I really don't have a lot to say about this class... other than it SUCKS. Really, though, LCC1 was the hardest class I've taken so far and unless you just love classical literature, you'll probably want to jump off a bridge while studying it. Just reading through all of the material intimidated me so much that I quit studying altogether for about three weeks at one point. Anyway, I picked up my studying again a couple of weeks ago and just finished the objective assessment about five minutes ago (passed with 79% - cut score is 55%).
If you're taking this class I would recommend studying various sets of flashcards (go to google and type in "LCC1 flashcards", you'll get a ton of hits). Specifically, study and memorize all of the author's names and what they wrote, all of the various literary terms, and get a good feel for how each time period wrote. So, for instance, you'll want to know by reading a paragraph what time period it came from, who wrote it, and all literary devices (terms) that were used to write it. Another helpful study tool is reading the "study guide" for each chapter that it provided at the end of each chapter.
I wish I had more to say about this class... I really do. But, honestly, I want to forget about it so quick it's not even funny. I wish you luck with the test, but just know that's it's pretty tough, so don't procrastinate on this course... study, study, study.
If you have any specific questions about LCC1, don't hesitate to ask. :)
Friday, September 13, 2013
Thursday, July 18, 2013
All about LUT1 - Language and Communication: Presentation
Welcome back constant reader! :)
Today I completed LUT1!! It took me about a month (should've only taken about 2 weeks, but I was busy and lazy at the same time), and I'm really, really glad to be moving on again! LUT1 is not an easy course. I'm starting to believe that I'll be saying that after every course! LOL. Anyway, LUT1 is split into two different tasks: the first task is coming up with your presentation outline, visual aid, scripted questions, references, etc. Task 2 is recording and submitting your actual presentation. While watching the Taskstream tutorial videos, the tutor says that it can take up to 5 days for someone to evaluate your tasks, but I received both of my evaluations back within 24 hours. If you'd like to watch my "PASSED" presentation on Youtube... click here.
Today I completed LUT1!! It took me about a month (should've only taken about 2 weeks, but I was busy and lazy at the same time), and I'm really, really glad to be moving on again! LUT1 is not an easy course. I'm starting to believe that I'll be saying that after every course! LOL. Anyway, LUT1 is split into two different tasks: the first task is coming up with your presentation outline, visual aid, scripted questions, references, etc. Task 2 is recording and submitting your actual presentation. While watching the Taskstream tutorial videos, the tutor says that it can take up to 5 days for someone to evaluate your tasks, but I received both of my evaluations back within 24 hours. If you'd like to watch my "PASSED" presentation on Youtube... click here.
Monday, June 24, 2013
All about CLC1 - Reasoning and Problem Solving
Hello World!
Well, I had to start school June 1st instead of May 1st because my wife had our second baby and I just couldn't put enough time into study as needed. I thought I would be able to juggle baby, work, and school in May but I was really unprepared for the amount of care a newborn needs!! Anyway, I started in June and my first class was CLC1 - Reasoning and Problem Solving. This post is all about this class, I hope it helps you out there... constant reader! :)
CLC1 is an objective assessment which means if you pass the final - that's your grade. There is no "homework", no paper to write, no presentations to present, etc. You sit down and take the 31 question test and if you pass it, you move on. I would definitely recommend taking the pre-assessment before you start your CLC1 study because it will prepare you mentally, when you are studying, for what you should expect to see on the final. I found the pre-assessment to be very similar to the final in terms of difficulty. The questions are different, but the thought process is the same. I read on another blog that there are six tests in total and they pick your pre-assessment out of the six, so it's very similar, if not exactly like your final assessment. I found the textbook by Paul & Elder a drag to read (redundant topics over and over imo - only so much you can write about when writing about critical thinking) so my only study was reading through all Mind Edge modules and watching all of the pre-recorded webinars. I highly recommend both of these sources because I passed the final assessment just reading/watching these two sources.
Im glad I'm finished with CLC1 because it was quite a boring topic. Now I'm working on LUT1 which is a performance assessment class where I have to give a 5 - 7 minute presentation and submit for a grade. :) I'll be back to blog about that when I'm finished. Hope all is well where you are!!!
Leave me a comment if you have any questions. Until then, catch you later!
