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question about American College of Ed

by JCM

Aug 6, 2010

I just spoke with American U.yesterday and I am intrigued. Obviously the price is right, but I have some questions. The advisor I spoke with said that there are very few papers, but there is one assignment a week and one test a week. What kind of assignments are there? Do you feel like the assignments are doable and valuable in some way. I just don't want to go into a program where I am just going through the motions and not learning much to bring back to the classroom. Also, are there any breaks in the schedule? I know that the classes are 5 weeks long and then you start another one, but is there ever a break in between? ANY positive or negative comments about the program would be so helpful!

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angela No problem...ask away.

Yes, I teach a full day (middle school) and tutor after school. My stress level is definately self imposed, but I've learned to pace my grad class work. Progress monitors (2)are basically what the name says, a quick check on the lectures and readings. The weekly quizzes and the PMs are multiple choice. Hard only if t...See MoreNo problem...ask away.

Yes, I teach a full day (middle school) and tutor after school. My stress level is definately self imposed, but I've learned to pace my grad class work. Progress monitors (2)are basically what the name says, a quick check on the lectures and readings. The weekly quizzes and the PMs are multiple choice. Hard only if that is not your testing preference. Questions are both knowledge and application. The discussion board responses are qualative, not quantative. They don't not books, but must demonstrate knowledge of the material (with references). The assignment builds on itself from week 1 through week 4, with reflections on week 5. A lot of the written work has a minimum word count, and pretty much everything comes with a rubric so there is some guidance.

On 8/06/10, JCM wrote: > Angela, this is SO helpful- thank you! A couple of other > questions/opinions if you don't mind. So,you are able to teach > full time and take these classes without feeling too overly > stressed? I teach K, and I put in alot of time. But, I know I > would be ok if I scheduled times to be online for the courses > and really planned. A couple other questions- What is > a "progress monitor?", are the weekly quizes hard?, how much do > you have to write on your responses, and lastly, is the > comprehensive assignment a big paper or something else? > Thank you so much, your information is really helping me decide > on the program. I just want all of the real info that the > advisors don't necessarily tell you, or even know.. > Julie > > > On 8/06/10, angela wrote: >> 1. The curriculum/courses are rigorous. I can promise you, >> you are not just going through the motions, I have used a >> good amount of information I've learned in my classroom. The >> assignments are very relative and helpful. >> >> 2. In a one week time, you have several articles (usually 3) >> to read and complete a progress monitor. At least 3 - 4 >> lectures on videos and a progress monitor to complete. A >> review lecture. A weekly quiz (wks 1 - 4) and week 5 final >> exam, and a comprehensive assignment. Also, there is a >> discussion board that you must post and participate on (your >> original response and at least two colleague responses). >> >> 3. Everything is online. I bought a 3 inch binder with 5 >> dividers. Each week per divider and at the end of each >> course, I put the contents in a hanging file. (I have >> referred to past articles/lectures often in my assignments). >> >> 4. Each course is 5 weeks, then a one week break, then it >> starts over again - a good time to regroup, and a much needed >> time since we are going to grad school and teaching at the >> same time. >> >> I really don't have much negative to say - the one negative I >> can think of was the lack of timely feedback from an >> instructor. It's really been a good experience. It's made >> me look at my teaching practices and work to do better for my >> students. >> >> Hope this helps... >> >> On 8/06/10, JCM wrote: >>> I just spoke with American U.yesterday and I am intrigued. >>> Obviously the price is right, but I have some questions. >>> The advisor I spoke with said that there are very few >>> papers, but there is one assignment a week and one test a >>> week. What kind of assignments are there? Do you feel like >>> the assignments are doable and valuable in some way. I just >>> don't want to go into a program where I am just going >>> through the motions and not learning much to bring back to >>> the classroom. Also, are there any breaks in the schedule? >>> I know that the classes are 5 weeks long and then you start >>> another one, but is there ever a break in between? ANY >>> positive or negative comments about the program would be so >>> helpful!

