Straighterline Accounting I. (My exp so far)

[JanusthePhoenix]

I'm about 5 topics in to Accounting I on SL. I've never been so frustrated with a subject before, and I don't think it has anything to do with the material.

My brain feels like a pretzel right now, so this won't be very eloquent: I don't think they expended much effort on their lesson plan. Much of the way they are trying to teach me this stuff seems backwards and minimalistic. It could just be me; I had a similar problem with ALEKS in that I felt they really skimped on the explanations. I feel a need to understand one concept completely before I move on, so basically I have to start Googling every time they introduce a new term or concept and fail to explain or define anything. (Which is EVERY time. The credit/debit concept being the most notable example)

I could deal with all that maybe, if that was the only problem. Hell, I do my own research for all my other tests anyway. However, the program is just littered with typos and errors as well. Not just on the learning material, the graded tests too! So to answer a test question, first I have to try to guess a translation of the wording (sometimes it seems like they worded it as confusingly as possible on purpose), then I have to scan for obvious typos, THEN I can make an educated guess on the answer. I can never be sure about my answers even if I know the concept better than they can ever teach it.

More on the tests: they are far more difficult than the learning material prepares you for. Several times I've run into questions on the test covering material that wasn't even taught. (Although I'm sure the material is covered on the textbook, which can be purchased from the online bookstore for a nominal fee.:mad: ) Honestly, if the book is required to know all the concepts on the tests, shouldn't they mention this? It's very close to my experiences taking ECE tests using the companion website for the textbook as my only study material, only this time I need a much higher score for an A.

There are some small things that console me. First, in the end I will end up getting many credits for not a lot of money, even if my grade won't be what it should on account of shoddy SL production value.
More importantly though, is that I understand SL will revamp all their courses in September and hopefully all these problems will be fixed for future students. Has anyone heard more about this revamp?

[Epiphany]

I was pretty frustrated by Straighterlines English I program, mostly in how they graded the tests and provided feedback. Overall though I was happy with the services they provided.

Re: Accounting. I think you may skipping through some of the reading and assignments. Take another look at your course syllabus and make sure you know the topics in each section before opening the exams.

Honestly, if the book is required to know all the concepts on the tests, shouldn't they mention this?

The required textbook is featured at the very top of your course syllabus. It's also mentioned in the FAQ's on Straighterlines website.

Many of the concepts on the longer graded exams come from the text. It's possible to get through the course without that text, but it would be harder. You don't need to use the current online version, a slightly older version will do, and you should be able to find those very cheap.

[Tasman]

I am about to start SL Algebra today. Hopefully it will go well. I plan on studying this for 5 hours/day to try and knock this over as quickly as possible. Although I will try to take it all in and know all concepts as I am trying to get high grades for everything.
(Any Algebra info for this would be most welcome)

[frankiebleyes]

Doing an accounting course without a textbook is like making cookies without sugar.

[JanusthePhoenix]

Doing an accounting course without a textbook is like making cookies without sugar.

Perhaps I was expecting too much. I got the impression that SL courses taught you what you needed to know, then tested you on it. The impression I get now is that they kinda-sorta go over the basics, you know, if it's not too much trouble for them, then test you on the book's information.

Mostly I'm just pissed at the lack of production value; really obvious errors and typos that make me feel like they didn't put much effort into the whole thing.

For example, something like this came up in one lesson:

101 Cash
102 Accounts Receivable
103 Land
201 Accounts Payable
202 Notes Payable

This business has numbered its Liability accounts 101-199.

This is wrong, of course. I know they're not trying to teach me wrong things here, but seeing mistakes like these popping up everywhere makes me think they're lazy and don't check for things like that, or worse: they don't care.

I know it's supposed to be an experiment, but it's been around for years now and it looks like they haven't copy edited at all.

[P00057870]

Just think of it this way: If you were taking a face-to-face class at a brick and mortar college that met on Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon, you would have to purchase the book, study according to the syllabus or curriculum requirements, and be prepared to test on scheduled dates. Since you meet only once a week for a few hours, many of which will be used for testing, you will likely not get much more from the instructor than a few quick outlines or pin-point instruction on areas that he/she might know are common areas that require clarification. The rest will be up to you, or you will have to come in prepared with questions for them to clarify. That means you need the textbook in order to study and do your part of this process.

I would immagine that SL really isn't much different.

I'm always amazed when students ask if they can get through a course without buying the textbook. I actually was in a face-to-face Intermediate Algebra course recently and, sure 'nuf, there were at least 3 who thought they could do it without a textbook. They were overwhelmed and dropped out before long. Anyway, 'nuf said.

[journey21]

I was just going to make a post on this very subject! Except I bought the book

You wrote: (Which is EVERY time. The credit/debit concept being the most notable example)

Am having the same problem if someone could explain it to me-that would be awesome.

I'm nervous about taking my first test for this...could you guys give me more details on what to be prepare for...

Thanks!

[JanusthePhoenix]

I was just going to make a post on this very subject! Except I bought the book

You wrote: (Which is EVERY time. The credit/debit concept being the most notable example)

Am having the same problem if someone could explain it to me-that would be awesome.

I'm nervous about taking my first test for this...could you guys give me more details on what to be prepare for...

Thanks!

So far my best bet has been Principles of Accounting

Probably the optimal thing to do would be to read that entire website front to back (so to speak) and THEN start Straighterline, using their material to get a feel for the questions they'll ask and the wording of their definitions and such.

Of course I'm not doing that, because I'm impatient. I just refer to the above website when I'm having trouble with a concept and then try to plow ahead with the topics. In this way, I've averaged about 80% on the first 3 quizzes. I'm not proud of that score, but I am making cookies without sugar...

[Tasman]

Thank goodness I have my algebra book for SL Algebra...so far so good, but it has only been 2 hours!

[Panther1225]

I’m currently working on topic 12 of the Straighterline Macroeconomics course and from what I have seen, you really need the book. There are a number of the test questions referencing items in the book. I would totally be lost without it. The flash lessons provided in the course would never be enough.