Straighterline - finally took the plunge

[TheCommuter]

I want to enroll in TESC's RN-to-BSN completion program later this year, since I only have the associate's degree in nursing. I feel that the BSN (bachelor of science in nursing) degree would possibly open up more opportunities for me.

Since I am seeking cheap college credits that will transfer into TESC, I finally took the plunge and enrolled in two of SL's courses (biology and business communication). I already have nearly 60 credits that were earned at B&M community colleges, but TESC has specific general ed and free elective requirements that must be met for this particular degree plan.

I also enrolled in ALEKS, since I need three credits of college-level math. Math is my major weak point, but I am hoping that I learn enough from Beginning Algebra in order to complete the Intermediate Algebra successfully.

I am very new to the world of distance-based education and have never taken an online course before, so SL seemed like it offered a lower-stakes opportunity to become acclimated to the format.

Thanks for reading.

[ryoder]

Once you learn what you need use mathway.com to validate your answers for aleks algebra.
Business comm is easy on straighter line. Skim the chapters, read the headings and flyouts, become familiar with the content then take the open book chapter test. You will need to locate the anwers in the text.
The three papers are not so bad either. One email one resume with cover letter and a medium length report. Good luck.

[TheCommuter]

Once you learn what you need use mathway.com to validate your answers for aleks algebra.
Business comm is easy on straighter line. Skim the chapters, read the headings and flyouts, become familiar with the content then take the open book chapter test. You will need to locate the anwers in the text.
The three papers are not so bad either. One email one resume with cover letter and a medium length report. Good luck.

Thanks. I ordered used copies of the recommended textbooks off Ebay yesterday, and they are expected to arrive next week. If I end up enjoying Straighterline's format and achieving my desired end result of passing their courses, I might keep my $99 monthly subscription and register for more of their offerings.

[burbuja0512]

SL is cheap and I have learned a lot so far. It's also nice that it's self-paced. So far, my SL tests have been very difficult, but they do give you plenty of time to complete them and they're open book.

I choose SL when there is a topic that I don't want to (or can't in the case of my failure at the CLEP macroeconomics) test out of.

Keep in mind that with SL the only things you HAVE to do are the graded exams. There are a lot of ungraded assignments that are probably necessary in order to learn the material, but if you already have a concept down pat, you don't need to do the extra work and can save time like that.

Overall, I am pleased with SL and DS is taking their non-credit English course and he is happy as well. Once he finishes it, he plans on taking the two SL English Composition classes as well. He may even take more. You can't beat the price!

[TheCommuter]

Here's an update. . .

I completed Straighterline's Biology course a few minutes ago with an overall grade of 80.6 percent. I wasn't too concerned about my overall percentage in this course since I plan to convert it into ACE credit, and from what I've been told, this shows up as 'CR' on their transcript without issuance of a letter grade. At this point, I'm simply looking to accrue cheap college credits, and Biology was personally too broad of a subject for me to CLEP out of, so Straighterline fulfilled my needs with this course.

Although the exams were open-book, they were not necessarily easy. I did feel as if I had to step up to the challenge if I wanted to pass this course with the minimum 70% that is required for an ACE transcript. My study tools included the blackboard presentations on SL in addition to the textbook that was recommended. I obtained a used textbook very cheaply on Ebay.

My advice to anyone who plans to take this course is to definitely obtain the book that SL recommends. Many, if not most, of the exam questions can be answered by flipping through the book's glossary or looking up a diagram or figure in the corresponding chapters. Since the course is entirely based on the textbook, it would greatly benefit you if you would obtain this book.

It took me a month to get through this course due to the nature of my work. I work 12-hour night shifts at a healthcare facility as a floor nurse, five days per week, so I am working an average of 60 hours weekly although I do intend to reduce my working hours in the very near future. I am also enrolled in SL's business communication course and have completed about 1/3 of it with plans to complete it within the next 10 to 14 days.

[toddsbiyj]

Correct me if I am wrong here, please.

So it takes 70% to complete a SL course. Once you have obtained 70% in the "my grades" section, you can more or less just ask ACE to confirm your completion and SL will the report the course completion to ACE, then it appears on the ACE transcript? Then just have your instructor close out the course with only 70% completed and move on? Basically like I did with ALEKS - assessed at 70% and had ACE verify with them for credit then changed courses. If this is incorrect please set me straight.

I ask because I am doing SL english comp1 and just want a passing score at this point. I will be moving on to buisness comm, biology and chemistry(most likely).

I just want to get passing scores/credit and move on at this point. Will go for GPA when I get to actual courses taken through a school.

"I completed Straighterline's Biology course a few minutes ago with an overall grade of 80.6 percent. I wasn't too concerned about my overall percentage in this course since I plan to convert it into ACE credit, and from what I've been told, this shows up as 'CR' on their transcript without issuance of a letter grade."


What does "CR" designate? So I don't need to worry if I get 70% or 99%, it just shows as completed and 3 ACE credits?

Thanks

[TheCommuter]

So it takes 70% to complete a SL course. Once you have obtained 70% in the "my grades" section, you can more or less just ask ACE to confirm your completion and SL will the report the course completion to ACE, then it appears on the ACE transcript? Then just have your instructor close out the course with only 70% completed and move on? Basically like I did with ALEKS - assessed at 70% and had ACE verify with them for credit then changed courses. If this is incorrect please set me straight.

Straighterline requires that you complete all graded assignments that correspond to their courses. However, if you have completed all graded assignments and the cumulative average at the end of the course is 70 percent or greater, you should be able to submit a request to your course adviser to have it transcribed on an ACE transcript or transferred to whichever partner college you select.

What does "CR" designate? So I don't need to worry if I get 70% or 99%, it just shows as completed and 3 ACE credits?

I have heard that ACE simply grants college credits without a corresponding letter grade. It is either pass or fail. The only time you would need to worry about a letter grade appearing on your transcript is if you have selected to transfer the credits into a partner college that issues letter grades based on your overall percentage in the course. About four or five of the partner colleges will issue a letter grade on your transcript, and the rest of the schools place it as a pass/fail or 'CR' on your transcript.

[BELLA]

Assignment Instructions
Assignments listed in each topic assignment area are non-graded and will not be submitted.

The Testing Yourself review questions are presented at the end of chapter and their completion is encouraged. Working through the assignments will help you practice and learn key concepts to best prepare you for the Biology Exams.

Tutoring through SMARTHINKING is available to help you master these concepts.

Please note: if you wish to undertake additional exercises there are additional questions and practice problems at the end of every chapter in the text; choosing a sampling of the questions from these will help you prepare for each topic examination and the cumulative exams. Answers for the Testing Yourself section are included Appendix A of the text.

[ryoder]

Great job todd. 80% is perfect for a straighterline course. If you are sending that to TESC or Exelsior, both partner colleges, just request the grade be sent directly by calling or emailing your SL.com advisor. It will show up as CR at TESC.

Business comm was not hard either. I might end up taking that bio course if I decide to do a second bachelors at TESC. How much was your book?

[TheCommuter]

I might end up taking that bio course if I decide to do a second bachelors at TESC. How much was your book?

I paid about $20-something for a used, hardcover textbook to accompany the bio course.