Aug 7, 2010

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JCM Thanks for all the info! When I talked to the academic advisor on the phone, he said that an example of an assignment might be to interview three colleagues about a certain topic. He said that there really wasn't alot of paper writing. Was he accurate in his description of those types of assignments? Those appeal more to me than sitting down and wr...See MoreThanks for all the info! When I talked to the academic advisor on the phone, he said that an example of an assignment might be to interview three colleagues about a certain topic. He said that there really wasn't alot of paper writing. Was he accurate in his description of those types of assignments? Those appeal more to me than sitting down and writing a 3+ page paper. So, my pros for the program are the cost and the flexibility. The cons, or worries, are that I will be swamped with teaching full time and going to school without being able to put it on hold and that the coursework will not be relavent to Kindergarten or first grade. What do you think? Thanks again for your insights- they are so helpful! Julie

On 8/07/10, angela wrote: > No problem...ask away. > > Yes, I teach a full day (middle school) and tutor after school. My > stress level is definately self imposed, but I've learned to pace > my grad class work. Progress monitors (2)are basically what the > name says, a quick check on the lectures and readings. The weekly > quizzes and the PMs are multiple choice. Hard only if that is not > your testing preference. Questions are both knowledge and > application. The discussion board responses are qualative, not > quantative. They don't not books, but must demonstrate knowledge > of the material (with references). The assignment builds on itself > from week 1 through week 4, with reflections on week 5. A lot of > the written work has a minimum word count, and pretty much > everything comes with a rubric so there is some guidance. > > > On 8/06/10, JCM wrote: >> Angela, this is SO helpful- thank you! A couple of other >> questions/opinions if you don't mind. So,you are able to teach >> full time and take these classes without feeling too overly >> stressed? I teach K, and I put in alot of time. But, I know I >> would be ok if I scheduled times to be online for the courses >> and really planned. A couple other questions- What is >> a "progress monitor?", are the weekly quizes hard?, how much do >> you have to write on your responses, and lastly, is the >> comprehensive assignment a big paper or something else? >> Thank you so much, your information is really helping me decide >> on the program. I just want all of the real info that the >> advisors don't necessarily tell you, or even know.. >> Julie >> >> >> On 8/06/10, angela wrote: >>> 1. The curriculum/courses are rigorous. I can promise you, >>> you are not just going through the motions, I have used a >>> good amount of information I've learned in my classroom. The >>> assignments are very relative and helpful. >>> >>> 2. In a one week time, you have several articles (usually 3) >>> to read and complete a progress monitor. At least 3 - 4 >>> lectures on videos and a progress monitor to complete. A >>> review lecture. A weekly quiz (wks 1 - 4) and week 5 final >>> exam, and a comprehensive assignment. Also, there is a >>> discussion board that you must post and participate on (your >>> original response and at least two colleague responses). >>> >>> 3. Everything is online. I bought a 3 inch binder with 5 >>> dividers. Each week per divider and at the end of each >>> course, I put the contents in a hanging file. (I have >>> referred to past articles/lectures often in my assignments). >>> >>> 4. Each course is 5 weeks, then a one week break, then it >>> starts over again - a good time to regroup, and a much needed >>> time since we are going to grad school and teaching at the >>> same time. >>> >>> I really don't have much negative to say - the one negative I >>> can think of was the lack of timely feedback from an >>> instructor. It's really been a good experience. It's made >>> me look at my teaching practices and work to do better for my >>> students. >>> >>> Hope this helps... >>> >>> On 8/06/10, JCM wrote: >>>> I just spoke with American U.yesterday and I am intrigued. >>>> Obviously the price is right, but I have some questions. >>>> The advisor I spoke with said that there are very few >>>> papers, but there is one assignment a week and one test a >>>> week. What kind of assignments are there? Do you feel like >>>> the assignments are doable and valuable in some way. I just >>>> don't want to go into a program where I am just going >>>> through the motions and not learning much to bring back to >>>> the classroom. Also, are there any breaks in the schedule? >>>> I know that the classes are 5 weeks long and then you start >>>> another one, but is there ever a break in between? ANY >>>> positive or negative comments about the program would be so >>>> helpful!

