Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 6:27:17 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2014 11:18:46 GMT -5
Argh.........
My quarter started out badly when the adjunct asked us if we had any questions about the program. I asked her a couple and her answer back was to "look up the answers myself." WTF did she ask for?
I am really behind right now and struggling to do any work. Depression makes it hard for me to accomplish things, and adding school to working is making it really impossible for me to do either.
I don't know what to do. I am tempted to drop and go find a "real" job for a while.
Argh.........
Add to the fun, we have to do this "discussion" question each week. The question is a giant part of our grade. She had no rubric to grade so created one, and then used it to grade all of our past work - 1/2 of the class. She gave me failing grades because I didn't talk to other people on the message board - which it says no where that we have to do. This dropped all 4 of my grades from high 90s to low 70s which is failing.
I am feeling so frustrated.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 6:27:17 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2014 11:24:15 GMT -5
Sorry to hear it's not going well. I hated online classes too. They seem like they'd be easier, but in reality they were always way more work. I could sit through a lecture and assimilate 90% of what I needed to know for the class...or at least get a good idea of what was important...but with online it seemed like I was studying all the time.
|
|
mmhmm
Administrator
It's a great pity the right of free speech isn't based on the obligation to say something sensible.
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 18:13:34 GMT -5
Posts: 31,770
Today's Mood: Saddened by Events
Location: Memory Lane
Favorite Drink: Water
|
Post by mmhmm on Jul 27, 2014 11:31:37 GMT -5
Have you asked your teacher what you might do to bring your grades back up? You interact here just fine, Shasta. Use what you've learned here as tools to interact during your online assignments. I hate to see you drop the class after you've started and put a lot of time into it. It's not going to be any easier to attend classes while working, I don't think.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 6:27:17 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2014 11:31:40 GMT -5
Shasta, I'm sorry you're struggling with your classes and feeling frustrated. Don't give up yet. Can you look for a "real job" (your words, not mine ) while you tough it out with the classes?
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 6:27:17 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2014 11:34:00 GMT -5
As for dropping, aren't you attending on a grant? Will dropping effect whether or not you can get aid again? This would be a big factor in my decision whether or not to just keep plugging along.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 6:27:17 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2014 12:46:46 GMT -5
Even as an online adjunct, the teacher is required to have "office hours." Find out hers and arrange to talk with her, either by some sort of IM within the program or by phone.
Make a list of questions that you want to ask including what other rubrics she will be using for other assignments. Let her know in a nonconfrontational way that you feel you did badly on the discussion assignments because you didn't understand (notice I didn't use the word "know") what was expected. It is very important that not happen again so you need help understanding her expectations.
Don't let her blow you off. Be polite but insistent to get the information that you need. That includes how to get answers to stuff you don't understand. Does she want you to post it to a message board that's part of the class, email her, whatever.
Can you give me an example of the type of question you asked where she directed you to "look the answers up yourself"? My students usually ask me stuff like, "I don't understand what the assignment is asking me to" or "Is it ok if I make stuff up or does it have to come from what we read?" They don't ask me fact-based questions. I wouldn't tell them to "look the answers up themselves," but I probably would say, "Have you read the text? You will find the answer to that there."
I hope this helps!
|
|
flutterby
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 22, 2013 9:16:42 GMT -5
Posts: 738
|
Post by flutterby on Jul 27, 2014 12:59:54 GMT -5
Shasta, I'm sorry you're struggling with this! I'm doing online classes to finish up my degree, and I personally love doing it online, but it was an adjustment. I agree with MPL, lots more homework and time involved, and staying on top of things is crucial!
Yes, check her office hours. Is there also a common thread where you can post questions that your classmates can answer? My classes always seem to have that, and it can be really helpful instead of waiting on the professor to get back to you.
I'd say try to stick this out. You've made such huge progress!! And now that you know how the online classes work, the next time will be easier. Good luck!!
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 6:27:17 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2014 13:35:22 GMT -5
Even as an online adjunct, the teacher is required to have "office hours." Find out hers and arrange to talk with her, either by some sort of IM within the program or by phone.
Make a list of questions that you want to ask including what other rubrics she will be using for other assignments. Let her know in a nonconfrontational way that you feel you did badly on the discussion assignments because you didn't understand (notice I didn't use the word "know") what was expected. It is very important that not happen again so you need help understanding her expectations.
