What is this Distance Education in Physics (and Physical Science) all about?

 

These are the perfect classes for some people. These can be very difficult for others. It depends on you. Here is a candid summary:

Benefits:

  1. These classes can just about fit into your life no matter how busy you are (within reason).
  2. You can work at your own pace, concentrating on the areas that you want to.
  3. You can take the exams when you are ready rather than when the teacher says so.
  4. The labs (home projects) are done at home using common every-day materials (some minor purchases may be necessary).
  5. The courses are designed to transfer as GER-NS natural science lab courses.

Disadvantages:

  1. No classroom interaction with other students
  2. No daily classroom activities keeping you focused on the topics and your progress.
  3. It is easy to blow off one day at a time until the class is no longer part of your life.
  4. It can be much more inconvenient to get rapid answers to questions.

Are you right for a DL course? Want to take a Self Assessment ??? Click Here to take a Short Quiz (Back Step to return)

As you may have figured out by now, your progress will be almost completely as a result of your own dedication, determination, and discipline.

I can tell you that results of research done by others and myself indicate that students, who successfully complete independent-study classes such as this one, are more likely to succeed in future endeavors. This class is not easier than on-campus classes. It can be argued that it is harder. The advantage of this distance education (homestudy) class is that it is much more convenient for the students and provides a platform for the student to succeed in a self-reliant educational environment. Your success will be proof that you are a special person.

How your grade is determined:

Homework problems are assigned from questions at the back of each chapter in the text. These are sent to me by various delivery methods and contribute 20% of your Grade in the class.

Labs (At-home-projects) are done at home with ordinary household items (may require minor purchases) and count as 20% of your grade. A simple report of the experiment is submitted along with the homework problems.

Exams are multiple choice and are on file in the testing centers and Alternative Learning Centers of the Ft. Steilacoom and Puyallup Campuses of Pierce College*. Practice exams are provided as an aid to prepare you for the actual exam. The exams contribute 60% of your grade (35% is from the final exam).

* . In some circumstances, it is possible for students to take the exams at other sites. Check with the DL office for this info.

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