As I attempt to complete my first semester of DL learning at Colorado State, a few things come to mind (venting). Even the best run schools and program have glitches, and sometimes your biggest problems can not be controlled. I am taking two courses, one by videotape and proctored exam and one on-line. Both have been challenging for several reason, the first being it has been over 10 years since I last took a formal class, and that was only a two semester look at night school course. The last regularly scheduled program was over 20 years ago. The biggest problem - TIME MANAGEMENT!!! Especially when you also have other outside commitments that you must meet (like work). Big hint, if it has been awhile since you studied regularly – start slowly – like one class. The second problem has been the lag time between listening to tapes, doing homework and then exams. Holidays can be a big problem. Next, pick your proctor carefully. I, in my infinite wisdom, went with a local Jr. college, which has a horrible internal mail system, and closes early for holidays (my final has not arrived yet, the testing center closes till after New Years tomorrow, and the final lecture tape has not arrived). Luckily my instructor and the DL department are willing to work with me, and I am sending in an alternative proctor and the exam will be mailed to him tomorrow. N.B. – pick a proctor that you have some belief that they will be there when you need them. Then comes my other class – started off fine with a three-day class back in Ft. Collins, but then the fun began. The instructor split us in to groups to work on assignments, and my partner dropped without telling anyone (this was an unofficial drop, as he wants the chance to catch up when he is ready). Now the final was supposed to be posted last week, but no one can find the instructor. Ah, but it is almost over, and then aI can get ready for my next class – Probability Theory.