Don't let her blow you off. Be polite but insistent to get the information that you need. That includes how to get answers to stuff you don't understand. Does she want you to post it to a message board that's part of the class, email her, whatever.
Can you give me an example of the type of question you asked where she directed you to "look the answers up yourself"? My students usually ask me stuff like, "I don't understand what the assignment is asking me to" or "Is it ok if I make stuff up or does it have to come from what we read?" They don't ask me fact-based questions. I wouldn't tell them to "look the answers up themselves," but I probably would say, "Have you read the text? You will find the answer to that there."
I hope this helps! The question I asked was about a textbook. ALL of the program information said there were no textbooks to purchase for the first quarter. Then I get into class and find out that we needed a book... So, I started out behind waiting for the book to arrive, that I did in fact need. She told me to refer to the program materials before I asked this type of question. I pointed out both places it told us not to purchase books. She said that it was required and she would let the person know who does the program materials. Then I asked about the requirements for discussion questions! I was told to read the program materials. In the materials it says 2 questions per week. We are being given one. And, while the questions are simple and straight-forward, not requiring much discussion or research, I am not exactly sure how to pull the new requirements off. I asked if we need to do anything other than answer the questions and was told we can "interact on the message board with others." Okay..... Then the ruberic was created and ALL of my course grades tanked because they are ALL reliant, in a big part, on the discussion questions...... And, we somehow went from "work when you want online with no set schedule" to requirements for discussing things 3 days per week, in succession to each other, or our discussion points go into failing.
|
|
nutty
Well-Known Member
Joined: Mar 31, 2014 5:37:19 GMT -5
Posts: 1,166
|
Post by nutty on Jul 27, 2014 13:54:23 GMT -5
Discussion boards have been in all the online classes I have taken. Usually you are required to post a few times, you know like have a discussion with the topic at hand. Also usually have to respond to others to.
|
|
Nazgul Girl
Junior Associate
Babysitting our new grandbaby 3 days a week !
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 23:25:02 GMT -5
Posts: 5,913
Today's Mood: excellent
|
Post by Nazgul Girl on Jul 27, 2014 15:19:21 GMT -5
Hi Shasta, I know that you're struggling right now. But think about what you've overcome so far. You are both a good communicator and a good researcher. Remember that you're acquiring a new skill set and it won't happen overnight. Coding can be a little difficult to master. Remember that I had said that you can message me with any of your questions.
Good luck.
|
|
sapphire12
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:02:12 GMT -5
Posts: 1,211
|
Post by sapphire12 on Jul 27, 2014 16:26:01 GMT -5
Oh Shasta, I feel for you. I've never taken an online class, but I hope you do listen to the other posters about their experiences and stick it out. I've heard online classes are an adjustment. You've been making adjustments to get to this point, this is another one in your journey. Good luck.
|
|
msventoux
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 12, 2011 22:32:37 GMT -5
Posts: 3,037
|
Post by msventoux on Jul 27, 2014 17:24:35 GMT -5
I've taken a number of online classes and in general they are more work than going to class. That was fine with me though since I could do the work when convenient (within the time frame set by the instructor). Most of them had discussion board requirements of one substantive initial post and three substantive replies to fellow students, spread out within a week instead of doing it all within the last 10 minutes before the final deadline.
It sounds like the instructor is not doing her job well though. In all of my classes the requirements were clearly spelled out in the syllabus and supplemented by the instructors initial emails to the class. I would save all of the documents and instructions, including emails with the instructor, and decide if it's something you need to take up with the department chair. If the entire class is not doing well, and the documentation you have clearly indicates that the instructor is lacking, they may well take some action to remedy the situation.
I once had an in class instructor who did such a poor job that even though most everyone passed, the documentation and volume of students complaining about the instructor resulted in that adjunct being dismissed and the students were allowed to take the class again with another instructor for free the next semester.
|
|
Knee Deep in Water Chloe
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 21:04:44 GMT -5
Posts: 14,248
Mini-Profile Name Color: 1980e6
|
Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Jul 27, 2014 17:39:43 GMT -5
I would also be completely frustrated about the expectations not being clear to begin with and then changing midway through. I'm so sorry. I know it doesn't help with the first portion of the class, but every college online class I've taken has required interaction via the message board. I agree that you should persevere through this class, and not just because you may have to repay the grant money.
Is there a dean or department head you can check in with to mention the confusion and frustration you have?
