03-14-2014, 04:59 PM
I have been enrolled in several degree programs. As an electrician, I have been focused on getting a technical degree that compliments my work experience but in my frustration I have turned to liberal arts a couple of times before realizing I had to turn back. I am currently enrolled in Excelsior's Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology which is why I have decided to take Calculus at Excelsior. Their Calculus II course counts as both Calc II and Differential Equations toward the degree. Originally, I intended to take Calculus at Straighterline but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to meet the prerequisites to take Differential Equations at the local community college. Taking two Calculus courses sounded better than two Calculus courses and one Differential Equations.
Unfortunately, the quality of the Calculus course at Exclesior is lacking. Like many online classes, it is little more than education by Pearson. There are no video lectures with the class and instructor participation is limited to moderating the mandatory discussion posts. All of the homework, quizes, and exams are taken on MyMathLab by Pearson. It also appears that the PowerPoint presentations are those provided with the textboook. Considering I paid $1440 for this course, I expected more out of it.
I would suggest Straighterline to anyone who has the opportunity to avoid taking a traditional Calculus course. The professor that teaches on their video instruction is amazing. He brings the content down to a level that is accessible. The biggest challenge with Straighterline is the 500 point proctored exam at the end of the course.
Overall, I am disgusted with higher education. Publishers are teaching the courses and professors are little more than content proctors. I would rather get my degree from Pearson, McGraw Hill, etc... than pay thousands of dollars to a middle man.
Unfortunately, the quality of the Calculus course at Exclesior is lacking. Like many online classes, it is little more than education by Pearson. There are no video lectures with the class and instructor participation is limited to moderating the mandatory discussion posts. All of the homework, quizes, and exams are taken on MyMathLab by Pearson. It also appears that the PowerPoint presentations are those provided with the textboook. Considering I paid $1440 for this course, I expected more out of it.
I would suggest Straighterline to anyone who has the opportunity to avoid taking a traditional Calculus course. The professor that teaches on their video instruction is amazing. He brings the content down to a level that is accessible. The biggest challenge with Straighterline is the 500 point proctored exam at the end of the course.
Overall, I am disgusted with higher education. Publishers are teaching the courses and professors are little more than content proctors. I would rather get my degree from Pearson, McGraw Hill, etc... than pay thousands of dollars to a middle man.
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