Hello everyone It seems that there are several different methods of taking courses at Athabasca: individualized study, grouped study (classroom seminar), teleconference, television-assisted (telecourses), computer mediated conferencing, individualized-study online, and online-enhanced. I'm interested in taking several courses to fulfill the discrete mathematics and CIS Core requirements for the Excelsior CIS degree. I would like to hear your own personal experiences with Athabasca. Did you take the individualized study course method? How long did you need to complete the course? How many courses can you concurrently take while working full time? How were the (included) course materials? How were the exams? How long were they? Thank you very much for sharing your experiences with the forum! Regards, Brandon
I have taken a few courses from Athabasca University. The course lengths for individualized study is six (6) months. Assignments was generally mailed (postal not electronic) to the assigned tutor. The course materials include a student study guide, a course guide, textbooks (included in the cost of the course), and any supplemental materials. The exams (3 hours) match the comprehensiveness and difficulty level associated with a traditional university - not easy so do not think you can skate through the courses. The assignments are equally comprehensive, making some online courses seem easy by contrast - though the online courses at other institutions are not any easier. With the course costs in Canadian dollars a degree from Athabasca University is relatively cheap in terms of finances but yet a bit more expensive in terms of time to complete due to the reliance on the postal service.
I had taken a couple UL Geology courses through Athabasca U., it was in the format of independent study. The books, notes, handouts, study guides, and assignments were all included in the tuition and sent to me right away...which was cool. It was a good course, the 2 proctored exams were all essay...which was a little tough. Th only complaints I have with them are: 1. If you live somewhere other than within the Pacific Standard Time Zone...communication/correspondance is really slow. 2. You never get to correspond with the actual professor(s). They have graduate students answer all your questions, help you with problems in comprehending material, clarification on assignments, etc... I had a really cool graduate TA...she was the one who graded all my assignments. The professor/instructor only graded my exams. That was the only time I had any communication with the professor. 3. You are responsible for the postal/shipping costs on all you assignments & exams! This is what upset me the most. If you want to get your assignments & exams sent back to the university "on-time"....regular USPS, UPS & FED-EX delivery was expensive!!!!!!!! Plus, remember they are in Canada, so it has to pass through customs on the US/Can border - so there is usually a 4-6 day holdup at customs before it actually arrives to the university. - so my advice is if you decide on them.....delivery confirmation or parcel tracking is strongly recommended!!!!!!! Other than that.......the tuition was reasonable....the assignments was doable....and I learned a lot. If you can handle the 3 scenarios I went through (and be careful if you do), then you should be alright.
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts with the board. After looking at my options, I think I'm going to take my courses for the Excelsior CIS Core at AThabasca. I plan on testing out of 3 of the courses, and the rest (5) I'll probably take via Individualized Study. Another question for the forum: Has anyone tested out of any courses at Athabasca? What were their experiences? Any tips? Thanks again, Brandon
