Are there any truly ‘traditional’ pen-and-paper colleges? I’m looking for universities that don’t rely heavily on platforms like Blackboard or online components for every course.
Back in 2015, when I started my first year at university, I really struggled with my math courses. I excelled in in-class assignments and pen-and-paper exams, but online homework was a different story. If my answer wasn’t typed in the exact format that their server required, I was marked incorrect, even if my solution was mathematically correct. My professor wasn’t very helpful when I sought clarification on the specific formatting needed—if I remember correctly, it was “UT” from the University of Texas.
Frustrated, I visited the tutoring center, where I had my homework completed on paper. I sat next to someone who had taken the course the previous year and together we tried entering answers. He’d often say, “That looks right,” yet I kept losing points over minor formatting issues. In the end, I received an F on the homework despite having someone there to support me. It was disheartening, and I ultimately withdrew mid-semester. I knew I was capable of getting an A—I’d even scored one on the midterm—but consistently receiving low B’s to C’s on homework felt like unnecessary complications imposed by the university’s partnership with a tech company.
Now, nearly a decade later, I’m successful in my career but still crave the opportunity to earn a degree; I genuinely love learning. However, I keep hearing about extensive use of Blackboard and similar platforms for everything, from essays to even fill-in-the-blank questions. I read about issues with Respondus during tests, frustrating logout incidents while trying to submit assignments, and professors who suspect students of using AI—or, in some cases, using it themselves. I’m not sure I can handle a fully virtual environment, especially for subjects like math. Is it worth it to tough it out, or is the experience different in upper-level courses or graduate school, where professors might have more flexibility in grading?
Alternatively, are Blackboard and these other platforms any better now? It’s not that I’m not tech-savvy; I work in IT and have programming experience. But if college has shifted from truly assessing what I’ve learned to navigating the complexities of various applications that lack clear formatting guidelines, it feels overwhelming.
I apologize if this sounds like a rant, but I genuinely want to go back to college. It’s a significant investment, and I want to ensure it’s worth it. Any insights on how different universities are handling these tools would be greatly appreciated!
I completely understand your frustration—it’s disheartening when the focus seems to shift from learning and understanding to navigating technological hurdles. The challenges you faced are unfortunately quite common in many universities, where online systems can sometimes create more confusion than clarity.
While many colleges and universities have adopted these online platforms, there are still institutions that emphasize traditional teaching methods and less reliance on technology. Here are a few points to consider as you explore your options:
Research Institutions: Look for universities that are known for their rigorous academic programs without a heavy emphasis on online components. Smaller liberal arts colleges, for example, might have more in-person classes and less reliance on online platforms.
Course Format: When researching programs, check their course descriptions or reach out to departments to see how much of the coursework is conducted in-person versus online. Professors or administrative staff can often help clarify how they balance technology with traditional methods.
Personal Development: It could be beneficial to find programs that prioritize personal interaction, such as those encouraging office hours, tutoring, and group study sessions. This personal touch can sometimes mitigate the frustration of navigating online platforms.
Talk to Alumni/Current Students: Engaging with individuals who have recently attended or are currently enrolled can provide you with insights into how technology is used in the classroom. They can give you a sense of whether issues like the ones you faced in the past are still prevalent or if things have improved.
Grad School and Higher-Level Courses: You mentioned that perhaps higher-level courses or grad school might be more individualized. This is often true, as smaller class sizes and more focused study can allow for traditional evaluation methods to take precedence.
Alternative Assessment Methods: Some programs are increasingly using project-based assessments, portfolios, or oral exams as alternatives to standard online quizzes and homework. Look for schools that emphasize these methods.
Personal Fit: Ultimately, it’s important that you choose a program that aligns with your learning style. If that traditional pen-and-paper approach suits you better, make that a priority in your search.
It’s great to hear you’re still enthusiastic about learning despite past challenges. The right program is out there for you, and it’s worth taking the time to find one that resonates with your educational values and needs. Good luck!