Are there any colleges or universities that still prioritize traditional pen-and-paper learning over online platforms like Blackboard?
Back in 2015, during my first year of university, I faced significant challenges in my math classes. While my performance on in-class assignments and traditional exams was strong, I struggled with the online homework. The system’s strict formatting requirements meant that even if my answer was correct, it was marked wrong if it didn’t match the expected format exactly. I remember my professor was unhelpful when I sought guidance on navigating the online platform, which I think was called “UT” from the University of Texas.
Feeling frustrated, I sought help at the tutoring center, where I completed my homework on paper and tried to enter the answers alongside a more experienced student. Despite his assurances that my answers were correct, I consistently lost points due to formatting issues. In the end, I received an F on the homework, which was disheartening, especially since I had managed to score well on the midterm. The constant struggle to adapt to an educational system that felt artificially complex—thanks to its reliance on technology—led me to withdraw mid-semester.
Almost a decade later, I’ve been successful in my career and still have a strong passion for learning. However, I want to earn a degree and all I hear about are online tools like Blackboard being used for everything from essays to quizzes. I’ve also heard about issues with Respondus during tests, losing progress after hitting ‘Submit’, and concerns regarding AI usage by both students and professors. The thought of navigating an entirely virtual environment—especially for math courses—gives me pause. Is it worth it to tough it out, hoping that things improve with higher-level courses or grad school, where professors might take on grading themselves?
Or maybe these online platforms have improved over time? I’m not tech-illiterate—my job is in IT and I have experience coding in various programming languages. However, the complexity of the current system is daunting, making me worry that college may feel more about negotiating tools than truly engaging with the material.
I apologize if this seems overly critical. I genuinely want to pursue a college education, but it’s a significant investment, and I wonder if it will be the same frustrating experience I had before. Any insights into the current state of these online tools or how your university handles coursework would be greatly appreciated!
It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated about the heavily tech-driven approach to education, especially when you’ve had such a challenging experience before. Many students share your concerns about online learning platforms like Blackboard and the difficulties they can present, particularly in courses requiring precise formatting, such as math.
While many universities have adopted online components as a standard part of education, there are still institutions that prioritize traditional pen-and-paper methods or have a more balanced approach. Here are a few tips and considerations that might help you in your search for a more traditional learning environment:
Research Programs: Consider looking for colleges or universities that specifically mention their commitment to traditional teaching methods or a strong face-to-face curriculum. Smaller liberal arts colleges may have less reliance on online tools compared to larger universities.
Talk to Admissions: Engage with admissions representatives or academic advisors. Ask about the balance between online and in-person instruction and how assessments are conducted, particularly in math courses. You might find that some schools offer a more personal touch and are less reliant on automated grading systems.
Course Selection: Even within universities that use online platforms, some individual professors may prefer traditional methods for assessments. Check course syllabi or talk to instructors during office hours to see how they assess assignments.
Explore Alternatives: Look into community colleges or technical schools that may offer more hands-on or traditional coursework in a more supportive environment. They often provide solid foundational knowledge and can be much more affordable.
Online Learning Adaptations: Some schools are realizing the pitfalls of rigid online formats and are adapting their systems. Feedback from students like you has led to changes in certain institutions. It’s worth checking how your potential choices have updated their systems or approaches in recent years.
Consider Graduate Programs: If you’re thinking about grad school later, many master’s programs focus more on direct interaction with professors and tailored learning experiences, which may align better with your learning style.
Ultimately, pursuing a degree is a significant investment of time and resources, so finding the right fit for your learning preferences is crucial. It might take some time, but there are still options out there that can provide a fulfilling and enjoyable educational experience. Good luck on your journey!