Aug 8, 2010

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angela JC, if I can manage it, ANYBODY can manage it the course workload. The assignments are very doable and can be done without lots of torment. There's no real papers (especially nothing 3+ pages) to write, they're all done in the assignment. Like I said before, they give you guidelines and rubrics that are easy to follow. I'm not sure what degree you'...See MoreJC, if I can manage it, ANYBODY can manage it the course workload. The assignments are very doable and can be done without lots of torment. There's no real papers (especially nothing 3+ pages) to write, they're all done in the assignment. Like I said before, they give you guidelines and rubrics that are easy to follow. I'm not sure what degree you're pursuing, but my Week 1 analysis is:

*to conduct a study to identify existing technology planning, services in a school or district.

They start by telling stating we are to use our district information, but if we don't have access to it, google School Technology Plan and use it for the assignments. Part one is an outline with 14 quick points to address in paragraph form and part two is a 200 word reflection using the three questions they give to guide your typing.

May seem like a lot, but trust me, it's not. Tomorrow is the first day of class and the assignment is due Sunday, midnight.

The beauty of ACE is that even though there are deadlines, they are easy to work within and since the information is all on the website, you can do schoolwork on your own time. I have read articles during my planning periods, watched lectures after my children have gone to sleep, and every so often, if I can't sleep, started doing schoolwork and gotten tired (the best sleeping pill) LOL Once you get a routine, you'll be better. I try to complete all my work by Saturday, so I can enjoy my Sundays. If I had to put a time to it, I guess I do some sort of ACE work about 1 - 1 1/2 hrs a night max (and not every night). Like I said, it's just about developing and managing a routine.

Look at it this way, why not do it, the cost if fair and it's accredited, AND you can do it on your own time from home. What's to lose. I started Jan 2010, tomorrow starts my 6th class and I graduated June 2011. Why not. I know I sound like an infommercial, but I'm glad I started this program.

I know I've given you a lot of information, but if you have any other questions, feel free to let me know.

On 8/08/10, JCM wrote: > Thanks for all the info! When I talked to the academic advisor on the > phone, he said that an example of an assignment might be to interview > three colleagues about a certain topic. He said that there really > wasn't alot of paper writing. Was he accurate in his description of > those types of assignments? Those appeal more to me than sitting down > and writing a 3+ page paper. So, my pros for the program are the cost > and the flexibility. The cons, or worries, are that I will be swamped > with teaching full time and going to school without being able to put > it on hold and that the coursework will not be relavent to > Kindergarten or first grade. > What do you think? Thanks again for your insights- they are so > helpful! > Julie > > On 8/07/10, angela wrote: >> No problem...ask away. >> >> Yes, I teach a full day (middle school) and tutor after school. My >> stress level is definately self imposed, but I've learned to pace >> my grad class work. Progress monitors (2)are basically what the >> name says, a quick check on the lectures and readings. The weekly >> quizzes and the PMs are multiple choice. Hard only if that is not >> your testing preference. Questions are both knowledge and >> application. The discussion board responses are qualative, not >> quantative. They don't not books, but must demonstrate knowledge >> of the material (with references). The assignment builds on itself >> from week 1 through week 4, with reflections on week 5. A lot of >> the written work has a minimum word count, and pretty much >> everything comes with a rubric so there is some guidance. >> >> >> On 8/06/10, JCM wrote: >>> Angela, this is SO helpful- thank you! A couple of other >>> questions/opinions if you don't mind. So,you are able to teach >>> full time and take these classes without feeling too overly >>> stressed? I teach K, and I put in alot of time. But, I know I >>> would be ok if I scheduled times to be online for the courses >>> and really planned. A couple other questions- What is >>> a "progress monitor?", are the weekly quizes hard?, how much do >>> you have to write on your responses, and lastly, is the >>> comprehensive assignment a big paper or something else? >>> Thank you so much, your information is really helping me decide >>> on the program. I just want all of the real info that the >>> advisors don't necessarily tell you, or even know.. >>> Julie >>> >>> >>> On 8/06/10, angela wrote: >>>> 1. The curriculum/courses are rigorous. I can promise you, >>>> you are not just going through the motions, I have used a >>>> good amount of information I've learned in my classroom. The >>>> assignments are very relative and helpful. >>>> >>>> 2. In a one week time, you have several articles (usually 3) >>>> to read and complete a progress monitor. At least 3 - 4 >>>> lectures on videos and a progress monitor to complete. A >>>> review lecture. A weekly quiz (wks 1 - 4) and week 5 final >>>> exam, and a comprehensive assignment. Also, there is a >>>> discussion board that you must post and participate on (your >>>> original response and at least two colleague responses). >>>> >>>> 3. Everything is online. I bought a 3 inch binder with 5 >>>> dividers. Each week per divider and at the end of each >>>> course, I put the contents in a hanging file. (I have >>>> referred to past articles/lectures often in my assignments). >>>> >>>> 4. Each course is 5 weeks, then a one week break, then it >>>> starts over again - a good time to regroup, and a much needed >>>> time since we are going to grad school and teaching at the >>>> same time. >>>> >>>> I really don't have much negative to say - the one negative I >>>> can think of was the lack of timely feedback from an >>>> instructor. It's really been a good experience. It's made >>>> me look at my teaching practices and work to do better for my >>>> students. >>>> >>>> Hope this helps... >>>> >>>> On 8/06/10, JCM wrote: >>>>> I just spoke with American U.yesterday and I am intrigued. >>>>> Obviously the price is right, but I have some questions. >>>>> The advisor I spoke with said that there are very few >>>>> papers, but there is one assignment a week and one test a >>>>> week. What kind of assignments are there? Do you feel like >>>>> the assignments are doable and valuable in some way. I just >>>>> don't want to go into a program where I am just going >>>>> through the motions and not learning much to bring back to >>>>> the classroom. Also, are there any breaks in the schedule? >>>>> I know that the classes are 5 weeks long and then you start >>>>> another one, but is there ever a break in between? ANY >>>>> positive or negative comments about the program would be so >>>>> helpful!

