ENS-314 Global Environmental Change--Guided Study or Online?

[bogey72]

I am about to enroll for the only class that I need in order to finish my BA Natural Science degree from TESC. I have used the search and read numerous posts about this particular class. I would like to know if some of you that have taken the class took the "Online" or "Guided Study" version and if you had any advice as to which way I should go? I believe I read were Lindagerr got somewhat frustrated in the online discussion forum assignments due to some of the other student's postings.

In short, should I go with online or guided study and why?

PS I'm not short of motivation and I typically over prepare and over-work myself to make sure I get an 'A' in any course. That said, it is particularly important that I receive an 'A' in this course because it will be the only course grade that is figured into my TESC GPA.

I'm leaning towards guided study at this time but feel free to persuade me if you feel "online" is the way to go.

Thank you.

[bogey72]

BTW, I was filling out my registration form and it does say that I can request a particular mentor. From previous posts, it looks like Earnshaw would be a good choice and that I should avoid Trainor if possible. Does that sound about right?

[Lindagerr]

Yes avoid Trainor, I did pull an A but she does not give any 100's to start she makes you earn them. If you can put up with the onesided views of some people I would go with inline because you usually have less frequent or shorter papers that way. I did learn some interesting things during this course although they have changed the books since I took it.

[MRHTOAD76]

Hey Bogey,

Have you found any other information out? I'm planning on taking this course also and I was going to opt for GS over online myself because I would rather do the work than have to log in 2+ times a week to add to a forum conversation as part of my grade. I only see 3 mentors now which are J. Pescatore, D. Ntarlagiannis, and N. Pearce

[bogey72]

I think I have decided to go with the OL class. I haven't heard anything about any of the 3 mentors you listed above in your post. I guess I'll just register and hope for the best.

[ryoder]

The good news is that you can do the assignments at your own pace. Get them done and prepare the discussion postings as well. You can finish the whole class in one month and then just wait to respond to peoples' postings as they come in.
The class is pretty easy but you have to read the entire book and spend a good bit of time writing. I bought the book a few weeks before the class and read the first few chapters to get ahead.

[bogey72]

Easier said than done, I'm sure, but that sounds like a great plan Ryoder. I just got off the phone and I'm officially enrolled (actually they said it would go through on Monday). I plan on registering for the ENS-314 class on Monday or Tuesday and I'll go ahead and get the book and start reading prior to the beginning of the class.

If I remember correctly, the class does have a midterm (proctored via webcam) and a final paper instead of a final exam. Does that sound about right, Ryoder? I'm going to bust my tail getting ahead in this class just to give me peace of mind.

MRHTOAD76, how did you see which mentors are available for the class? Is that something I can see when I register?

[sandraeli]

Hi,

I'm just finishing up ENS-314 Guided Study with John Pescatore. I've done exactly what the syllabus required. Readings and assignments have been do-able. Weekly assignments are as many as four questions requiring a single-page (double-spaced) response. The midterm was multiple choice and four short-essay questions (two to three paragraphs). Review key terms and principles and your assignments, and you'll be fine. The final project sounded a little daunting (my first term-based class in years), but it came together fairly easily once I'd settled on the topic, chosen from one of six given in the syllabus.

This is truly independent study; I've received no feedback other than grades and "Nice to meet you" after sending my introduction. It has taken me no more than six hours a week, and I expect an A once the final paper is graded.

Hope this helps.

[bogey72]

Sandy,
Thank you so much for that information, it is exactly what I was looking for when I started this thread. Good luck on the 'A'.

[bogey72]

Well, I just registered (and paid for--OUCH!) the guided study ENS-314 with Pescatore. I'm going to buy the required book soon and hopefully work ahead to make it less stressful.

Sandy, thanks again for the information. I'll update this thread as the class progresses to inform others that may take this class in the future.