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Finding a lot of errors... - B00B00 - 09-03-2010
I'm using InstantCert for the first time and am only about 1/2 way through the flashcards for History I CLEP and have too many errors for my liking. Some simple errors, like typos or duplicated works, are easy enough. Then there are poorly worded/awkward sentences that are misleading and confusing... but my most recent find is almost too much. If I am studying when the Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation, I need to be certain the information I am getting is absolutely correct. The answer InstantCerts (1790) gave conflicts with what I am finding online (1789 - from the Library of Congress website).
Finding a lot of errors... - Maniac Craniac - 09-03-2010
I had the same issues with InstantCert. Likewise, some of the errors were small, but others were absolutely fundamental. For example, the World Population exam flashcards claimed 4 phases to the demographic transition, when the text for the exam itself claimed 3. In fact, I couldn't find a single source on the internet that agreed with IC on this point. Then there was the fact that only a small amount of the cards had content that matched the content areas defined in the exam study guides. Ick!
IC isn't perfect, but it certainly is useful for some people. It won't teach you the framework for your lessons, but if anything, it can give you a good review of what you study, and can give you an idea of points that you are missing. That you can spot out some of the errors in it is actually a very good sign. It means that you are studying well and are not to be mislead by a single source (ANY single source can have errors, not just IC).
If it doesn't work for you (just like it didn't for me), you can just cancel your service and use this forum community to guide you for free
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Finding a lot of errors... - rmroberts - 09-03-2010
Maniac Craniac Wrote:I had the same issues with InstantCert. Likewise, some of the errors were small, but others were absolutely fundamental. For example, the World Population exam flashcards claimed 4 phases to the demographic transition, when the text for the exam itself claimed 3. In fact, I couldn't find a single source on the internet that agreed with IC on this point. Then there was the fact that only a small amount of the cards had content that matched the content areas defined in the exam study guides. Ick!Actually most places do say there are four stages in the demographic transition. I just googled it and the first three sites said four (or possibly five) stages. I just sold my world pop. book so I can't remember what it says.
Although I do see an error here or there, overall I'm very satisfied with the flashcards. It's not enough to mess me up. In fact, every test I've relied solely on IC for I've passed. So I can't complain.
Finding a lot of errors... - Ruddigore - 09-03-2010
rmroberts Wrote:Although I do see an error here or there, overall I'm very satisfied with the flashcards. It's not enough to mess me up. In fact, every test I've relied solely on IC for I've passed. So I can't complain.Hear, hear. Also, paying for IC gives access to the Specific Exam Feedback, which is an excellent resource.
Finding a lot of errors... - sgloer - 09-03-2010
Please give us a little credit BOOBOO; after going through hundreds of flashcards, out of the 3 factual errors you reported, only one turned out to be actually inaccurate (the 1790 vs. 1789 that you mentioned right now), and that's hardly going to be a game-changer when you go to take the exam.
No human-made resource is perfect (I see errors in textbooks all the time), but if you find any problems, let me know and they will be corrected.
Thank you,
Finding a lot of errors... - Maniac Craniac - 09-03-2010
rmroberts Wrote:Actually most places do say there are four stages in the demographic transition. I just googled it and the first three sites said four (or possibly five) stages. I just sold my world pop. book so I can't remember what it says.Hmm. I guess I'm not as adept at this whole Goo... g... le thingy as you are
Although I do see an error here or there, overall I'm very satisfied with the flashcards. It's not enough to mess me up. In fact, every test I've relied solely on IC for I've passed. So I can't complain.
This issue turned out to be minor, but it could have been major. If there was a question on WHICH phase of the transition certain events occurred (first, second, third, etc.) the whole order would have been messed up and some questions could have been answered incorrectly.
If there is any lesson to be learned, its not to take any single study resource as if it were infallible.
Finding a lot of errors... - B00B00 - 09-06-2010
Credit is given to webmaster Steve who has been great at correcting material at my suggestion. No complaint there. It is assuring that IC takes making corrections, even simple ones, seriously.
But, I'm not going to ease up. If IC wants a reputable product, they will have to work for it. It's too easy to tell your customers that other products have mistakes so we shouldn't expect better from IC.
Finding a lot of errors... - jacanyardie - 09-06-2010
[quote=B00B00]Credit is given to webmaster Steve who has been great at correcting material at my suggestion. No complaint there. It is assuring that IC takes making corrections, even simple ones, seriously.
But, I'm not going to ease up. If IC wants a reputable product, they will have to work for it. It's too easy to tell your customers that other products have mistakes so we shouldn't expect better from IC.[/quote
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BooBoo,
You not only got acknowledge by the Webmaster, he corrected the error/s, and then invited you to report any additional errors that you may find in the future. When we use Goggle, Wikipedia, or any other web site to support IC, we often find that they are loaded with errors.
I think you should take up the Webmaster's offer, and point out the errors when you find them, you will then help to fulfill the mission of the forum.:patriot:
Finding a lot of errors... - jackzack87 - 09-06-2010
B00B00 Wrote:Credit is given to webmaster Steve who has been great at correcting material at my suggestion. No complaint there. It is assuring that IC takes making corrections, even simple ones, seriously.
But, I'm not going to ease up. If IC wants a reputable product, they will have to work for it. It's too easy to tell your customers that other products have mistakes so we shouldn't expect better from IC.
Put your bullet back in your pocket. I've been coming to this forum for many months, used IC for several tests, and to be quite honest found it a good, cheap resource for the online learner.
Earn your rank and stop the ruff talk. This forum has taken a step back in expert advice and knowledge recently; please maintain respect.
Finding a lot of errors... - rickyjo - 09-06-2010
huge props to the webmaster for being involved!