Aug 8, 2010

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JCM Angela, Thanks so much for giving me all the details about the program! You have made me feel so much better because now I can make an informed decision. I am probably going to pick ACE and start around October or November, after the beginning of school rush is over. Thanks again for all your help!! Julie On 8/08/10, angela wrote: > JC, if I can...See MoreAngela, Thanks so much for giving me all the details about the program! You have made me feel so much better because now I can make an informed decision. I am probably going to pick ACE and start around October or November, after the beginning of school rush is over. Thanks again for all your help!! Julie On 8/08/10, angela wrote: > JC, if I can manage it, ANYBODY can manage it the course workload. The > assignments are very doable and can be done without lots of torment. > There's no real papers (especially nothing 3+ pages) to write, they're > all done in the assignment. Like I said before, they give you guidelines > and rubrics that are easy to follow. I'm not sure what degree you're > pursuing, but my Week 1 analysis is: > > *to conduct a study to identify existing technology planning, services in > a school or district. > > They start by telling stating we are to use our district information, but > if we don't have access to it, google School Technology Plan and use it > for the assignments. Part one is an outline with 14 quick points to > address in paragraph form and part two is a 200 word reflection using the > three questions they give to guide your typing. > > May seem like a lot, but trust me, it's not. Tomorrow is the first day > of class and the assignment is due Sunday, midnight. > > The beauty of ACE is that even though there are deadlines, they are easy > to work within and since the information is all on the website, you can > do schoolwork on your own time. I have read articles during my planning > periods, watched lectures after my children have gone to sleep, and every > so often, if I can't sleep, started doing schoolwork and gotten tired > (the best sleeping pill) LOL Once you get a routine, you'll be better. > I try to complete all my work by Saturday, so I can enjoy my Sundays. If > I had to put a time to it, I guess I do some sort of ACE work about 1 - 1 > 1/2 hrs a night max (and not every night). Like I said, it's just about > developing and managing a routine. > > Look at it this way, why not do it, the cost if fair and it's accredited, > AND you can do it on your own time from home. What's to lose. I started > Jan 2010, tomorrow starts my 6th class and I graduated June 2011. Why > not. I know I sound like an infommercial, but I'm glad I started this > program. > > I know I've given you a lot of information, but if you have any other > questions, feel free to let me know. > > > > On 8/08/10, JCM wrote: >> Thanks for all the info! When I talked to the academic advisor on the >> phone, he said that an example of an assignment might be to interview >> three colleagues about a certain topic. He said that there really >> wasn't alot of paper writing. Was he accurate in his description of >> those types of assignments? Those appeal more to me than sitting down >> and writing a 3+ page paper. So, my pros for the program are the cost >> and the flexibility. The cons, or worries, are that I will be swamped >> with teaching full time and going to school without being able to put >> it on hold and that the coursework will not be relavent to >> Kindergarten or first grade. >> What do you think? Thanks again for your insights- they are so >> helpful! >> Julie >> >> On 8/07/10, angela wrote: >>> No problem...ask away. >>> >>> Yes, I teach a full day (middle school) and tutor after school. My >>> stress level is definately self imposed, but I've learned