3.05.2012

school update

So, I have already started an online class.  It is just the 1 credit little intro class that every online student needs to take before anything else.  The trouble is, it takes quite a lot of time and it's really not necessary in my case.  Its purpose seems to be three-fold:

1. Introduce students to "the Spirit of BYU-Idaho" and the foundations upon which it was built.  I attended classes there for two years, lived by the honor code, went to every devotional, and really did come to appreciate the unique atmosphere and purpose.

2. Prepare students for online learning, BYU-Idaho style.  The program they use is not hard to figure out.  It's actually really easy.  And I get that in this school there will be a lot more "interaction" between the students via discussion groups and that classes are structured in a way to keep everyone progressing at the same pace.  I know how to email questions, keep up with assignments, buy books, etc.

3. Help students prepare a "graduation plan" and revise that plan several times.  My plan is simple:  2 classes.  5 credits.  1 Summer.  I'm not sure how to revise that six times. 

I wrote to my advisor, trying to plead out of it.  I'll take it if I have to, but it really is just a lot of busy work for me.  However, I AM very excited to be on my way, even if it has to start like this. 

Sorry to continue whining, but I also don't love their online learning model for their classes.  I would rather go at my own pace. They only allow you to see one section each week, and it's due within that week.  I would rather get a lot done when I have time, and not worry about it during the week we'll be on vacation.  Also, I would rather not have to interact with other students.  In this class, it feels really forced.  We read something, write our thoughts on it, then have to respond to other people's thoughts, then respond to the responses left on our thoughts...If feels a little like:

me: I really liked how it said "......"
response: I like how you pointed out how it said "....."
me: yes, I liked that part...

I'm grateful for the opportunity to finish, I just wish I could do it quickly and quietly. =)

5 comments:

  1. Amen on the online layout! I am with you...that should be changed. One size does not fit all.

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    1. Yes, it is strange to me. We are supposed to be learning from eachother, but it seems better in concept than it is in practice...

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  2. I laughed about the stupid comment stuff. It's pretty funny you have to take time to write dumb stuff that means nothing to anybody. But good for you for doing it!

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    1. Its funny to see what people come up with to say. At least we're all in it together.

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  3. So exciting that you started classes again! As one who just went through a masters program online, I will say that when you are in it, it sucks, and you wonder if it's worth it. But then when it's done, and you realize that you were able to continue your education, be an example to your children, and do it all while taking care of the kids and house, you will feel amazingly proud of yourself. I try to act like it wasn't a huge deal, and that it wasn't that difficult, but honestly, it was HARD. Telling the kids that I needed time for homework wasn't fun- I'd much rather be playing with them of course. I worried that I was using their childhood for my education, and I hated that I wasn't able to do a ton of fun stuff on the weekends. But I saw the value in it, and the timing was great with the kids- they were old enough to play on their own, but young enough that they weren't getting into trouble doing it. :)

    About the online format, some classes are different depending on the instructor. I even had one instructor that would email me the future assignments early because she knew that I had to work on them when I had time because I had young kids, and this wasn't even at a church school where I'm sure it's more common. Hopefully you can find something that works for you. My method was to check the assignments on Monday, work in the evenings as much as I could, and then finish them up on the weekends when Rick could be home to be with the kids.

    Anyway, I'm sure you don't need extra advice. :) From one mom to another- Just keep at it and you'll be glad you did it now instead of later. Good luck with everything!

    P.S. I really struggled in the middle about how to manage everything- this article was super helpful. :) http://www.lds.org/ensign/2002/10/education-for-real-life

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what do you think?