Are there any colleges or universities that still embrace traditional pen-and-paper methods, without relying heavily on platforms like Blackboard for every course?
Back in 2015, when I started my university journey, I faced significant challenges in my math classes. I excelled in in-class assignments and paper exams, but struggled with online homework. The problem was that if I didn’t input my answers in the exact format dictated by their system, I was marked incorrect—even if my answers were mathematically sound. Unfortunately, my professor was unhelpful when I sought guidance on how to navigate the site’s requirements, which I believe was related to the University of Texas.
At my breaking point, I visited the tutoring center with my homework completed on paper. Even with a tutor who had successfully taken the course the previous year sitting next to me, I consistently lost points because we couldn’t decipher the preferred answer format. Eventually, I received an F on my homework, even though I had someone guiding me who passed just fine. It was incredibly disheartening, especially since I knew I could earn an A (which I managed on the midterm!). The discrepancy between my performance and my homework grades felt like an artificial barrier created by the university’s partnership with a tech company aimed at “optimizing” education, and I ended up withdrawing mid-semester.
Almost a decade has passed, I’ve found success in my career, but my desire to earn a degree remains strong—I genuinely enjoy learning! However, the conversation around education seems dominated by Blackboard and similar platforms, even for essays and fill-in-the-blank questions. I’ve also heard about issues with online exam proctoring, like software glitches causing test submissions to fail and professors suspecting students of using AI (or perhaps even using it themselves?). The thought of dealing with everything being virtual—especially in math courses—feels overwhelming. Should I stick it out and hope that things get better in higher-level courses or grad school, where professors might handle more grading themselves?
Or could it be that platforms like Blackboard have improved over the years? I’m not lacking in tech skills; I work in IT and am familiar with coding in several basic languages. However, I find the entire process exhausting when college seems more focused on navigating administrative hoops than on genuinely assessing what I’ve learned.
I apologize if this comes across as overly negative. I truly want to pursue a college education, but it’s a significant investment if the experience is going to be much the same as before. I would appreciate any insights you may have about the current state of these tools or how your university manages education in this digital age.
I totally understand your frustration, and it’s completely valid to seek a learning environment that aligns with your preferences and strengths. Here are a few points and suggestions that might help you navigate this situation:
Look for Traditional Colleges: Some colleges and universities still maintain a more traditional approach to education, focusing less on online platforms like Blackboard. Smaller liberal arts colleges, for instance, may use fewer digital tools and emphasize in-person teaching. Research specific programs and reach out to admissions offices to inquire about their teaching methods.
Community Colleges: Many community colleges prioritize face-to-face instruction and might have fewer online components. You can start by taking a few courses that interest you—this can help ease you back into the academic environment without the pressure of jumping into a full degree program right away.
Talk to Instructors: During your application process, don’t hesitate to ask potential instructors or program advisors about their teaching styles. Clarifying what kind of assessments and methods they employ can give you better insight into what to expect.
Hybrid Models: Some universities offer hybrid courses that blend traditional teaching with online components. This could strike a balance for you, allowing access to digital tools without entirely removing the in-person experience.
Feedback on Online Systems: You mentioned that you’re in IT—consider connecting with professors who teach math or related courses. Express your experiences with online homework platforms, as a lot of educators appreciate constructive feedback and may be willing to adapt their approach in response to student concerns.
Check Alumni Experiences: Join forums, social media groups, or alumni networks related to specific universities. You can gather personal experiences and insights into how specific programs handle coursework, technology, and assessments.
Grad School Considerations: If you’re looking at graduate programs, it’s true that many professors take a more hands-on approach in evaluating student work, especially in smaller classes. They may also be more flexible with how assignments are submitted and graded.
Self-Advocacy: If you do end up in a program with online components, leverage available resources. Office hours, tutoring centers, and peer study groups can all help you overcome technology-related challenges.
While it might feel daunting, there are still options out there that could suit your learning style. Your desire for knowledge and personal development is commendable, and finding the right academic fit will help you thrive. Good luck!