to pace >>> my grad class work. Progress monitors (2)are basically what the >>> name says, a quick check on the lectures and readings. The weekly >>> quizzes and the PMs are multiple choice. Hard only if that is not >>> your testing preference. Questions are both knowledge and >>> application. The discussion board responses are qualative, not >>> quantative. They don't not books, but must demonstrate knowledge >>> of the material (with references). The assignment builds on itself >>> from week 1 through week 4, with reflections on week 5. A lot of >>> the written work has a minimum word count, and pretty much >>> everything comes with a rubric so there is some guidance. >>> >>> >>> On 8/06/10, JCM wrote: >>>> Angela, this is SO helpful- thank you! A couple of other >>>> questions/opinions if you don't mind. So,you are able to teach >>>> full time and take these classes without feeling too overly >>>> stressed? I teach K, and I put in alot of time. But, I know I >>>> would be ok if I scheduled times to be online for the courses >>>> and really planned. A couple other questions- What is >>>> a "progress monitor?", are the weekly quizes hard?, how much do >>>> you have to write on your responses, and lastly, is the >>>> comprehensive assignment a big paper or something else? >>>> Thank you so much, your information is really helping me decide >>>> on the program. I just want all of the real info that the >>>> advisors don't necessarily tell you, or even know.. >>>> Julie >>>> >>>> >>>> On 8/06/10, angela wrote: >>>>> 1. The curriculum/courses are rigorous. I can promise you, >>>>> you are not just going through the motions, I have used a >>>>> good amount of information I've learned in my classroom. The >>>>> assignments are very relative and helpful. >>>>> >>>>> 2. In a one week time, you have several articles (usually 3) >>>>> to read and complete a progress monitor. At least 3 - 4 >>>>> lectures on videos and a progress monitor to complete. A >>>>> review lecture. A weekly quiz (wks 1 - 4) and week 5 final >>>>> exam, and a comprehensive assignment. Also, there is a >>>>> discussion board that you must post and participate on (your >>>>> original response and at least two colleague responses). >>>>> >>>>> 3. Everything is online. I bought a 3 inch binder with 5 >>>>> dividers. Each week per divider and at the end of each >>>>> course, I put the contents in a hanging file. (I have >>>>> referred to past articles/lectures often in my assignments). >>>>> >>>>> 4. Each course is 5 weeks, then a one week break, then it >>>>> starts over again - a good time to regroup, and a much needed >>>>> time since we are going to grad school and teaching at the >>>>> same time. >>>>> >>>>> I really don't have much negative to say - the one negative I >>>>> can think of was the lack of timely feedback from an >>>>> instructor. It's really been a good experience. It's made >>>>> me look at my teaching practices and work to do better for my >>>>> students. >>>>> >>>>> Hope this helps... >>>>> >>>>> On 8/06/10, JCM wrote: >>>>>> I just spoke with American U.yesterday and I am intrigued. >>>>>> Obviously the price is right, but I have some questions. >>>>>> The advisor I spoke with said that there are very few >>>>>> papers, but there is one assignment a week and one test a >>>>>> week. What kind of assignments are there? Do you feel like >>>>>> the assignments are doable and valuable in some way. I just >>>>>> don't want to go into a program where I am just going >>>>>> through the motions and not learning much to bring back to >>>>>> the classroom. Also, are there any breaks in the schedule? >>>>>> I know that the classes are 5 weeks long and then you start >>>>>> another one, but is there ever a break in between? ANY >>>>>> positive or negative comments about the program would be so >>>>>> helpful!