Also, in every college class I've ever enrolled, there's always been some type of feedback required from the students. Make sure you use that venue.
|
|
|
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Jul 27, 2014 18:41:36 GMT -5
I did online classes as part of my doctorate. Online, there is probably about 3x the amount of work necessary. Not only that, it becomes incredibly easy to blow it off.
What I finally did was choose a time that was set in stone. I treated that time like it was I was actually attending my class. I made it a routine, I got home from work and the gym, while I was in the shower I called for some sort of food delivery. I changed into pjs and ate, then spent the rest of the night on class. Normaly, I'd roll into bed at well after midnight with the work for that class completed for that week.
|
|
violagirl
Familiar Member
Joined: Aug 17, 2011 11:04:54 GMT -5
Posts: 703
|
Post by violagirl on Jul 29, 2014 7:11:31 GMT -5
I finished my commerce degree, an accounting designation and just started a masters program online.
Usually instructors are very helpful when you ask if they can clarify instructions. Message board "discussion" can be a pain when you post early in the week and everyone else waits until the last day. It is hard to have a discussion and annoying to have to go back. You kind of get punished for being proactive. Some classes have their forum discussion deadline structured so that it forces people to post earlier.
The drawback to online courses is the amount of reading. A LOT of reading. I found Youtube is good when I need something explained, although when you pay all this money to be "taught" it is kind of annoying to resort to the expediency of Youtube. But it did come in handy on a particularly difficult security derivitives course. I just needed to see it. I wish more online schools had lectures. Or maybe not so much lectures as teaching. I had one professor have video and I was happy at first until the video was of them standing in front of a white board reading their notes verbatum. Well, sheesh I can read faster than listening to you, it was a waste of time to watch. But if they had moved around and used examples and just made it more "instructive" it would have been very helpful and memorable.
Sometimes forums are good to ask questions with other students but sometimes, especially in the accounting world, you get the students that are anal for lack of better term. They over think everything and you can freak out if you read their posts too much because they always come up with things that you never thought of because generally it is so over the top. You have to know when to stop and be reliant on your own judgement.
When you submit an assignment cross it off your mental list and move on. Do NOT look at forums for that section if you have already submitted your assignment. You can't change things so don't bother creating anxiety by reading all the things you didn't put on your assignment.
|
|
zibazinski
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 16:12:50 GMT -5
Posts: 47,912
|
Post by zibazinski on Jul 29, 2014 8:19:38 GMT -5
Be glad you aren't DD. she took a nutrition class online and was doing her homework. Because other students didnt, the instructor decided to not count homework. She feels more than a bit annoyed.
|
|
nutty
Well-Known Member
Joined: Mar 31, 2014 5:37:19 GMT -5
Posts: 1,166
|
Post by nutty on Jul 29, 2014 8:20:43 GMT -5
Shasta baby, you can do this. We have faith in you. Put it behind you and get on with it again as you have.
|
|
Formerly SK
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 27, 2011 14:23:13 GMT -5
Posts: 3,255
|
Post by Formerly SK on Jul 29, 2014 9:21:25 GMT -5
Shasta baby, you can do this. We have faith in you. Put it behind you and get on with it again as you have.
|
|
jkapp
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 12:05:08 GMT -5
Posts: 5,416
|
Post by jkapp on Jul 29, 2014 10:22:55 GMT -5
I did most of my classes in the 4-yr program through an online classroom. It did take a bit of adjustment, but I found I liked it better than a classroom setting (but others hated it, like yourself). The forum discussion is tedious and trying at times, but if you can't think of anything to add to a conversation, then create your own topic (if possible). If the teacher doesn't allow that then they suck at online teaching (no one can just talk about the same topic for a week) I found its best to try to add a point to a conversation that involves something from your own life (work, school, family, etc). The teachers I've had like that type of posting because it can draw others into looking into their own lives for discussion. If you can't do that, then if you have a good imagination, just make shit up I have a very good imagination, so there were several "stories" about my life that ended up on discussion boards. The only thing I really hated about online classes were the proctored exam and the end of semester project (but that project would have been there regardless of being online, I'm sure).
|
|
jkapp
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 12:05:08 GMT -5
Posts: 5,416
|
Post by jkapp on Jul 29, 2014 10:28:43 GMT -5
Which is incredibly frustrating when the requirements are to respond to other people and no one posts until the night of the deadline. I found a lot of people kept waiting for someone else to start the topic (either they didn't know how to start or were afraid of answering incorrectly). Once I was used to the online format, I had no troubles being the first to post something. It later would become a game for someone to try to beat me to the first posting Sometimes it just depends on who else is in the class. If they are all new to online classes, it can be excruciating....
