Online Learning vs. Correspondence Learning

In my ECMP 455 class we had a discussion about online learning vs. correspondence learning. I want to clear up why I said “having no deadlines is negative.” I meant this relating to my correspondence class through Athabasca. An online class, like ECMP 455, is different because I meet with my professor and class once a week (online or in person). Also being in contact with your fellow classmates at any time also helps build structure in an online class. If I have questions I am able to ask for help and receive feedback. In correspondence there is no other students to talk with and maybe help understand some things. Through correspondence it is just you and if you have questions you need to call someone and wait on the phone for an answer. I actually told my tutor for my Athabasca class to give me an end date just so I had a date at the end of the tunnel. This tutor refused to just tell me a date. I work better with deadlines but I think even knowing the end date of your class helps to see the end of the tunnel and to work towards it. I prefer due dates because then I know when I am expected to have it finished. Some classes without due dates can still work. I think it all depends on what a person is used to and how they like to work. I think different situations and classes give you a different idea of due dates and no due dates. So as you can see, I would rather be part of an online learning class then a lonely correspondence class.

Time and Effort…?

As a university student it is hard to have a stable income. Since my second year of university I have had a full or part time job. The money I make from my part time job goes towards food, gas and bills. My family is middle class but I feel horrible asking my parents to help support me. I am not a party animal or anything like that, so at least the money isn’t being spent mindlessly. These are random thoughts that make me wonder. In a conversation today with a friend, who also has a part job, we both said that it is hard for us to put a huge amount of time into one school project. Well working our other jobs, we are not able to do homework. Each week I think of what I have for homework and when I can make time to complete it. Since most of my education has also been coupled with a job, it makes me wonder if I ever put forth a FULL effort. Then again, what is my definition of full effort and what is your definition of full effort? I guess time restriction is the biggest issue. Thinking back to all my years of university…would my marks and effort be better without a job? At the same time, I don’t think I would be able to live or keeping going to university if I didn’t have a part time job to make extra money. I do know that some people are in the exact same position and they many still put lots of effort into their work and they are very successful at managing their job and their work load. I am not saying I am not successful and that I am lacking in many of my classes but that would be 20-30 extra hours a week for homework (especially working time during the day when I am the most awake). But I guess my question is…would I put more time and effort into my classes and marks? Who knows…and I don’t want to do it all over again!