WNMU - First Semester Experience

So my first semester at WNMU is officially over. I had been waiting for my grades to post, and voila! They weren't listed in Mustang Express under final grades, but rather on the unofficial transcript. I'll admit, I was surprised to get A's in both courses I was taking.

After reflecting on the semester, I have to admit it was a bit harder (or at least more work) than I anticipated. It took a bit to shift from reflective writing, which I did for my MSEd, to more analytical writing. I am definitely confident in my writing ability. (I scored perfectly on the GRE Writing portion). However, there was much more writing than I thought there would be, which, to be honest, leads me to believe the program is credible. I've definitely taken classes that barely required anything.

The use of WebCT took some getting accustomed to. Although the discussion part was pretty easy to follow. I had taken courses at APU earlier, and I dislike their discussion system. I don't like how they differentiate between a reply and a subthread. WNMU was pretty straight forward. I was a bit disappointed in the quality of my classmates discussion. The regulars in the class put forth some major effort, while others barely said 2 words. I don't understand why one would take a course in which a major part of the grade is discussion, and then fail to discuss anything. There was one person in one class who didn't post any discussion until the last week. WOW!

Despite my earlier complaints about my professor's random due dates and times (I didn't like inconsistency), I believe he had his reasons for this. It required I constantly check the class, which I always due anyway because I'm anal like that After I got used to it, there were no problems.

Granted both of my courses were with the same professor, I feel like my experience with WNMU has actually merely been an experience with Dr. Manzanarez. I've signed up for his World Politics course in July, so I have an idea of what to expect.

All in all, I'd recommend the program. The courses I've taken thus far were really good, and you simply can't beat the tuition costs.

-Matt

 

I'm in the Railroad History class for the summer so hopefully that one will be as good as your previous experience.

Don't worry, I like to post to discussions.

 

Great. My class at APU right now only has 4 people. I like to discuss as well, but it's difficult if no one else does.

-Matt

 

Discussion Posting

Alas, there will always be issues surrounding discussion questions in distance education. GCU had odd requirements for same and there were many that seemed to float along, semester after semester, with very little qualitative input.

It's good to hear that WNMU seems to be a quality program. I am giving it some consideration to increase the arsenal for future adjunct teaching opportunities.