|
|
jkapp
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 12:05:08 GMT -5
Posts: 5,416
|
Post by jkapp on Jul 29, 2014 10:33:47 GMT -5
Oh, another good posting suggestion: if you don't understand something from the reading, ask someone else for help (that can count as a posting by most teachers, some don't count questions which I think is stupid - this is supposed to be a learning environment which you can't have without questions). But these questions can spur discussion, which the other students will appreciate. So, if questions help, then ask questions even if you did understand the reading!
|
|
Lizard Queen
Senior Associate
103/2024
Joined: Jan 17, 2011 22:19:13 GMT -5
Posts: 14,659
|
Post by Lizard Queen on Jul 29, 2014 10:37:13 GMT -5
I would also be completely frustrated about the expectations not being clear to begin with and then changing midway through. I'm so sorry. I know it doesn't help with the first portion of the class, but every college online class I've taken has required interaction via the message board. I agree that you should persevere through this class, and not just because you may have to repay the grant money. Is there a dean or department head you can check in with to mention the confusion and frustration you have?Also, in every college class I've ever enrolled, there's always been some type of feedback required from the students. Make sure you use that venue. This. It is completely unacceptable for her to change the requirements midway through. I don't think that would fly at my school. Instructors are required to have a syllabus explaining this on day one. With an online class, they need to make sure they are crystal clear with their requirements from day one. I would complain to the dean or something. She's only an adjunct, and probably on probation.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 6:27:17 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2014 11:47:36 GMT -5
I am in the process of explaining my issues to the person responsible for the program. I don't know that they will care, but I think someone needs to know that the adjunct doesn't seem to know what she is doing....
I also am in the process of withdrawing.
I don't want to "give up" but I am having mental health issues around cognition and I just can't do this "read and take a test" type of learning. I don't learn by reading...
And, as school and work pile up, I get to be so stressed that I cannot accomplish a dang thing. I haven't made any money in the last month... It's pretty bad.
When she issued the "rubric" and my grades dropped from A's to D's I decided I was done and haven't been able to get back to wanting to be in school, at all.
I have decided that I need to find a job, any job, to get out of the house and to have income that is not determined by my ability to think and self-motivate. Self employment is wonderful, but when I cannot think well (which seems to be when the medication works......) I cannot get anything done.
I applied for a job yesterday with the local no-kill animal shelter. I would be thrilled to get paid to clean up after and work with the animals. I have wanted to do that for a long time, and they are hiring.
I also applied for a couple cashier jobs down in the closest town.
The good news is that when I get really stressed and can't think, I can move my feet and exercise. I spent 5 days lately digging in the mine tailings of an old copper mine in my area. I have some great rocks and spending time in nature with my dogs is great....
|
|
flutterby
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 22, 2013 9:16:42 GMT -5
Posts: 738
|
Post by flutterby on Jul 29, 2014 12:44:33 GMT -5
Shoot, Shasta, I am sorry to hear this didn't work out for you. Didn't you have some plans to use student loan money for a new roof or something? Am I remembering that correctly? How will withdrawing affect the remodeling plans?
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 6:27:17 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2014 14:15:05 GMT -5
I put a call into my doc and asked for a referral to a therapist who does CBT type work with depression. I have to find ways to overcome the brain inertia to be able to work/school, etc...
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 6:27:17 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2014 18:13:35 GMT -5
Thanks. It is hard to quit. It isn't the thing I want to show my sons, but they live with me and know I am having issues, I am sure....
However, I did call today to find out where I can do some CBT type therapy in my area. My doctor said he was excited that I had asked for the referral and he thinks it would be helpful for my specific issue. Neither of us are too happy that I now have to call a 800# and they decide who I can see... I called but they said no one was doing referrals and they will call back. Okay...
After some testing, it was decided that I also have a personality disorder, probably caused in part by the strange way I grew up. I mention this because I don't typically talk to people about what I really think or feel in real life.
