Saturday, August 31, 2024

New Experiences

Going back to school after 23 years did not seem daunting at first glance, but many things have changed since I last had a college course. I chose several online classes to avoid conflicts with work. I was told by many people it was much easier. I had never taken an online class. My experience over the last week is that online classes are much more work. You have to be very diligent in keeping track of course work, assignments and quizzes. The time that must be allocated is more than I anticipated.

I chose a class for IS101-3004 convening at the college, because I wanted to have hands on experience with an instructor present for the type of material being presented. The material being covered is going to be of particular use to me in my current employment. It has been a good experience for me as a student at CSN.

24 comments:

  1. Glad to hear your first week at College of Southern has been a good experience, Michael :-)

    You may have been away from academia for over two decades but your assessment on the time and focus requirements for online courses is spot on!

    Welcome to IS101-3004 (in-person course), Fall 2024 ^_^

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  2. Hi Michael, it is true taking online course can be more challenging because you have to be on top of things twice as hard. Because you don't have the instructor in front of you constantly talking about things that are about to be due. For me, I did find it convenient to take multiple classes plus an online course. So as you're here taking your in-person classes, you can also take a trip to the writing center or other tutoring services that are available.

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  3. Hi Michael,
    I have the first hand experience of learning that online classes were unfortunately not made for me. The sound of them at first sounds very intriguing and very much like a walk in the park but once you delve into the course you start to become overwhelmed. I made the mistake of taking four courses last semester all online which ended up proving to be very fatal to me as I did not pass a single one. This is why I've chosen to stick to mostly in person in hopes that I will be more dedicated into completing the work.

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  4. Hi Michael! I also find online classes challenging, so I always set a goal each day. I calculated how many sections do I need to study before the exam and divided them into my class schedule. I actually prefer in-person classes because I am more productive when I am in school.

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  5. Hi Michael, I did not attend college right after High School either. I started back 10 years after actually. When I first started again, I bombed every class I was enrolled in because I did not know how to manage the course load on my own. I will say what helped me was pen & paper... I am a checklist queen. Gamifying tasks makes it easier to manage my workload between classes, work, and personal matters. I hope you find the thing that works for you! Best Wishes!

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  6. Hi Michael! Congrats on returning back to school! Online classes have been a struggle for me too as I find I learn better in an in-person setting. Wishing you the best this semester!

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  7. Hello Michael!
    I also prefer in-person classes, I feel like I learn so much better, and I'm much more productive. I'm not against taking online classes, but there is a difference between both so it's important to know your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to school.

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  8. Hello Micheal!
    I think that your story is something that people can look at and truly say that there is no excuse for someone not go back to school and I just wanted to say that your story is inspirational and motivating.

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  9. Hey Michael, it's terrific that after 23 years, you get back to school. I know it must be quite different from the way things are, of course, because of online or in-person classes. I'm sure it is quite a load of work, so being careful planning with the time I something I need to learn. By how this class has been so far in-person for IS101 has been so much better, that hands-on experience will surely pay off in the work environment.

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  10. Hello Michael, I know exactly what you mean I haven't been in school in over 18 years and trying to catch up with the new technology that schools are using now of days has been overwhelming. I've spent more time trying to learn and use the tools given to me for classes than actually doing the class work itself.

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  11. Awesome read. You are certainly not in this alone for sure. We will triumph.

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  12. Hey Michael, it's terrific that after 23 years, you get back to school. I know it must be quite different from the way things are, of course, because of online or in-person classes. I'm sure it is quite a load of work, so being careful planning with the time I something I need to learn. By how this class has been so far in-person for IS101 has been so much better, that hands-on experience will surely pay off in the work environment.

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  13. Hello Michael, I love how you are using what you are learning in class to help you do better in the workforce, I think its very important these days when people just take classes just for the sake of it.

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  14. Hi Michael, it is true taking online course can be more challenging because you have to be on top of things twice as hard. Because you don't have the instructor in front of you constantly talking about things that are about to be due. For me, I did find it convenient to take multiple classes plus an online course. So as you're here taking your in-person classes, you can also take a trip to the writing center or other tutoring services that are available.

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  15. I share in your story. The struggle must surely continue for us to make progress

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  16. Hi Michael, I love that you're going back to school after so long! I alone was very nervous to come back after a much smaller break than yourself.

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  17. Hello Micheal!
    I think that your story is something that people can look at and truly say that there is no excuse for someone not go back to school and I just wanted to say that your story is inspirational and motivating.

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  18. Hey Michael, I completely agree with you with the online classes. I also find them more tedious.

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  19. Hi Michael I think online classes are much harder than being in class. Sometimes it does work out taking multiple classes and coming in for tutoring when you need it. But I agree with you and find it much more rewarding taking it in-person.

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  20. Hey Michael, it's amazing that you're choosing to continue with your education after 23 years. It's never too late to learn something new! I was also nervous about coming back to school, however my break has been a bit shorter. Wishing you the best this semester.

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  21. Hello Michael, I used to do online classes during High School and I agree with you they are a lot more work. I also like that despite not attending college for a long time it didn't seem to affect you. I wish you luck on your journey.

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  22. Hi Michael, I totally agree with online courses it is very course heavy and filled with assignments. Many of which are very strict with deadlines. I was always told online classes are easier, but not for me I also rather have a hands on experience does not matter the course for me.

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  23. Hi Michael! I also agree about online classes, with trying to keep track of the work and making sure you have enough time to complete other classwork is tough. All of us will get through it together!

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