Is this normal for an Online Class?

[MJ12]

Alright, so I am wondering if I am blowing steam or if this is quite normal, for those who have taken an online class.


So I have taken 3 online classes before.
This is how it usually goes-

It's very similar to a real class... but online of course.

-The teacher records an audio of his lecture and posts it about twice a week.
-We have discussions on a forum relating to various topics. The Profs sometimes engage in these topics too. (Basically our "homework")
-Assigns an essay occasionally.
-Tells you when the online exam dates are.


So I get into this online class (Philosophy) and the Prof hasn't made a single post since last week about taking the exams on the correct dates. (He also states he's new to the web)

So I send him a message asking him if he was going to post more about what we are learning or if he is going to put up any sort of audio of his lectures, and he responds-

The course requires you to read the chapters and take the exams by the deadline. No audio. The course is all up to you. Check the syllabus for the dates. Mr.L.


Is that normal? Because none of my other online classes have been like that, and it seems like a huge load of bullshit. I pay for a course to learn about the subject and have some sort of interaction. Not to simply read a book and take a few exams on it, especially for a subject such as philosophy.

 

[MiccyNarc]

Very normal, I've never taken or heard of anyone taking an online course with audio lectures. Sounds like you're looking for something other than what the course offers. What's the course description in the syllabus?

 

[mindless_moder]

My mom took a few online courses like that , its basically reading + assignment and an exam . It's geared towards people who only want the certification/credits not people who are doing real distance learning. I'd suggest night classes at a uni or college .

 

[ShadowArmy]

Yes but does the professor serve any purpose in the "class" other than being a figurehead? Do they answer questions posted by students?

 

[mindless_moder]

You could see this as an opportunity to do your own thing , you can start some interesting discussions on the discussion board and form study groups.

 

[nurizeko]

In the meantime if it can be helped avoid online courses.

Nothing beats face to face contact with a lecturer/tutor.

 

[MJ12]

In the meantime if it can be helped avoid online courses.

Nothing beats face to face contact with a lecturer/tutor.

I agree, but unfortunately that doesn't always fit in with my other classes/job. So I sometimes have to take an online class.

I am just very peeved, all of my other online classes have been much more interactive than this.

 

[BabyHeadCrab]

Yes, that's pretty standard broheim

 

[<RJMC>]

online classes?

so is like the teacher post something and them the alums go like "first!" and "shut the fockup da n000b!!!1" and *post granny porn video* and "teacher: ew my god!"

 

[mindless_moder]

online classes?

so is like the teacher post something and them the alums go like "first!" and "shut the fockup da n000b!!!1" and *post granny porn video* and "teacher: ew my god!"

That about sums it up in a nut shell.

 

[Azner]

online classes?

so is like the teacher post something and them the alums go like "first!" and "shut the fockup da n000b!!!1" and *post granny porn video* and "teacher: ew my god!"

I wish.

 

[MJ12]

It's like having HL2.net as your class, and Pi as your professor.

 

[Yorick]

I love online courses that are just "Read this, take the test" because it's so easy to work around the schedule. I had Intro to Law like that. When I took World History online it was 50% reading and having discussions in the forums, and 50% of one essay on a book (in this case, Religions of the Silk Road) and those were both wonderful classes.

On the other hand, when I took Abnormal Psychology, we had several tests, several essays, and four goddamn group projects. You ever try to do a group project in 3 days, all online? It sucked. I ended up barely passing the class (Bearing in mind that I almost never get a grade that isn't an A, or at the very worst a B).

My experience has been that teachers in online classes can basically run the class however they want, and sometimes you get lucky and have a good teacher, and sometimes the course is just awful.

 

[MJ12]

The one upside is that our online profs usually allow you to take an exam multiple times.

For this class the prof allows you to retake an exam up to five times.

 

[Yorick]

K now that's ridiculous.

 

[DEATHMASTER]

Thats bull. I took 1 online class, macroeconomics. Basically like how u described your 1 no audio class. Easiest class ever, no retakes or anything either.

 

[<RJMC>]

It's like having HL2.net as your class, and Pi as your professor.

proffesor pi: ok lowlifes lets see if we can start today whit the french revolution

darkseid: robatron could kick all theyr asses

acepilot: what that has to do whtit he french revolution?

eejit: frenchs sucks

toaster: hey vegeta stop sneaking down my pants

skulldods: holy shit,since when vegeta have a atraction to normal humans?

darkseid: since he saw porn of real humans

rjmc: BOOGA BOOGA BOOGA

zombieturtle: people you are scaryn me

professor pi: ok everyone quiet

lefty: why are us in a class anyway?

zombietrutle: hey want to see my cool movie props?

darkseid: I have the underpants of the creator of james bond junior,your stuff cant reach mine in awsomenes

themonkey: I am swedish

pi: everyone get on order!

samon: what happens pi? loosing control?

pi: I am just trying to keep-rjmc stop humping that desk!

toaster: now I am not going to make more cosplay pics guys

70% of people: ahhh nooohhh!

cyberpitz: its your fault vegeta

vegeta: I was just picking something I am not insteresed in her hairless vag-I mean I wasnt looking at it!

stern: can we go back to the subject please?

unozero: oh yeah looks who wants to go back to subject

stern: well I do want so what? it bothers you? *stand on desk and start making weird poses*

pi: everyone on order! goddamed dont make me sent you to munro!

zombieturtle: profesor pi! rjmc jump trought the window again!

pi: oh godammed I am off!!

....
....
....

darksied: so like I was saying,I spoted those underwear under the best set of vr toopers toys I have seem.....

 

[Farrowlesparrow]

I love you, RJMC.

 

[MJ12]

toaster: now I am not going to make more cosplay pics guys

70% of people: ahhh nooohhh!

Oh lol.

 

[OmegaX]

I've taken quite a few. In 90% of them there were assignments due each week on Sunday by midnight. We also had a discussion board on certain subjects and were available if we had any questions. My online professors didn't do a whole lot, they answered questions in a timely fashion and that was about it. I find them incredibly easy and they count for credits just the same. The downside is you don't tend to learn as much unless you are really self-motivated.

 

[Solaris]

****ing hell RJMC is so cool, makes me want to send him moneys.

 

[MJ12]

This is the second old thread of mine that has been bumped within two days.

 

[FishBulb]

This special interruption brought to you by KA and sponsored by Vegeta.

 

[kineaesth]

I resent that! If anything, it was the other way around.