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Have you ever taken an online course?
By PearlGrace
@PearlGrace (3171)
United States
July 28, 2008 1:23pm CST
I am thinking about trying an online course. I absolutely love learning new things and think it would be convenient to take a course from home.
Tell me, have you ever taken an online course? If so, what did you study? Was it more difficult than sitting in a classroom? Say what you thought about it.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@nanciem (1105)
• United States
28 Jul 08
Hiya!
I have actually taken a computer forensics course online. I loved it!
I prefer online vs. in a classroom setting and it also depends on your environment. I must admit it does take discipline to take the courses from home.. I mean we are tempted to watch TV, do laundry, whatever you you daily.
I think it is up to the individual, online courses are great, but is the temptation to do other things whilst home greater?
1 person likes this
@PearlGrace (3171)
• United States
28 Jul 08
What is a computer forensics course? That sounds fascinating. Hmmm, I see what you are saying because we can get easily distracted in our own homes. I work 3 days a week, take care of my mom 1 day a week, and clean the house and do errands the other weekday. I could spend 2 full afternoons a week on a course, at least, and that doesn't even count weekend time.
Plus, I have my own study here at home so I'm set up to limit distractions, if I need to. My husband works from home full time, well, unless he's on the road, that is. We are both used to not bothering the other when in the middle of projects.
Please tell me about this computer forensics course. I mean, is that like crime forensics, or something else? Thanks for responding, nanciem.
@nanciem (1105)
• United States
28 Jul 08
hi pearlgrace!
OMG this computer forensics course was the best, yes it is like crime forensics.
Basically what it is to sum it up :), you get into "suspect" computers, databse (if had) and pull them apart.
Apart "so to speak", I have been employed with somewhat "well known agencies", If you are really into forensics and computers this is the way to go! I am expanding my knowledge to Network Security (Don't have that cert yet.. but I will)
If you are interested I can send you my e-books I have purchased.. but u have to be really interested. I believe knowledge is power! Computer forensics is a great career, but it depends on what you want to do.
There are alot of Compter Forensics vids on utube.. heck them out! Let me know if u want some e-books!
1 person likes this
@PearlGrace (3171)
• United States
27 Aug 08
Hello nanciem.
Wow, thanks for telling me all about this computer forensics course. It sounds so fascinating. Thank you for the offer of your e-books but I think I better not take them for now. I have so many irons in the fire, this would not be a good time. But, you have definitely got my interest way up. I need to do some computer research on this area. Thanks alot, nanciem.
P.S. I don't know why I never got an email telling me you had answered my previous comment. I'm just now going back through all my old discussions and saw your comment. I usually respond back fairly quickly.
@ayumitakashi (4462)
• United States
23 Aug 08
This last semester that passed in my college I was taking three online courses. And this coming semester I am also taking three online courses on top of the two that I am taking at the University.
1 person likes this
@ayumitakashi (4462)
• United States
23 Aug 08
I do like to take them because they are convinient for me. There are times when they give a lot of papers and a lot of stuff to read and study and some of my other classes on campus don't give too much work like that. But it really just depends on the subject and the teacher of that class. I wouldn't really say that it's tougher, it's just a lot of work.
@PearlGrace (3171)
• United States
23 Aug 08
Hi ayumitakashi.
So tell me, do you like taking the online courses? What is it like? More work than going to class? Tougher than going to class? Thanks for sharing.
@trieschman (272)
• United States
23 Aug 08
I haven't really taken an online course. I took a training course to teach online and I did so for about two years. It is a lot of work. Don't think that being online or working from home makes it any easier. You need to be a self starter. Depending upon where you go to school it might not be at your own pace. The school I taught at had deadlines and requirements to post on a daily basis no matter what - weather - connection problems - holidays. As a teacher, I had even more work. This is why I left. I was raising children and found it difficult to dedicate the time that was needed. I do think online education is a good thing. I too would like to take a class online at some point. I enjoy learning. There is so much out there to learn about that is interesting. If you do it and it begins to feel like a burden, online education isn't right for you. I hope some of this helps.
1 person likes this
@PearlGrace (3171)
• United States
23 Aug 08
Hello trieschman.
I have worked at a university where the professors said it took alot more work--both for the teacher and the students--to do an online course. So, that certainly matches what you are saying here.
I would probably be the "ideal" online student, if there is one. I love to work ahead, I "always" "show up" on time, and I do every assignment in advance of the time it's actually due. In essence, I follow instructions.
But, even taking all that into consideration, I realize that it would be an awfully lot of work and responsibility to get through it. And, at my age, and with my other work, home, husband, etc., it would be quite an undertaking.
Thanks for your input.
@PearlGrace (3171)
• United States
28 Jul 08
Hi jill.
Isn't it amazing how a person can live in Arizona and earn a masters from the University of Minnesota! I have a masters that I earned many years ago (attending classes), but I occasionally think I'd like to earn another masters and do it online. Is that totally crazy or what?????
I am very interested in this subject right now, jillhill. Thanks for responding.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
28 Jul 08
I took an about.com jewelry course. Since it was free, it was nice. But it wasn't like most courses and I didn't have any money to actually buy the stuff to make the jewelry. I think it would have been hard because I need more pictures or to be shown like on DIY. But that is the closest to taking a course I've come. What course are you taking?
@PearlGrace (3171)
• United States
28 Jul 08
Hi writersedge. That sounds so fun, taking a jewelry course. I am not taking any course, but I have entertained thoughts of taking writing courses online. I already have a masters but I've lately thought I'd like to earn one online. I know that is crazy, isn't it?
Anyhoo, I suspect it is an awfully lot of work to do a course online but I am very interested in hearing from people who've done this. Thanks for posting.