Aug 9, 2010

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gavin meiring Angela,

I have enjoyed reading all your posts. I have just started my course with Ace and I am very excited.

I was going to ask you how you found the internship and how it worked ? That is the one thing I hve still not worked out. I hope you could breifly share with me.

Sincerely

Gavin

On 8/09/10, JCM w...See MoreAngela,

I have enjoyed reading all your posts. I have just started my course with Ace and I am very excited.

I was going to ask you how you found the internship and how it worked ? That is the one thing I hve still not worked out. I hope you could breifly share with me.

Sincerely

Gavin

On 8/09/10, JCM wrote: > Angela, Thanks so much for giving me all the details > about the program! You > have made me feel so much better because now I can make > an informed decision. I am probably going to pick ACE > and start around October or November, after the > beginning of school rush is over. Thanks again for all > your help!! Julie On 8/08/10, angela wrote: >> JC, if I can manage it, ANYBODY can manage it the >> course workload. The assignments are very doable and >> can be done without lots of torment. There's no real >> papers (especially nothing 3+ pages) to write, >> they're all done in the assignment. Like I said >> before, they give you guidelines and rubrics that are >> easy to follow. I'm not sure what degree you're >> pursuing, but my Week 1 analysis is: >> >> *to conduct a study to identify existing technology >> planning, services in a school or district. >> >> They start by telling stating we are to use our >> district information, but if we don't have access to >> it, google School Technology Plan and use it for the >> assignments. Part one is an outline with 14 quick >> points to address in paragraph form and part two is a >> 200 word reflection using the three questions they >> give to guide your typing. >> >> May seem like a lot, but trust me, it's not. Tomorrow >> is the first day of class and the assignment is due >> Sunday, midnight. >> >> The beauty of ACE is that even though there are >> deadlines, they are easy to work within and since the >> information is all on the website, you can do >> schoolwork on your own time. I have read articles >> during my planning periods, watched lectures after my >> children have gone to sleep, and every so often, if I >> can't sleep, started doing schoolwork and gotten >> tired (the best sleeping pill) LOL Once you get a >> routine, you'll be better. I try to complete all my >> work by Saturday, so I can enjoy my Sundays. If I had >> to put a time to it, I guess I do some sort of ACE >> work about 1 - 1 1/2 hrs a night max (and not every >> night). Like I said, it's just about developing and >> managing a routine. >> >> Look at it this way, why not do it, the cost if fair >> and it's accredited, AND you can do it on your own >> time from home. What's to lose. I started Jan 2010, >> tomorrow starts my 6th class and I graduated June >> 2011. Why not. I know I sound like an infommercial, >> but I'm glad I started this program. >> >> I know I've given you a lot of information, but if >> you have any other questions, feel free to let me >> know. >> >> >> >> On 8/08/10, JCM wrote: >>> Thanks for all the info! When I talked to the >>> academic advisor on the phone, he said that an >>> example of an assignment might be to interview >>> three colleagues about a certain topic. He said >>> that there really wasn't alot of paper writing. Was >>> he accurate in his description of those types of >>> assignments? Those appeal more to me than sitting >>> down and writing a 3+ page paper. So, my pros for >>> the program are the cost and the flexibility. The >>> cons, or worries, are that I will be swamped with >>> teaching full time and going to school without >>> being able to put it on hold and that the >>> coursework will not be relavent to Kindergarten or >>> first grade. What do you think? Thanks again for >>> your insights- they are so helpful! Julie >>> >>> On 8/07/10, angela wrote: >>>> No problem...ask away. >>>> >>>> Yes, I teach a full day (middle school) and tutor >>>> after school. My stress level is