Odd question regarding straighterline

[Kaskadian]

Hey there folks,

So here's the thing, I've been doing straighterline classes for a while now. I've been working my butt off trying to work, study, and knock these tests out. Without sounding arrogant, I've been able to get an overall grade in the 75-85% range (not including any points from the finals). Sure, a 75% isn't great, but this is my overall score without a final (same as if I got a 0 on the final). However, this score is enough to pass the class.

I know SL requires that you take the final, but I've got so many finals to do already that if I can pass the class without it, I'd rather not waste the time. Am I able to just start and quit the final since my grade is already within a passing range? I put the work into these classes (been over a month on this current set), and I don't want to waste time scheduling and trying to find a proctoring centre with my busy work schedule. Now, I'm taking my book & laptop into work and studying/doing tests when I have moments to spare. I'm working 50+ hours a week now, and having to take this test at a proctor centre will be a huge pain in the butt. I'd bring a webcam into work and do it there, but because of my job, recording equipment, cameras, phones, etc are not allowed. I'm allowed to bring in my laptop under the condition that it has no webcam (believe it or not, it doesn't have one built it!).

The plan would be to just start & stop it at home before I have to leave for work, or start/stop before I head into work (bring a webcam and use the wifi in the parking lot).

I know this must sound odd folks, and I apologize. At this point, I just need to finish. I have a job offer overseas coming up soon and I'm so close!

Kas

[armyb77]

I asked the same question when I was going through the economics courses through SL. BLUF you can do it if you want to take the chance, but my suggestion is to half-heartedly take each of the finals. You should be able to knock them out in 25-60mins (each) that way.

As for ProctorU you can use those services almost any time, but it does take a minute to show your ID, pan the room, show your keyboard, verify single display, conduct security questions, and login to the password protected exam. So expect 15min for that, plus the time to take the exam.

SL shouldn't really care about poor scores on the final if you completed it rapidly and didn't look anything up because they understand that these test are open book. When they look at your records they will see the average length of time it took you to complete an exam, and how quickly you finished the final.

Either way if SL flags you a simple call explaining that the course only requires a 70% and you achieved the 70% without the final, will make them see why you scored poorly.

Some effort is still better than none.

My lowest final was a 65% on Managerial Accounting because the final was 75 questions in 2 hours and the rest of the course was 20 questions in 2 hours...lol


Hope this helps, but it is your decision to make.

[jmichelle79]

It appears that the graded tests must be completed.. drat!!!

"Do I have to complete all of the test and assignments? Yes, you must complete all graded assignments and tests in order to request and be provided a transcript. While you need only 70% to pass a course, we require that students attempt every graded test and assignment. Failure to do so will prevent StraighterLine from releasing your transcript."

College student handbook for online courses and credit transfer | StraighterLine

[chiquitacobbe]

I asked the same question when I was going through the economics courses through SL. BLUF you can do it if you want to take the chance, but my suggestion is to half-heartedly take each of the finals. You should be able to knock them out in 25-60mins (each) that way.

As for ProctorU you can use those services almost any time, but it does take a minute to show your ID, pan the room, show your keyboard, verify single display, conduct security questions, and login to the password protected exam. So expect 15min for that, plus the time to take the exam.

SL shouldn't really care about poor scores on the final if you completed it rapidly and didn't look anything up because they understand that these test are open book. When they look at your records they will see the average length of time it took you to complete an exam, and how quickly you finished the final.

Either way if SL flags you a simple call explaining that the course only requires a 70% and you achieved the 70% without the final, will make them see why you scored poorly.

Some effort is still better than none.

My lowest final was a 65% on Managerial Accounting because the final was 75 questions in 2 hours and the rest of the course was 20 questions in 2 hours...lol


Hope this helps, but it is your decision to make.

What is verify single display?

[AlbaTiVo]

What is verify single display?

They make sure you are not using dual monitors, additional laptop, etc.

[armyb77]

What is verify single display?

AlbaTiVo is correct.

The very last test I took with ProctorU they did a display check, and also looked to ensure I wasn't running a virtual OS. It was the first time they checked for either of these things, but not really a big deal in my book. ProctorU has always been very professional in my opinion.