Education Portal - Too Much?

[topdog98]

I have used Education Portal to help study for a couple of my CLEP tests.

Recently, I watched the Macroeconomics ones. There were 89 videos, which seemed like a lot, but I made it through.

I am looking at some of my tests planned for the future. The Environmental Science DSST course has 176 videos. The Organizational Behavior course has 231 videos. Are others on the forum able to watch all of these videos, or is it just too much to even try?

Is it feasible to watch 231 videos for one test?

[nas22]

I'll admit, those do sound like a lot. So far I've used EP to study for 3 CLEPs, and the largest amount of videos I've had to watch for a subject was 135. I always find them very engaging and more fun than reading from a textbook or a computer screen. I swear by this website.

The number of videos stands out just because EP tries to condense an entire subject material into short 5 - 10 min. videos, which logically means it takes more videos to cover all the material. Remember: You're trying to learn a completely new subject; sometimes it won't be fast or easy. Frankly, I think some of us have gotten "spoiled" with the fast-paced world of testing out. The most we have to do is look up a few resources on the internet and then get bothered when something seems it will take too long. Agreeably, 231 videos does sound cumbersome, but hey, at least you don't have to spend 10+ weeks in a classroom!

I would say that if you're using EP as your MAIN study source, you should go ahead and watch the videos. If you use multiple resources and believe you can find a supplement to the videos, though, then use that instead and only go to EP for topics or terms that confuse you. To answer your question: "Is it feasible to watch 231 videos for one test?" I actually think that question varies by the person. It depends on you, how much you enjoy the videos, and how much time and effort you are willing to put into passing the test.

[cypster]

Education Portal is a fantastic website. It was my one and only study tool for my US History I CLEP and I passed with no problems at all just by watching the videos. That said, they do take a lot of time and I plan to try out Instant Cert in the future to see how my scores compare.

[lprstn]

It depends. My kid had to watch 5 to 10 videos a day. He broke them up and took notes, but he doesn't work, he's a college student doing some CLEPs just so he can graduate this May with his AA at the local Community College.

[soliloquy]

I watched every education portal video on every subject I CLEPed out of (see signature)...except Management...I just could not sit through all the videos in time to take the exam. So I watched the first few dozen videos and then I just watched the "recap/summary" they do at the end of each video which is like 2 minutes or so. It saved me a ton of time. I only went back and watched the entire video if I didn't understand the concepts that were in the summary.

Of course, nothing prepares you for these exams like the information in the specific exam feedback section.

[topdog98]

So I watched the first few dozen videos and then I just watched the "recap/summary" they do at the end of each video which is like 2 minutes or so. It saved me a ton of time. I only went back and watched the entire video if I didn't understand the concepts that were in the summary.

That is a great idea. I have used Education Portal as a supplement and not as my main source of information. I like to get most of my information from books and reinforce with Instantcert. I don't think 231 videos would be feasible as a supplement, but I can see how it could work if used alone.

But I might be a little nervous using it as my only source of information. I don't like to put all of my eggs in one basket.

[soliloquy]

That is a great idea. I have used Education Portal as a supplement and not as my main source of information. I like to get most of my information from books and reinforce with Instantcert. I don't think 231 videos would be feasible as a supplement, but I can see how it could work if used alone.

But I might be a little nervous using it as my only source of information. I don't like to put all of my eggs in one basket.

I used REA books if they had good reviews w/ Education-Portal, Kahn Academy, and Peterson's online. That wasn't my soul study source. But I will say, I thought the EP videos were just as thorough if not more so than the other study resources I used. Because you use several different methods to absorb the information (listening, reading, visual aids) I found I retained information better watching the videos. I will also say that the EP has final exams for their courses that are fully developed and those were helpful. I would not have been able to pass BIOLOGY CLEP without EP. Everyone learns differently though. I am an aural and visual learner. I enjoy reading but it's not the way I learn best. That's probably why I can remember everything a witness says during a trial but I draw a blank if I have to give an attorney a summary after reading a lengthy deposition transcript. Also, my eyes strain easily after working all day so being able to watch a lesson was a welcome option.

[topdog98]

I think Education Portal can be a great resource. I guess what I am wondering is if they are reaching a point in some of these courses where there are too many videos to be practical.

I mean, for example, there is definitely enough information in 5000+/- years of history for REA to publish a 1500 page guide to Western Civilization I. But part of the skill of making a guide for one of these courses is condensing down to the most relevant information.

Maybe the information in 231 videos should have been condensed to make it more practical for most people to use.

[Getiton1]

I like the suggestion of just watching the end of the EP videos if you are bored or short on time.

Here's my suggestion for your too many videos not enough time issue:

1. Is there an Official DSST study guide? I think this looks like your exam?http://getcollegecredit.com/assets/pdf/d...manity.pdf
If yes, figure out what you HAVE to know the most of and watch those video's first. I just looked at the Environment test, but I am not sure it's the same test you are taking? Looks like it's mostly broken into thirds. Focus on your weak areas and...
2. Just watch the videos that you need to. In other words, study what you NEED to learn, not what you already know.
3. Use IC flashcards, find out your weak areas. The super nice thing about IC is it tells you what the categories are use that to know what videos you NEED to watch,
4. Try Free CLEP prep.com and see how you do on that test. It free and they have a nice "what to expect" on the test too. Environment and Humanity DSST Study Guide - Free-Clep-Prep.com
Take the test, and again…go back and watch the videos you need more work on.
5. The exam specific feedback on this website is AWESOME, use it and you are going to do well
6. Post your feedback if this method above or some other method works well for you. Everyone is different, but I too ran out if time when I was using EP videos as my main source. So I get your dilemma. So make the most of your time study only the things you really need to learn. If there is additional time go back and have fun watching the EP videos if that's working for you and time allows.
7. Post your "I passed"! I still LOVE to see people find a way that works for them, and succeed in their dream to get a degree

Bottom line is 200 + videos is a lot to watch. Focus on figuring out 1. What the exam is expecting you to know 2. Test your self to see what info you know (or more importantly don't know) 3. Only watch the videos you need to if time is short.

Rock on Top Dog!

Good Luck,
T

I have used Education Portal to help study for a couple of my CLEP tests.

Recently, I watched the Macroeconomics ones. There were 89 videos, which seemed like a lot, but I made it through.

I am looking at some of my tests planned for the future. The Environmental Science DSST course has 176 videos. The Organizational Behavior course has 231 videos. Are others on the forum able to watch all of these videos, or is it just too much to even try?

Is it feasible to watch 231 videos for one test?