Straighterline partnering with TESC and Excelsior

[Gary]

As for getting TESC and Excelsior to accept these classes straight forward, I don't see it happening. If you really want change, have Straighterline get them evaluated by ACE. If ALEKS can do it, so can they. That will be the easiest way for Straighterline to make some real money, and benefit us the most.

I totally agree. I'm w/JBjr on this. Anyone weak in algebra would do well to take either course, especially if you use algebrator, QuickMath and a couple of other online websites such as a geometry one I found that helps you learn the material as well as speed up the process. But Excelsior, I believe would look at partnering with Straighterline as a step in the wrong direction. FHSU had an immediate reaction of disbelief when I called to inquire about Straighterline a couple of months back. The person I talked w/was not aware of Straighterline and said she was shocked that this had happened. Of course, it did. A lot of educators look down on this type of learning for credit, that's just the way it is. My cent and 1/2.

[Professor_Adam]

I totally agree. I'm w/JBjr on this. Anyone weak in algebra would do well to take either course, especially if you use algebrator, QuickMath and a couple of other online websites such as a geometry one I found that helps you learn the material as well as speed up the process. But Excelsior, I believe would look at partnering with Straighterline as a step in the wrong direction. FHSU had an immediate reaction of disbelief when I called to inquire about Straighterline a couple of months back. The person I talked w/was not aware of Straighterline and said she was shocked that this had happened. Of course, it did. A lot of educators look down on this type of learning for credit, that's just the way it is. My cent and 1/2.

By your reasoning people should be looking down on CLEP takers too. I mean what's the difference. I passed 5 exams in Algebra to get that credit with Straighterline.com. The CLEP is just one exam and you don't have to get 80 percent of the answers right like I did. There is no way to pass those Straighterline exams without knowing what you're doing.

[JBjunior]

The difference is the accountability of the program. CLEP is a very strict program with proctors. Straighterline is a free for all, which is an advantage to us but not to the colleges. I also completed Straighterline-FHSU-TESC, even after they told people they wouldn't do it. Even though it may be different since they are required to take my credits due to a SOCCOAST agreement.

[Professor_Adam]

The difference is the accountability of the program. CLEP is a very strict program with proctors. Straighterline is a free for all, which is an advantage to us but not to the colleges. I also completed Straighterline-FHSU-TESC, even after they told people they wouldn't do it. Even though it may be different since they are required to take my credits due to a SOCCOAST agreement.

Point taken. I still believe it's in our interests though as non-traditional students to have this option available. Whether TESC or EC decide to come to the table or not I still have the SL-FHSU-EC option to work with; and I'm quite happy to exploit that.

[craftkc10]

Hey Fort Hays State Univ. (FHSU) is now accepting both of Straighterline's Economics courses. So it's possible to take micro and macro from them now, transfer to FHSU and probably then EC or TESC. We'll see. Either way it's good news for us business majors. Better to have more options than less.

Prof Adam, where did you get this info? This is great news.

[Gary]

By your reasoning people should be looking down on CLEP takers too. I mean what's the difference. I passed 5 exams in Algebra to get that credit with Straighterline.com. The CLEP is just one exam and you don't have to get 80 percent of the answers right like I did. There is no way to pass those Straighterline exams without knowing what you're doing.

Yes there is. By having my friend who is an engineering student at Drexel U sit next to me as the questions pop up. I can also fax the questions to my nephew who is a math major. C'mon professor, I realize we give the "solemn" oath to not cheat, but you can't tell me administrators don't think about this. That is one point. Another is that I just think, right or wrong, that Straighterline wouldn't interest them for partnering, obviously they do accept credit. I didn't cheat by the way but then again, I used Algebrator and QuickMath + a few other websites, some would say that is cheating and I won't argue that point. I did learn but not the traditional method. As far as CLEP/DSST's are concerned. there is a portion of the general public that DO look somewhat down on them. I don't necessarily. I give people a lot of credit to be able to do them as quickly as they do. Especially when you see 6-7 get done in a month. You have to admit, some people who went the traditional route may think a Bachelors Degree in 14 months is a little far fetched. BUT you did not hear me say that! Well I guess you did but that is not my position. Anyone serving in IRAQ and being able to complete them definitely shows dedication.......just for the record.

[Professor_Adam]

Point taken Gary. I was responding with the assumption people (on this forum at least) were not contemplating that as an option for finishing their coursework. Obviously not everyone was raised with a strict set of moral standards.

[JBjunior]

Prof Adam, where did you get this info? This is great news.

That is straight from Straighterline, I also received an email from Jenifer, the one who is the POC for the program.

[Gary]

Point taken Gary. I was responding with the assumption people (on this forum at least) were not contemplating that as an option for finishing their coursework. Obviously not everyone was raised with a strict set of moral standards.

Never claimed to be perfect, I'm not better or worse than most people. My dad's epitaph says it perfectly...and proudly. "I done some bad things, but I did some good things too." When my maker comes, I think I will be received pretty well. As far as cheating goes, it's a fact of life. Administrators realize this. One look at courses such as these and you have to know it's a possibility. Matter of fact, just look at society as a whole. Cheating and corruption is widespread, why would anyone think differently about open book exams with no proctors?

[Professor_Adam]

I suppose then really ALEKS is subject to the same vulnerabilities. I mean what's to stop me from registering as my wife or one of my kids and knocking our Pre-Cal real quick? Of course I wouldn't do that but I'm sure someone would.