Straighterline Accounting Irritations

[sirjake]

OK, I'm probably just being sore, and it's been a long day, but Straighterline is really irritating me right now.

I took my first quiz for Financial Accounting (Acc 101) earlier today. I got 36 out of 40 (two questions missed), but it still irritated me. Why? Almost none of the questions centered on material that had been emphasized in the three lessons I had gone through. And then, just now, I get to a part in the fourth module that answers TWO of the questions I had on the first quiz! I didn't know anything about Charts of Accounts, because it's only in the text, but there were two questions on it on the first quiz. ??? Pretty easy to figure out with the index, but it feels stupid to be taking a test not by means of what I've learned, but my ability to look stuff up in the index. I think only 3-4 of the questions on the first quiz centered on material they had taught on in their online modules. The rest were obscure references to things only mentioned in the text or items we haven't hit yet (based on what I've seen so far). That's not learning in a way that makes sense in my book!

Anyway, Straighterline seems like a nice idea that is poorly executed at this point. There are tons of rough edges. Still, I think it'll be cheaper than two CLEPs--and I've already paid for it. And, of course, there isn't a CLEP for Managerial Accounting, so I'm plowing on through. Just needed to get that off my chest.

[perriquit]

Very very important to mention. I noticed while taking my SL accounting classes that some questions were not covered and were actually from chapters that were coming so I got them wrong. I think they do it on purpose so it is harder to get an A.

[bricabrac]

Welcome to what is lovingly termed SL he**!!

[perriquit]

What makes me mad is that SL scores are dogmatic. Even if you find a mistake they wont do anything to review the question and chaged your score. It didnt happen that much in Accounting and I still got A's however I certaily stopped me from getting an A in English Comp.

So if Burk Smith is reading this, come on man! give some more power to Andrew to alter grades if your courses have mistakes!

[peace123]

So if Burk Smith is reading this, come on man! give some more power to Andrew to alter grades if your courses have mistakes!

The following is taken from the Straighterline website FAQ's:

I think there is an error in the test. What do I do?

Answer the question to the best of your ability, but make note of the question number and quiz. After you have completed the exam, you can go back into the exam to view the questions, your answer and whether it was correct or incorrect. You can take the question to a SMARTHINKING tutor to determine if there was an error with the question. If the tutor finds an error with the question, email your Course Advisor the discussion with the tutor. If there is indeed an error, you will not be penalized for missing that question.

[IgnazSemmelweis]

I'm pretty sure I found an error on one of the Accounting II exams, but it didn't affect my score and I'm too lazy to let them know.

[skyfall123]

http://www.degreeforum.net/general-educa...ighterline

[Levi]

After passing CLEP Financial Accounting a few months ago, I am now in the middle of Straighterline Accounting II. And if SL Accounting I is anything like Accounting II, I would recommend in a heartbeat that a person take the CLEP.

The course modules are not that bad, but the problem is getting Smarthinking tutoring help. When I want to set up a 30-minute tutoring session, the nearest opening is usually over 48 hours in the future. And yesterday, I dropped into a Live session, and the tutor said my accounting question was above his level of knowledge, and I needed to find an intermediate or advanced tutor (I have no clue how to do that). :ack:

And yes, I have found lots of misspellings and at least one confirmed error in the graded quizzes. After speaking with a tutor, I sent Andrew H. (my course advisor) the details of the error, and he said they would fix it. If I had missed the question, they would have awarded me the points I lost, he said.

And it would be very helpful if they had answer explanations for the quiz questions.

In short, I wish there was a Managerial Accounting CLEP!.... But persevering! :patriot:

[janew]

I found I only took the first quiz but it is as you say - asking questions that were not covered in the book so far- very frustrating! I think i might just do it in CLEP any thoughts, since I have to teach myself anyway.

[sirjake]

After taking CLEP Financial Accounting a few months ago, I am now in the middle of Straighterline Accounting II. And if SL Accounting I is anything like Accounting II, I would recommend in a heartbeat that a person take the CLEP.

The course modules are not that bad, but the problem is getting Smarthinking tutoring help. When I want to set up a 30-minute tutoring session, the nearest opening is usually over 48 hours in the future. And yesterday, I dropped into a Live session, and the tutor said my accounting question was above his level of knowledge, and I needed to find an intermediate or advanced tutor (I have no clue how to do that). :ack:

And yes, I have found lots of misspellings and at least one confirmed error in the graded quizzes. After speaking with a tutor, I sent Andrew H. (my course advisor) the details of the error, and he said they would fix it. If I had missed the question, they would have awarded me the points I lost, he said.

And it would be very helpful if they had answer explanations for the quiz questions.

In short, I wish there was a Managerial Accounting CLEP!.... But persevering! :patriot:

Yeah, I went with Straighterline in part for economic reasons. With their summer discount (by one course, get one free), I can do both courses for $138--which is what I would have to pay for the one (managerial) anyway. The Financial Accounting CLEP would cost an additional $97 ($77 plus $20 admin fee). It makes no monetary sense to go for the CLEP, even if it's easier, if I can do both in the allotted 28 days. Of course, that might be a big "if." I think I can do it, though.