Olivet Nazarene YourWay (more cheap RA credits)

[rachel83az]

So, the way the lessons are organized is somewhat of a cross between SDC, OnlineDegree, and traditional learning. Yes, there are textbooks/readings for different courses. No, you don't have to pay for them (as promised).

Each class is broken up into different modules and each module is broken down into different units. Each unit has an estimated time to completion but I don't think that this takes into account the external reading (maybe it does?). In addition to readings, there are also videos in each unit. At least early on in the modules, these seem to be mainly sourced from quality YouTube channels.

At the end of each module, there is a Trailhead/Salesforce quiz. These are similar to the SDC quizzes. But, if you get everything right on the first try, you get 100 points. Second attempt, 50 points. Subsequent attempts, 25 points. These points seem to be there mainly to track your progress because I don't think these have any bearing on your grade (unless I have missed something somewhere, which is possible). In addition to the quiz, there is also an easily-missed link to an assignment. These may be multiple-choice tests. These may be written assessments. It depends on the class. These assignments ARE graded.

Since Olivet seems to think that keeping the exact contents is a secret is essential, I'm not going to go into more detail and possibly violate the academic integrity policy. But I do think that most people here will like and appreciate the layout of these classes.

One more thing: from what I've seen so far, these classes ARE more work than ASU EA. So, don't sign up and expect easy first-year classes like (most of) ASU's offerings are. For instance, BIB-215 has a total estimate of over a hundred hours of study. But, even if you are already familiar with the Christian Bible, there is likely going to be enough new information that it could take you quite a bit longer than a hundred hours. College Writing I & II are also both over 100 hours but I don't think that they take into account the essays that you're expected to write.

If you're hoping to bust these courses out in a week or two like many other self-paced options, realize that's not the way these courses are set up. It may be possible for some people, but I would expect that most students will probably need to spend at least a month on any given course. And you might even need the full 8-15 weeks of a non-self-paced option. Although the platform itself is a tiny bit strange, these are genuine and well-thought-out attempts at translating a whole university study experience into full-bodied self-paced courses. The material is neither super quick nor mind-numbingly easy.

I look forward to seeing what else Olivet has to offer in the future!