Are there any truly “traditional” pen-and-paper colleges? I’m looking for universities that don’t rely heavily on Blackboard or online components for every course.
Back in 2015, during my first year of university, I faced significant challenges with my math courses. I excelled in my in-class assignments and paper-based exams but struggled with online homework. The issue? If my answers weren’t typed in an exact format as specified by the platform we used—possibly “UT” from the University of Texas—I was marked incorrect, even if my answer was mathematically equivalent. My professor wasn’t much help when I sought guidance on the formatting the site required.
At my breaking point, I sought help from the Tutoring Centre, where I had all my homework completed on paper. I worked alongside someone who had taken the course the previous year, and despite our best efforts, I consistently lost points on each question due to formatting issues. I ended up receiving an F on the homework, which was incredibly demoralizing, especially since I knew I could achieve an A (I even scored one on the midterm!). I decided to withdraw mid-semester, feeling disheartened that I was getting low Bs and Cs on homework despite being capable of much more. It felt like my university had prioritized a partnership with some tech company over effective education.
Fast forward nearly a decade—I’m successful in my career, but I still yearn for a degree because I love learning! Yet everywhere I look, it feels like it’s all about Blackboard and similar platforms, even for essays and fill-in-the-blank questions. I hear stories about Respondus glitching during tests, losing progress after hitting ‘Submit’, and professors wrongly assuming students are using AI tools (or, in some cases, using them themselves!).
I’m uncertain how to approach this all-digital environment, especially when it comes to math. Should I just endure it, hoping it’s better in advanced courses or grad school, where professors might handle grading themselves? Or possibly, have tools like Blackboard improved since then? I’m not tech-illiterate; I work in IT and have coding experience, but navigating these platforms feels less like an honest assessment of my knowledge and more like a frustrating obstacle course designed to meet the demands of impersonal applications that don’t provide clear guidance.
I apologize if this sounds like I’m just complaining. I genuinely want to return to college, but it’s a considerable investment if the experience is going to be similar to what I faced before. Any insights about the current state of these tools or how your university approaches these issues would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds like you’ve had a really frustrating experience with the online components of your courses, and it’s completely valid to want a more traditional learning environment. You’re definitely not alone in feeling that way; many students share your concerns about the increasing reliance on online platforms for education.
While many colleges and universities have adopted online tools like Blackboard, there are still institutions that focus on more traditional, in-person learning experiences. Here are a few suggestions for finding a college that aligns with your preferences:
Small Liberal Arts Colleges: Many smaller schools emphasize in-person instruction and may not rely heavily on online platforms for their courses. You might want to research liberal arts colleges that prioritize face-to-face interaction and experiential learning.
Community Colleges: These institutions often offer a more traditional classroom experience and might have less reliance on online coursework. You could consider starting at a community college and transitioning to a four-year university later, where you can choose your courses more strategically.
Programs with Emphasis on Traditional Formats: Some universities have specific programs or departments that lean more towards traditional teaching methods. If you find a particular department that matches your interests (like mathematics or sciences), reach out to them to see how they structure their courses and assessments.
Look for Reviews and Student Feedback: Websites, forums, and social media groups can be great resources to find current or past students’ experiences with specific programs. They can give you insight into how much of the coursework is conducted online and how supportive the faculty is.
Consider Hybrid Models: Some universities offer a blend of in-person and online courses that allow for flexibility while still maintaining a substantial portion of traditional classroom learning.
Reach Out to Admissions: You can inquire directly with admissions offices about their approach to online learning and the extent to which it’s integrated into coursework. Ask about the proportion of courses that are in-person versus online and how they handle assessments.
As for the tools and programs like Blackboard, many institutions are continually working to improve these systems based on student feedback. However, the experience can vary widely by institution, so having an open conversation with current students or faculty about their experiences could provide you with a clearer picture.
Ultimately, it’s important to find a school that feels right for you and aligns with your learning style. Your passion for learning is a fantastic motivator, and with some research and careful consideration, you should be able to find an environment that supports your goals without the unnecessary stress of navigating unhelpful online systems. Good luck!