Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bassexpander]

Next week, I'm beginning my M ed in curriculum and instruction with a focus in TESOL. It's an online program offered by the University of Missouri. I read that each 3 credit course will require approximately 10 hours of work per week.

For those of you who have been doing online course work (any uni), did you find this to be an accurate estimate?

I'm trying to decide if I should take 2 classes my first semester or not.

Thanks.

[rsmm0224]

As an average I would say yes, its fairly accurate but its a broad range. That's based on numerous students in numerous fields. In the end it will come down to how well/quickly you can read and write. Also, your base understanding of the material will play a big part. My marketing class was a breeze but Accounting kicked my ass.

I recommend only taking one and see how it goes. Trying to fight through two even if its too much can kill you. Or cost you hundreds of dollars if you don't drop on time. Don't get in a rush. Do one and see how it is. If its cake, double up next time.

[moosehead]

how fast do you type? big deal, very big.

yes, online is a LOT of work - 10 hrs is probably a conservative figure

but I went for it and take 2 classes a semester, no life, very hard, but also incredible

I also happen to enjoy my studies - but what you are taking my be very very dry? so think about that also

[Thiuda]

Congratulations on starting your MEd.

I took two courses a semester and found it to be a manageable workload, even with a full-time job and a family. During the semester you'll find that some weeks you spend less than 20 hours studying, and others when you spend more time studying - depending on if you have a term paper coming up, or are revising for an exam.

The best advice that I can give is not to fall behind on your workload; managing your time well is essential to success. Also, when you're selecting courses, always choose one easier one and another that you know is quite difficult. For example, I took one course dealing with bilingualism in society, a bird course, and another in educational linguistics, quite a difficult course focusing on the structure of language. Having one easy course allows you more time to spend on the difficult one, while not studying more than 20 hours a week. To find out which courses are the most difficult ask on the program discussion boards at the end of the semester, people will give you all the info you need.

Try to network with fellow students and ask for their study notes from courses you haven't taken yet. I found that a lot of my fellow online students were keen to get ahead in the summer and winter breaks, and were often willing to trade notes from courses they had taken with my own. This allowed me to do the readings assigned for courses in advance, which really cut down on the time I spent studying during the semester.

The other posters are right though, a lot depends on how quickly you can assimilate new information and rephrase it in typed form. I collated all of my weekly discussion board contributions, written responses to questions about the readings, term papers, and exam essay questions, as well as my thesis - the total came to 86.000 words in two years, or approximately 344 pages.

[rsmm0224]

It also depends on the structure of the program. I am currently getting my MBA online from Ellis College and its like eternal summer school. Its a "full time" load but instead of three classes at a time for 18 weeks, its one class at a time for six weeks. Very intensive and fast paced! I would never dream of doubling up with this program. But if you're in a normal "semester" environment you should be fine.

Oh, and check for books early if you need them! Kidari has been able to get me books for about 50% of the classes. Mostly everything is online for me anyway but sometimes you just gotta have that book! Ordering from America could be costly and time consuming so be mindful of that.