do the work within the predefined time of completion (@ your own pace.)

2. Online courses require a certain number of days that you participate in forums with other students.

3. At some schools there is team projects. Ask the adviser if your school requires this & how are your teammates held accountable. (You do not want to find yourself doing an assignment with 2 people that was made for 5 people). Accountability is very important

4. Weekly individual assignments. Assignments are usually in essay form where you apply what you learn. It is not plug and chug, memorize and regergitate like regular school. You must think outside the box

Online courses are hard because you don't have to be anywhere and there is no professor only a facilitator that you ask questions. But, you get your facilitator phone number and email rather than "office hours."


You have to be dedicated, motivated, and disciplined to get through online courses. It is a different way of learning. It's an awesome way of learning. As an example, you will learn concepts which means that there will be a direct connection between the concept and how it applies to real world situations. Not memorize and then you forget it because you can't apply it. Online is like breathing, you don't know how you know what you know but you know it!

My MBA took 2yrs & 1mo. I am 1 year into my PhD. I want to complete it in 3 years, we will see. It took me almost 9 years to complete my bachelors degree due to fixed "times" courses were offered. Online is the way to go!!!

Answer 3

it depends. Online classes can be harder than regular class. I don't recommend taking any math class online. I took a couple english classes online and didn't have that much trouble. And being in an online class, its easy to get tempted to procrastination cause your on the computer.