Question about Straighterline & Aleks

[pitbull30]

When taking the courses with SL there is a grade %. For example on one course im doing it shows 75% passing. Can I just finalize the course and be done? or do I have to do everything on the list?

How does Aleks compare to SL? Is it the same format/process for the most part?

[pitbull30]

Looks like I may have found my answer on the FAQ page for SL.

Do I have to complete all of the tests and assignments?
Yes. You must complete all graded assignments and tests in order to request and be provided a transcript. While you only need 70% to pass a course, we require that students attempt every graded test, quiz and assignment (lab or otherwise). Failure to do so will prevent StraighterLine from releasing your transcript.

Well if thats the case im not sure if I like this then. So far ive had to email them everytime I needed something graded or it just sat there.

Any other college course I took (local) if I was landing good grades on everything sometimes I would skip an assignment because I knew I was still going to get a decent grade. I think most of us do this. That also goes with an exam. If i know I am excellent on 1 topic, but average on another I know I can still pass.

[hkhart]

If you are taking the English courses, the grading is done by Smarthinking. They usually have them graded within the day, the longest I had to wait was 6 hours maybe. However, SL has to log on and get the grade and apply it to your account. The grade that SL gives you is weighted, you'll have to look for it in the faq's (again for english courses), so if ST gives you 10, it might be worth 12. I kept a running total so I knew what I had to make minimum. The other courses that I took that were strictly quizzes and tests, the grade was updated in real time. SL is NOT 24/7, a point I do not like. I initially signed up for them on a Friday night, funds were taken from my credit card, but I did not get access until Monday afternoon. That said, my 28 day cycle for billing purposes of course started the Friday they got the money. Other than that, it is a great way to earn fast credits, especially if you already have background knowledge.

[cookderosa]

If you are taking the English courses, the grading is done by Smarthinking. They usually have them graded within the day, the longest I had to wait was 6 hours maybe. However, SL has to log on and get the grade and apply it to your account. The grade that SL gives you is weighted, you'll have to look for it in the faq's (again for english courses), so if ST gives you 10, it might be worth 12. I kept a running total so I knew what I had to make minimum. The other courses that I took that were strictly quizzes and tests, the grade was updated in real time. SL is NOT 24/7, a point I do not like. I initially signed up for them on a Friday night, funds were taken from my credit card, but I did not get access until Monday afternoon. That said, my 28 day cycle for billing purposes of course started the Friday they got the money. Other than that, it is a great way to earn fast credits, especially if you already have background knowledge.

Just to throw in a wrench, we had AWFUL luck with Smarthinking- days, weeks even. Slooooowwwwwwwww.