These are student responses to the following assignment:

In 2 -3 paragraphs, address the following scenario. For full credit, be honest and complete.

Another student asks you to describe your online class experience and whether you would recommend this course or not. Imagine that they’ve never taken an online class. Be complete, detailed, and honest.

“During this online class, I learned so much. At first I thought doing an online math class was going to hard and confusing. In this class you get a lot of feedback if you need help. Someone is always right on, on answering your question. The teacher is wonderful and pleasant. Using Plato, I thought was going to be confusing, but it’s easy to navigate and it’s almost like having a real teacher. It provides plenty of examples. It gives a big discussion to help you understand more. Honestly out of all my other online classes this Math class has been the easiest to navigate, fun and not complicated.”

Alysia Jenson, Math 53, Dorris, Fall 2007

“Quite a few people have actually asked me this very same question. My response to them was that the class was perfect for me. It allows me flexibility to do homework when I have time, while still allowing me to work on finishing necessary classes. Taking online classes is greater, especially for individuals with an already busy schedule. Now that I am on my third online class, it’s a lot easier once you get used to the ETUDES system.

ETUDES is where we communicate with our instructor and other classmates. It’s been especially helpful during this math course, since we were able to post questions on our discussion page. This alerted others to a problem, possibly before they got to the section. Sharing this information helped me quite a few times when I was working in the math software. The math software was also easy to understand once we got in there and worked with it a bit.

Overall, I would highly recommend an online class to anyone. It’s easy to use, provides flexibility, and allows you to get your required classes done. A few people have asked if I had difficulty understanding the material, since I wasn’t actually getting in-person instruction. I found that the material covered in the math software allowed me to complete the work with minimal problems. If I had a problem I didn’t understand I could always post in the discussion forum and a fellow classmate or the instructor would answer my question.” Melissa Cummins, Math 56, Yreka, Fall 2007

“For a student on a tight schedule, online classes are the way to go. For example, I work full-time and was unable to attend a night class because it was full. I reluctantly took my online algebra class because computers and I have never been a happy combination!

Through a little trial and error, and with the help of the instructor, Debbie, I was able to rev up the etudes ng online algebra course and commence my lessons. Here are some of the Pro's and Con's.

Pro's: Online classes provide you greater flexibility in managing your study schedule. You go to your online class any time you want and complete your lessons anytime you want! Debbie has an online calendar with lesson completion dates to keep you on track. As long as you keep on track with your lessons, you should be fine. Another benefit is that your instructor is just a click away to help you with your questions. Debbie also provides an online Discussion Forum where you can post questions and reply to other student's questions. If you're quick enough, you can tack on a few extra credits to your grade by helping other students with their questions!

Con's: Computer glitches! Make sure you stay on top of your lessons and always anticipate computer glitches. Make sure you understand how to log in and out properly as well as SAVE your work. A great example is this assignment: I actually should not be typing these words right now because I finished this assignment one hour ago. While finishing my final paragraph, my screen just went blank! I was on my final paragraph when I lost everything! Never forget; save your work FREQUENTLY!

Overall, I'm very happy I took online algebra. As previously mentioned, as a full-time worker, this course was my only option. I'm very happy with my decision and have no regrets. I recommend online algebra especially to those who work full-time.”

Robert Jones, Math 56, Weed, Fall 2007

“When I first signed up for an on line class I had concerns about my ability to function since I had limited computer and Internet experience. Then at our on line algebra orientation class with Professor Desrochers, it seemed even more complicated because we would be interacting with a special math program, PLATO, for our assignments. Once I got used to this program, which is really quite simple and easy to use, I found it easy to do this on line class.

While I have never taken an on campus college math class, I can see how having personal interactions with the teacher and other students could be helpful. For the on line class there is a great message area in the college ETUDES site where we could ask questions and help each other, but I think a student who finds math to be a difficult subject would find it hard to get the help in a timely manner. Of course, Prof. Desrochers did check our questions very often, and we were encouraged to offer each other help. I found the lessons to be very well explained with great examples given.

My favorite part of having this class on line was my ability to do the work when it was convenient for me. Since I am a single mom, entrepreneur, and full time student, these work hours varied. I could also get ahead in the on line classes if I knew I would need more time for a heavy assignment that was coming up in another class.

I think that I would likely take another math class on line, and I like the interactions I had with Professor Desrochers. As long as someone thinks they can stay focused, disciplined, and on top of their assignments, I think online classes are a great way to learn.” Emmy Oo, Math 56, Weed, Fall 2007

“My online class, Math 56 (Elementary Algebra) has been, for the most part, a rewarding experience. The portal through Etudes is fairly easy to navigate and the inclusion of a Discussion/Questions page makes it easy for the student(s) to communicate with the instructor and other students. Questions about the course or the material are quickly answered and followed up if necessary.

The actual course work is done through another portal (webpage) through Plato. This, too, is easy to navigate. However, the server for this software, is at times extremely slow. The online course (Plato) follows and is integrated into the Academics Systems textbook “Elementary Algebra”. Each lesson begins with a brief Overview with real-life applications of the algebra concept for that lesson. In the Explain section, the concept is presented and explained using several examples to help one understand and implement the concept. The Apply section is a semi-quiz. The Homework section allows for online as well as off line work. And, finally, the Evaluate section allows the user to take a quiz up to two times. In all sections (other than the Evaluate), the answers are given and the steps and procedures to get that answer are presented. Overall, the course is easy to follow and very thorough. When a student has questions or needs further help, the instructor is available via the Discussion forum mentioned above. This online course is highly recommended especially to those that are unable to participate (work, travel, etc.) in a classroom setting. Though the work can be done at your own leisure, it can be overwhelming if you get behind at all. “ Bob Marshall, Math 56, Etna, Fall 2007