I don't want to do the whole "sit and tell me about when you were 5" type thing. I want to learn specific tools to help me get past the inertia when it comes on. It is cyclical, and I can clearly see the issues it causes, but I cannot seem to be able to get past it.
|
|
kittensaver
Junior Associate
We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
Joined: Nov 22, 2011 16:16:36 GMT -5
Posts: 7,983
|
Post by kittensaver on Jul 29, 2014 18:45:43 GMT -5
Check with your County health or mental health department. Did your County complete and submit a Community Services and Supports plan to draw down California Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63) dollars? If yes, then PEI (Prevention and Early Intervention) services should be available at low or no-cost in your County through the directly operated county MH clinic or through a contracted provider. Medi-Cal will cover it! There are several excellent PEI therapy programs including CBT, DBT, CORS and Seeking Safety.
If you are too overwhelmed to do the research, please pm me with your County and I can look it up for you. I don't think I can help you too much if your County does NOT have Prop 63 dollars (some don't, because they didn't do the work to get the money) but I'm willing to give it a whirl to help out a fellow CA-er
|
|
Works4me
Senior Member
Someone responded to your personal ad - a German Shepherd named Tara wants to have you for dinner...
Joined: May 5, 2012 12:11:37 GMT -5
Posts: 2,555
|
Post by Works4me on Jul 29, 2014 20:06:07 GMT -5
Atsahs - In spite of going through a difficult time, you are doing a great job of taking care of what you can and what has to be done - I am very impressed and also think you should be proud of yourself for the progress you have made - you are handling this latest flare up of you condition in the best way possible and are so much better than you were even last year. I am so proud and humbled of he progress you have made recently in all areas - you will be ok and things are getting better!
|
|
sapphire12
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:02:12 GMT -5
Posts: 1,211
|
Post by sapphire12 on Jul 29, 2014 21:02:15 GMT -5
Sorry school isn't working out for you right now. Kudos for listening to your triggers and being proactive in getting help. Good luck with this phase of your health and life.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 10, 2024 6:27:17 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2014 21:58:19 GMT -5
Check with your County health or mental health department. Did your County complete and submit a Community Services and Supports plan to draw down California Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63) dollars? If yes, then PEI (Prevention and Early Intervention) services should be available at low or no-cost in your County through the directly operated county MH clinic or through a contracted provider. Medi-Cal will cover it! There are several excellent PEI therapy programs including CBT, DBT, CORS and Seeking Safety.
If you are too overwhelmed to do the research, please pm me with your County and I can look it up for you. I don't think I can help you too much if your County does NOT have Prop 63 dollars (some don't, because they didn't do the work to get the money) but I'm willing to give it a whirl to help out a fellow CA-er Ah, Siskiyou County Mental Health...... My understanding, having dealt with them in the past, is that the waiting lists are months long. My husband was suicidal and they told him the first appointment was in two months. That was the next crisis appt. So much for crisis........ Not to mention, county behavioral health seems to deal about 95% with the legal system. If you aren't in the legal system, you are pretty much SOL. My doctor and I both agree they are crappy and not the place I should go. I was told that I have to call the "Partnership for Healthcare" aka Medicaid's "mental health management company" called Beacon. They have to approve my visits and will tell me where I am allowed to go. They took a message and she said at some point they will call me to screen my mental health and let me know about a referral... Medicaid changed with ACA and you are only allowed to see your primary care doc now that you are assigned to. If I go anywhere else, unless it is approved by the government, it isn't covered. Honestly, having the knowledge about what is happening to me is both a blessing and a curse. Intellectually I understand how my life looks to others, and what things work/don't work in my life, but I seem to have hit a wall in how to deal with them. It's simple things like applying for work, but then not being able to go follow up. Or even answering the phone if it rings. Why does it always have to be a long drawn out argument with myself over the massive effort, that isn't real, about accomplishing things? (rhetorical question) The therapist I saw told me the reason I think about simple things for days on end before I can do them is because I am controlling. I have thought a ton about that statement and I think it is really the inertia that comes with depression. I ALWAYS feel like I should do something tomorrow when I feel better. But, when I make myself go do something physical I can clearly see the proof that I am not really tired or exhausted, my brain just tells me I am. 24.7.365. Way back when I was prescribed a large dose of Paxil for a year. During that year I complained to the doctor that something was wrong because I completely lost the ability to care about things, and things in the future to be more specific. I left a long career that paid well, moved to the middle of nowhere, pulled my kids out of public school, it was really is a hard time to look back on, and it was clearly drug induced. I still believe it did something permanent to my brain function. I have never felt the same since, and spent about 6 months trying to detox from the Paxil feeling like I was dying. It was HORRIBLE. I don't know, I know the medication only gets me so far, so time to work on the other options. It's just frustrating.
|
|