definately self >>>> imposed, but I've learned to pace my grad class >>>> work. Progress monitors (2)are basically what the >>>> name says, a quick check on the lectures and >>>> readings. The weekly quizzes and the PMs are >>>> multiple choice. Hard only if that is not your >>>> testing preference. Questions are both knowledge >>>> and application. The discussion board responses >>>> are qualative, not quantative. They don't not >>>> books, but must demonstrate knowledge of the >>>> material (with references). The assignment builds >>>> on itself from week 1 through week 4, with >>>> reflections on week 5. A lot of the written work >>>> has a minimum word count, and pretty much >>>> everything comes with a rubric so there is some >>>> guidance. >>>> >>>> >>>> On 8/06/10, JCM wrote: >>>>> Angela, this is SO helpful- thank you! A couple >>>>> of other questions/opinions if you don't mind. >>>>> So,you are able to teach full time and take >>>>> these classes without feeling too overly >>>>> stressed? I teach K, and I put in alot of time. >>>>> But, I know I would be ok if I scheduled times >>>>> to be online for the courses and really >>>>> planned. A couple other questions- What is a >>>>> "progress monitor?", are the weekly >>>>> quizes hard?, how much do you have to write on >>>>> your responses, and lastly, is the >>>>> comprehensive assignment a big paper or >>>>> something else? Thank you so much, your >>>>> information is really helping me decide on the >>>>> program. I just want all of the real info that >>>>> the advisors don't necessarily tell you, or >>>>> even know.. Julie >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 8/06/10, angela wrote: >>>>>> 1. The curriculum/courses are rigorous. I can >>>>>> promise you, you are not just going through >>>>>> the motions, I have used a good amount of >>>>>> information I've learned in my classroom. The >>>>>> assignments are very relative and helpful. >>>>>> >>>>>> 2. In a one week time, you have several >>>>>> articles (usually 3) to read and complete a >>>>>> progress monitor. At least 3 - 4 lectures on >>>>>> videos and a progress monitor to complete. A >>>>>> review lecture. A weekly quiz (wks 1 - 4) and >>>>>> week 5 final exam, and a comprehensive >>>>>> assignment. Also, there is a discussion board >>>>>> that you must post and participate on (your >>>>>> original response and at least two colleague >>>>>> responses). >>>>>> >>>>>> 3. Everything is online. I bought a 3 inch >>>>>> binder with 5 dividers. Each week per divider >>>>>> and at the end of each course, I put the >>>>>> contents in a hanging file. (I have referred >>>>>> to past articles/lectures often in my >>>>>> assignments). >>>>>> >>>>>> 4. Each course is 5 weeks, then a one week >>>>>> break, then it starts over again - a good >>>>>> time to regroup, and a much needed time since >>>>>> we are going to grad school and teaching at >>>>>> the same time. >>>>>> >>>>>> I really don't have much negative to say - >>>>>> the one negative I can think of was the lack >>>>>> of timely feedback from an instructor. It's >>>>>> really been a good experience. It's made me >>>>>> look at my teaching practices and work to do >>>>>> better for my students. >>>>>> >>>>>> Hope this helps... >>>>>> >>>>>> On 8/06/10, JCM wrote: >>>>>>> I just spoke with American U.yesterday and >>>>>>> I am intrigued. Obviously the price is >>>>>>> right, but I have some questions. The >>>>>>> advisor I spoke with said that there are >>>>>>> very few papers, but there is one >>>>>>> assignment a week and one test a week. What >>>>>>> kind of assignments are there? Do you feel >>>>>>> like the assignments are doable and >>>>>>> valuable in some way. I just don't want to >>>>>>> go into a program where I am just going >>>>>>> through the motions and not learning much >>>>>>> to bring back to the classroom. Also, are >>>>>>> there any breaks in the schedule? I know >>>>>>> that the classes are 5 weeks long and then >>>>>>> you start another one, but is there ever a >>>>>>> break in between? ANY positive or negative >>>>>>> comments about the program would be so >>>>>>> helpful! >

Sep 16, 2010

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