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Started: Choosing the Right Course for You (Text Version)
Choosing the Right Course for You
This is the Text Version. An interactive
version of this exercise is also available.
Three students, Lisa, Rob
and Kristina, would like to enroll in an
LBCC course. Each of them have special needs with regard to their
schedule, motivation and technical ability. After reviewing the
students' special need, review which courses are appropriate and
which are not.
Student 1: Lisa
"I want to take a Psych class, but my schedule is so busy;
I work during the week and by the time I get home, I'm exhausted.
I'm not sure how I can fit it in. I know myself well enough and
I'll need to find a teacher who will be in my face all the time
and not let me off the hook, but because of my busy work schedule
I will also need to be able to do some of the work from home."
Course Choices for Lisa
| Psych 15 – section 2131 (Televised Course) |
Psych 15 (Online Course) |
Psych 15 – 3151 and 5121 (Regular Sections, Weekdays) |
Psych 15 – section 3472 (Web-Enhanced, Saturday) |
|
Incorrect. Notice the icon next to the section; it indicates
that this is a TV course. Lisa is so tired when she comes
home after work -- chances are she will fall asleep in front
of the TV. Also, she wants to be really close to her instructor,
and in a TV class she will only meet her instructor a few
times during the semester. |
Incorrect. Notice the icon next to this course; it indicates
that this course is taught entirely online. Lisa will not
have to physically go to school, which will be good for her
busy schedule. However, she needs to be in constant contact
with her instructor, and this course will require more self-discipline
and independence. |
Incorrect. This course is offered during the week at times
that Lisa is either at work or at home, tired after a long
day at work. |
Correct. This class is offered on a Saturday which will
fit Lisa's schedule well. Also, the fact that she will be
meeting her instructor every week in class will be a good
motivator and ensure that she learns the material and finishes
all the assignments in a timely manner. Also, the fact that
this is a Web-enhanced class will help Lisa's schedule problem
as she will be able to do some of the Web work from home. |
Student 2: Rob
"I only need to take a few classes so that I can get my A.A.
Degree and this will allow me to get a raise at my job. I found
a Psychology 1 class that would be perfect for me, but the problem
is I can only study on the weekend. My friend suggested one of those
online courses where you actually get to study on your own at home
on your computer but I hate computers, I am technically illiterate!
Programming my VCR is as best as I could do."
Course Choices for Rob
| Psychology 1 (Online) |
Psychology 1 – section 3472 (Web-Enhanced, Saturday) |
Psychology 1 – section 5121(normal course, weekdays) |
Psychology 1 – section 2131 (Televised) |
| Incorrect. Rob said he did not like to use computers.
Notice the icon next to this course; it indicates that this
course is taught entirely online. That means that Rob will
have to use a computer to access the course and do the required
work. |
Incorrect. The Saturday section would have been good for
Rob. However, he said he did not like to use computers, and
this course is enhanced by a Web site. This means that students
do need to use a computer to access class-related activities
on the Internet (e.g. a discussion forum). Rob will need to
find a course section that does not require the use of computers
at all |
Incorrect. The fact that this course does not require
the use of computers would appeal to Rob. But remember that
he cannot take a class during the week and that both these
sections are not offered on the weekend. |
Correct. Notice the icon next to the section; it indicates
that this is a TV course. Rob could learn mainly at home using
his TV cable access and video tapes. He will only need to
come to campus a few times during the semester for meetings
on Saturday, which is a good day for his busy schedule. |
Student 3: Kristina
"I'm trying to complete my A.A. degree as soon as possible
because I have set a few career goals for myself and I want to get
out of college as soon as I can. I am self-disciplined, self-motivated
and I can accomplish a lot independently. I want to take a Psychology
course but I wish there was a way that I don't have to come to college
at all because I live too far away."
Course Choices for Kristina
| Psych 15 – section 2131 (Televised) |
Psych 15 – section 3472 (Web-Enhanced, Saturday) |
Psych 15 – section 3151 & 5121 (normal course,
weekdays) |
Psych 15 (Online) |
| This is not a bad idea. However, this TV course still
requires a few meetings on campus. Kristina lives far away
and prefers not to come to the college at all. |
Incorrect. Kristina lives too far from the college and
prefers not to come to the college. |
Incorrect. Kristina lives too far from the college and
prefers not to come to the college. |
Correct. Because Kristina lives far away from the college
and is self-motivated and disciplined, she will be comfortable
with and able to succeed in an online course. |
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