I have been taking online classes from PCC for years now. When I started they were using a local dial-up BBS type service, now they are internet delivered. The beauty of online courses is that you don't have to go to class - You learn the material, take your quizzes & tests, & you get your grade. I have never been one to require large amounts of instruction, so these work very well for me. I check the site a couple times a week, get the assignments, & then come back when it's quiz/test time.
This term I'm taking an economics course from a teacher I had previously (microeconomics previously, now macro). So far I'm doing well, all of 1 week into the class. 100% on everything thus far, following my usual methodology. However, he just posted this:
Hi folks,
You will remember from your orientation that I expect
you to access the site at least once a day during the
week (Monday through Friday inclusive). Most of you are
taking this requirement seriously and I appreciate it; a
few others are not. As from Monday, I will begin to
deny access to those who do not fulfill this commitment.
I thought I'd better tell you my intentions; I don't
want anyone to have an unpleasant surprise.
*** ****
His syllabus "requirement" is worded as:
Discipline and organization. Web based courses allow you to determine when you work, but work you must. Depending on your ability, you need to allocate between 6 and 9 hours a week to the course. To fit this into your schedule requires discipline and organization.
Clear and frequent communication. You have the right to expect clear instructions from me and a prompt response to any communication. I check for messages frequently during weekdays, but rarely or not at all at weekends; I think you'll find that I respond promptly to messages. I expect you check the site once a day -- it only takes a few minutes -- and to contact me if you have difficulties.
Hard work. A web based course is not an easy option. You are forced to wrestle with the material on your own, and when you ask questions via email the process can be very time consuming. Web based course require hard work and dedication from all of us.
Being faithful to these suggestions won't guarantee an A, but should ensure that you get as much out of this course as you are capable; this is my understanding of "success".
To me this defeats the purpose of online courses. No longer are you allowed to work at your own pace & do what works for you, he's requiring that everyone visit every day. He does not require participation or discussion, so I really have no clue what the purpose of visiting is.
Is there any way I can publicly address my thoughts on this (in the equivalent of a forum) without coming across like a whiny little bitch? I take courses like this because it fits my schedule, & I work well under the requirements that every other online class has required - Including this teacher previously. Heck, the course catalog description of the online courses specifically say no fixed schedule.
If it really comes down to it I can schedule an event on my system to browse around for me once a day at a somewhat random time, but I'd rather present myself reasonably & have him drop the requirement. This is college, not gradeschool.
Should I keep my mouth shut, or should I say something?
Viper GTS
This term I'm taking an economics course from a teacher I had previously (microeconomics previously, now macro). So far I'm doing well, all of 1 week into the class. 100% on everything thus far, following my usual methodology. However, he just posted this:
Hi folks,
You will remember from your orientation that I expect
you to access the site at least once a day during the
week (Monday through Friday inclusive). Most of you are
taking this requirement seriously and I appreciate it; a
few others are not. As from Monday, I will begin to
deny access to those who do not fulfill this commitment.
I thought I'd better tell you my intentions; I don't
want anyone to have an unpleasant surprise.
*** ****
His syllabus "requirement" is worded as:
Discipline and organization. Web based courses allow you to determine when you work, but work you must. Depending on your ability, you need to allocate between 6 and 9 hours a week to the course. To fit this into your schedule requires discipline and organization.
Clear and frequent communication. You have the right to expect clear instructions from me and a prompt response to any communication. I check for messages frequently during weekdays, but rarely or not at all at weekends; I think you'll find that I respond promptly to messages. I expect you check the site once a day -- it only takes a few minutes -- and to contact me if you have difficulties.
Hard work. A web based course is not an easy option. You are forced to wrestle with the material on your own, and when you ask questions via email the process can be very time consuming. Web based course require hard work and dedication from all of us.
Being faithful to these suggestions won't guarantee an A, but should ensure that you get as much out of this course as you are capable; this is my understanding of "success".
To me this defeats the purpose of online courses. No longer are you allowed to work at your own pace & do what works for you, he's requiring that everyone visit every day. He does not require participation or discussion, so I really have no clue what the purpose of visiting is.
Is there any way I can publicly address my thoughts on this (in the equivalent of a forum) without coming across like a whiny little bitch? I take courses like this because it fits my schedule, & I work well under the requirements that every other online class has required - Including this teacher previously. Heck, the course catalog description of the online courses specifically say no fixed schedule.
If it really comes down to it I can schedule an event on my system to browse around for me once a day at a somewhat random time, but I'd rather present myself reasonably & have him drop the requirement. This is college, not gradeschool.
Should I keep my mouth shut, or should I say something?
Viper GTS
Actually, back when I was working at the college, they were considering several online course systems. I spent a week with WebCT building sample classes & then presented to the IT people what I thought was good/bad, etc. about it.
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