How do I feel about being an on-line student? Well, at first I was terrified. I think that this was natural after being out of school for 27 years. Plus I was not quite ready to go when my first term started in January. I did not even have my own computer!
After running all over the country-side, it seemed, to be able to do my seminars and everything, I got terribly sick. I ended up in the emergency room. Asthmatic bronchitis, upper respiratory infection, fever, the whole nine yards. Then I was too weak to do much of anything. I am thinking, "I am going to fail my first term!!"
Well, then my step mother gave me a computer. Yay!
NOT. Where I live is very rural, and the local internet service provider cannot provide me with internet service because of not having enough ports on the telephone poles to hook me up. What? Huh? It was not cost effective for them to put up another port, so I could not be provided. What a ruckus.
My sister, who is everyone's hero, bought me a laptop, and helped me get wireless internet service so I could get my schooling done. I perservered, though. I did not get the best grades my first term, a B and a C+. But, hey, it is better than failing. My instructors were good with letting me make up work that was late, and said some points are better than none. Since the first term, and I am now in my fourth term, I have received all A's. Good for me! (I also have a very supportive fiance, who will not let me give up, and brought me flowers when I made the President's list. Awww.)
I like the on-line environment. I like the anonymity and I also like working at my own pace. I tend to procrastinate, but I work well under pressure. I am a busy person with my family and my schooling, and I like my privacy. I do not need my phone ringing all the time, or my email filled with jabber that I do not have time to read. Do not take that personally anyone, I am just an introvert. I do like the DB and how much we learn from it, and I do like getting to know my fellow classmates. I am just not into close personal relationships with people outside of my family right now. I think Kaplan is a great institution, and so far, all the instructors have been super nice and understanding. My academic advisor is great too. She calls me back when I need something, or sends me an email. The finacial department is great too, if you can get through to them, LOL.
Kelly
Kudos to you, Kelly, for having such a great family to help you get back to school. You should be proud of yourself for all you've been through so far. The rest should be a cake-walk! I like Kaplan too, and I find them very responsive in all matters. I love the Writing Center! Those reviews are so helpful. I look forward to reading your posts!
ReplyDeleteSue,
ReplyDeleteThanks. I do not like to toot my own horn, but I am very proud of myself. After getting thru that first rough term, I have made the president's list my second term, and the dean's list the third term. Now, if I can just keep it up. I have only used the writing center for the review of a final paper in College Comp 1, and that was only because it was required. I am going to use them this time thought. I look forward to your comments.
Kelly
Hello Kelly,
ReplyDeleteYou sound a lot like I do. I think I fucntion better in the online environment than in a typical school setting. It seems there is not as much pressure and like when the teacher asks you something you really don't have all eyes on you. I also don't mind being to myself and not having anyone around. Matter of fact it is usally just my hubby and I, well and the kids of course. We don't have anyone that ever comes and sees us except immediate family and that is how we like it. The only places we go are to family get togethers and to church. It's great that you are doing so well. I have achieved President's List every term and I am in my third right now, hope I keep it up. My husband is supportive too; well good luck and see you in class.