<p>I’m interested in enrolling in an online course. Does anyone have any experience in these programs? What courses did you take? Is it really time consuming? Thanks for the help!</p>
<p>I am an FLVS Student and currently I am taking AP Computer Science online and I’ve taken Pre Calculus, US History, Chemistry, 7th Grade Math, and Spanish I.</p>
<p>My experience is do not take online classes unless you have ample time for another class. Right now APCS is easy for me because of my programming experience, I find the assignments do take quite a bit of time to complete and I take “some” notes (I’m trying, I mostly take small things) and I learn quite a bit. My teacher is very good at what she does, and if I take the time to review my notes, I always have a good refresher on the language (Java).</p>
<p>That being said, I have A LOT of experience with java going from the basic level all the way to advanced concepts. I take my time however to always get full points, its a large part of the course to stay on top of your assignments. However, lets say you were taking the class (assuming no experience with programming), you might have trouble depending on your learning style for understanding the concepts and will most likely spend an entire day writing only 20-30 lines of code. So you have to have the time dedication towards the class if you want to do well. </p>
<p>Now, another example of ample time dedication without the AP preparation for an AP class, Pre Calculus. While I am some what good at understanding math concepts, I am no where near able to simply look at words on a computer screen, understand the math, and apply. With Pre Calculus, I took a large amount notes (in preparation for AP Calculus BC) and kept reviewing in free time in order to stay on top of the class. With Pre Calculus, I would spend probably and hour per assignment, and usually I could finish a module in 2 weeks. I did however, finish Pre Calculus in only 2 months, but that was due to a lot of effort. </p>
<p>So with my two examples so far I’ve given evidence that the classes are time consuming (depending on how you learn) however, I’m considered at a pace that is far greater than the expected of most students. I move at this pace because FLVS will have consequences if you fall behind, and you never want to get a phone call saying “Do 5 assignments by 11:59 or you’re kicked out of the class”. But what about a class that I was lazy and decided to take my time?</p>
<p>Spanish 1 I re-did through FLVS because I was a bad student in middle school and chose to not pay attention. When I retook the class, I was not taking notes, however, I was doing Spanish II through school. My teacher in school was very good and I was lucky to have made friends that where fluent Spanish speakers and their grammar and vocabulary started rubbing off on me. I progressed through the class at first very quickly, I finished about two modules in a day. However, I started getting lazy and pushing off assignments till the next and then the next week. Eventually, I finished the first semester. When I started the second semester, I basically did no work for a few weeks and then submitted about the entire class load. I had made so many mistakes, my grade was about an 84%. However, FLVS is great because you can resubmit assignments at anytime. So I slowly went, 3-4 assignment’s a week, until I finished the class. Now, this journey of taking Spanish 1, was very hard, I had to spend many hours practicing and my discussion based assignments (basically you call the teacher at the end of the module at are quizzed on some topics) were never perfect, however I did learn a lot, and it only took me about 8 months.</p>
<p>So those are 3 examples of the time requirements. Really, if you work on pace, dedicating 10 hours a week and submitting the basic 3-4 assignments, you will always finish the class on 32 weeks. However, if you work hard some weeks and get a little bit ahead, you can finish faster. Truthfully, taking the class requires you to create the time for it. </p>
<p>So that’s the time consuming part. However, one thing I’d like to add is that the classes, while heavy in detail in certain cases, you really need to take advantage of other resources. For Pre-Calculus, I spent hours going through the regular course and recorded assignments provided by FLVS and on top of that, I utilized people on YouTube such as NerdyJMT and Khan Academy. Both sources provided a good instruction and helped me pass the class. You also can call your teacher who can help you. Remember, it is the teacher that makes or breaks the class. If you’re not satisfied with your teacher, you can drop the course within a 14-day grace period provided at the beginning of the segment (semester).</p>
<p>All in all, you should take FLVS if you have the time or are able to manage another class on-top of a demanding course load. The best suggestion, is to start classes in the summer and wrap them up when school ends. Hope you make a decision, but best of luck.</p>
<p>@SheepLover Thank you SO much for this feedback! It really gives me an idea of what it would be like if I were to enroll. Did you have good instructors for your classes?</p>
<p>@TheSandMitch
Class:
7th Grade Math
Spanish I
US Government
Pre Calculus
Chemistry
AP CS</p>
<p>For 7th grade math, I remember I didn’t like the teacher very much however I did very poorly in the class (I got an A but that was through a lot of help).</p>
<p>Spanish I, my teacher at the beginning (she left for some reason) was okay, however when she was replaced, my new teacher I hated. However, she was good at what she did and taught me better pronunciation, and the amount of pressure I had from her helped me when studying because I can now read a lot of Spanish.</p>
<p>US Government, had a guy teacher, pretty cool guy. Sort of okay, I did well in the class and he was always helpful. Overall good experience and I feel ready for AP government.</p>
<p>Pre Calculus, I had a guy teacher, AMAZING teacher. Really drilled the concepts in me. I think I 'll have a good start in calculus with this guys help.</p>
<p>Chemistry, the teacher I had was meh. She was very nice but wasn’t really helpful. I did get a lot of concepts though but the class was time absorbing. I think I have a good shot though with AP Chem and AP Bio.</p>
<p>AP CS: Right now the teacher is too good. Too good. I’m an experienced programmer, but this teacher actually is finding my mistakes, helping me get the underlying concepts down, and I know I will prepared for that AP exam. </p>
<p>So, my teacher have been pretty good, I’ve lucked on a few. Its been a good experience, but if you’re not able to manage your time, the teacher won’t matter, you just have to get better.</p>
<p>@SheepLover You took chemistry! That’s what I’m thinking about enrolling in, haha. Did you struggle with the actual course? Was it as demanding as the others were for you? I have a lot on my plate for the next school year and I don’t want to overwork myself. I do feel like I can still manage the course though.</p>
<p>@TheSandMitch
I took Chemistry because I was going to take AP Chemistry (however there is some school politics going on so I might end up taking AP Biology and just self-studying the extra chemistry that I need to know)</p>
<p>At the beginning, Chemistry is more about understanding how we got to where we are, example being the periodic table. The scientific community underwent many changes, with creating the periodic table that we know and love today. You will learn a lot history which you must take note of, it will help you in the exams. You also are exposed to some math, you’ll learn dimensional analysis, a skill that some people can pick up quickly and others will struggle.</p>
<p>The second segment of chemistry you’ll about gas laws, oxidation, biochemistry, you’ll learn more of the chemistry parts that you’ll want to learn about (if you’re taking the class because you like chemistry). This part is a lot harder than the first, and where you’ll be taking a lot more notes. I found outside resources the most helpful with this section, however the courseware is very good with its examples and presentation.</p>
<p>The class overall is demanding, however if you budget I’d give it 15-20 hours a week on focusing in the class and doing your assignments and taking good notes, you’ll be able to finish the class at its normal 3-4 week pace easily, probably faster as concepts you learn start clicking. </p>
<p>Personally, I have a lot on my plate as well for this upcoming school year, I actually want to curl up into the fetal position and just watch TV instead of facing the real world. However, if you budget your time for extracurricular activities, regular school work, and on top of that, this one class, you’ll will most likely do fine. Me? II have to look forward to possibly 6 APs, all demanding and on top demanding English, Spanish, and Networking classes. But it is possible. </p>
<p>My god, @SheepLover, that’s really helpful! Nice job.</p>
<p>@SheepLover I can’t thank you enough. Thanks!</p>
<p>Anyone? </p>