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kevinmorrison - > Slowing Down the Blur -> Online Education - Bakersfield College
Online Education - Bakersfield College

Does anyone on RB take online classes through Bakersfield College?  I think I'm going to do it, but wanted to hear from anyone who has gone or is going that route.  At first glance, BC seems to have a pretty extensive online offering.  I've attended five colleges and graduated from none.  Just not a classroom personality.  Don't need a degree, but there is some cool stuff out there to learn that could be worked into my writing.  I don't need to learn how to write, but I could increase my knowledge of different subjects.  I love history, for instance, and already include a lot of it in my writing.  I would love to do more.

I met a woman with a degree in Renaisance Literature.  I thought "What a crazy degree!"  But then I thought, "I could do a fun crazy degree!"  I don't need a specific one for what I do, so I can just pick some off-the-wall degree that interests me.  But I have to finish the good old AA first.

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posted by kevinmorrison on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 07:23 AM
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posted by Christina on Jun 24, 2008 at 08:03 AM

I have not attended online, but know people that do, and haven't heard any complaints! I may take this same route as soon as the baby is just a little bit older, so let me know if you like it!

posted by Trina on Jun 24, 2008 at 08:26 AM

I have taken several classes online. I like the convenience. The hardest part is not procrastinating. I've finished all of my online courses, but I usually put a lot of the work off until the last minute.

posted by kevinmorrison on Jun 24, 2008 at 09:08 AM

I know that am excited about $20 a unit at BC.  I'm going to have to do some shopping around after that.  it seems to be at least 10 times as much at the 4-year schools.

posted by CheezieMommie on Jun 24, 2008 at 09:10 AM

They also have alot of TV courses. I've done both and totally prefer it over sitting in the classroom and doing group projects. You definitely can NOT procrastinate though! Good luck :)

posted by kevinmorrison on Jun 24, 2008 at 09:16 AM

I also think that I am just past the stage of sitting in a class with a bunch of 18 yr olds.  :-)

posted by kellmafmarjathan on Jun 24, 2008 at 11:40 AM

I have been taking online classes at BC since last summer... I work full time in an office (40 hrs/week) and at home (my second job... LOL!) so online classes are really convenient for me.  It's a lot of work of work though compared to a classroom course.  It requires a lot of reading and writing and a lot of self-study at your most convenient time.  You cannot procastinate if you want to get all your work done on time and you are like me who doesn't like turning in late work. Procastinating will give you stress when taking online classes because it is hard to get caught up once you get behind.  It is an advantage though if you get a professor who posts all homework, papers and syllabus the first day of class because you can get all your work done in your own pace and in advance if you have the time to get them done early (before the semester is over).  I have had only 1 professor post homework as the week go by... all my other professors posted everything the first day of class so most of us get our work done before school is over. 

If you go to the BC website and access the "Distance Learning" link, they have a test you can take to see if online classes are for you.

posted by kevinmorrison on Jun 24, 2008 at 12:43 PM

ya, I saw that little test and I didn't even finish it.  It was a no brainer before I was half way through it.  What is your definition of "a lot of work"?  Can you guestimate how many hours a week?

posted by Mom2CandC on Jun 24, 2008 at 01:55 PM

I have not taken any courses online...but would if I decide to return to get another degree - maybe my teaching credential once the youngest starts school....When I graduated from CSU, Bako. it would have been great to do some of the classes online!  I think we were just being introduced to TV learning courses then...If you start at BC, just take one or two at first...the semester can move kinda slow - but, if you have other responsibilities, that's okay!  If you can move on at your own pace, then finish the work and move on!  Good Luck and keep us posted!  I think if you find something you enjoy, then the classes are better - from experience, I procrastinated when it came to my required classes...like statistics and senior seminar....I enjoyed the research classes and being able to research what I liked - mainly things about genetics and that sort of thing...learned lots about my family history and that I was indeed "color vision impaired" (aka color blind) - rare in women, but pretty interesting!  Anytime you expand your knowledge, you enhance your life!  Go for it!

 

posted by srfbluemama on Jun 24, 2008 at 03:14 PM

I used to teach online classes at BC (History of the US and California History). It is quite a bit more work than an on-campus class. You miss out on the "classroom" time, so extra reading and assignments are used to make up for that missed interaction/lecture/discussion time. You definitely have to be self-motivated and not a procrastinator for online classes. Here's what my syllabus said about the workload: "Online courses require AT LEAST as much dedicated time by the student as on-campus courses. Typically, successful students report spending more time--not less--than for a regularly scheduled class. It is expected that students could spend around 6 hours per week reading and completing homework assignments for this course. Be mindful of the course schedule and plan accordingly."

posted by kevinmorrison on Jun 24, 2008 at 06:44 PM

And there we go!  Somebody on the internet has the answer to any question anybody else has!  U.S. and California history are even classes I would be taking.  That definitely puts me at a one-class-per-term limit, but I'm still going to give it a go.  Luckily, I'm not in a rush!  Thanks Srfblue.  Any other insider information or advice?

posted by srfbluemama on Jun 24, 2008 at 08:26 PM

:D California History was my favorite class to teach. Since you're not in a hurry, definitely start with one class to see how you like it and how you do with it. You may find it easier than I've made it out to be and then can try for a heavier load next semester.

Every teacher is different, so it's hard to say just how their class is set up. But definitely keep an eye on the due dates for assignments and test dates.  Don't hesitate to ask the instructor questions if you've got them. Don't wait until an hour before something is due to turn it in, because that is inevitably when your computer will crash, or your internet won't work, or some other emergency will occur that will prevent you from getting it in on time. ;) Always give yourself a little cushion to anticipate technical difficulties.

Gosh, all of this stuff is starting to make me miss teaching. I think I need to wait a little bit longer though--I was really stressed when I finally took some time off, and I don't know if I'm quite ready to take on that stress again yet.

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