Well, I had to start school June 1st instead of May 1st because my wife had our second baby and I just couldn't put enough time into study as needed. I thought I would be able to juggle baby, work, and school in May but I was really unprepared for the amount of care a newborn needs!! Anyway, I started in June and my first class was CLC1 - Reasoning and Problem Solving. This post is all about this class, I hope it helps you out there... constant reader! :)
CLC1 is an objective assessment which means if you pass the final - that's your grade. There is no "homework", no paper to write, no presentations to present, etc. You sit down and take the 31 question test and if you pass it, you move on. I would definitely recommend taking the pre-assessment before you start your CLC1 study because it will prepare you mentally, when you are studying, for what you should expect to see on the final. I found the pre-assessment to be very similar to the final in terms of difficulty. The questions are different, but the thought process is the same. I read on another blog that there are six tests in total and they pick your pre-assessment out of the six, so it's very similar, if not exactly like your final assessment. I found the textbook by Paul & Elder a drag to read (redundant topics over and over imo - only so much you can write about when writing about critical thinking) so my only study was reading through all Mind Edge modules and watching all of the pre-recorded webinars. I highly recommend both of these sources because I passed the final assessment just reading/watching these two sources.
Im glad I'm finished with CLC1 because it was quite a boring topic. Now I'm working on LUT1 which is a performance assessment class where I have to give a 5 - 7 minute presentation and submit for a grade. :) I'll be back to blog about that when I'm finished. Hope all is well where you are!!!
Leave me a comment if you have any questions. Until then, catch you later!
Monday, April 29, 2013
EWB Complete - Ready to Start!
So, Education Without Boundaries went by quick and easy! It's basically the orientation class at WGU. It will explain to you all of the guidelines, processes, links in the portal, how to use communities, how to contact course mentors etc.
You'll have access to EWB on the 15th of the month prior to your start date. You can read through and watch all of the videos in about 3 hours, but I spread it out over a couple of days (mostly lunch breaks etc). You cannot fail EWB unless you don't read through all of the information and miss a required task, but when you pass EWB you will receive your first competency unit!
After you finish EWB, you'll be able to access your "myDegree Plan" and "myCourses". Also, you'll have access to courses that you and your mentor have set for your first term. I have had a weird glitch that has not allowed me access to my courses, though, so I've been stuck waiting for tech support to fix my portal. Basically, my portal is not working, all I can do is send/receive email. My mentor has assured me that they will be able to get it fixed soon, but I hope sooner than later because my term is set to start on Wednesday!!! Anyway, I know that one of my first courses will be "CLC1 - Reasoning and Problem Solving". It's a course designed to teach you to think critically. So, as soon as my portal is fixed and I'm able to access my classes, I'll be blogging about each class individually. :)
For now, I'm just playing the waiting game! Hope all is well where you are! Check back with me soon! :)
You'll have access to EWB on the 15th of the month prior to your start date. You can read through and watch all of the videos in about 3 hours, but I spread it out over a couple of days (mostly lunch breaks etc). You cannot fail EWB unless you don't read through all of the information and miss a required task, but when you pass EWB you will receive your first competency unit!
After you finish EWB, you'll be able to access your "myDegree Plan" and "myCourses". Also, you'll have access to courses that you and your mentor have set for your first term. I have had a weird glitch that has not allowed me access to my courses, though, so I've been stuck waiting for tech support to fix my portal. Basically, my portal is not working, all I can do is send/receive email. My mentor has assured me that they will be able to get it fixed soon, but I hope sooner than later because my term is set to start on Wednesday!!! Anyway, I know that one of my first courses will be "CLC1 - Reasoning and Problem Solving". It's a course designed to teach you to think critically. So, as soon as my portal is fixed and I'm able to access my classes, I'll be blogging about each class individually. :)
For now, I'm just playing the waiting game! Hope all is well where you are! Check back with me soon! :)
Sunday, April 14, 2013
WGU Admissions!
I finished my WGU application on March 20th and on March 21st I was already in contact with my enrollment counselor (she's been great btw!). Her first suggestion was that I go ahead and contact my previous community college and have them send my transcript to WGU. All transcripts have to be received by WGU on the 1st of the month before your official start date. So, for instance, I had to have my transcripts received by WGU by April 1st in order for me to start on May 1st. So, I contacted my community college and on April 25th WGU sent me an email stating that they had received my transcript. I was pleased that the transcript request was completed so fast!
Next step, I paid the $65 application fee that WGU requires and started studying for the "Readiness Assessment" test. This is a test that all students have to take during the application process that helps WGU determine your readiness for college level coursework. I spent the next few days over at Khan Academy studying the Algebra section before taking the readiness assessment. The assessment is a four part test; math, language, written essay, and admissions inventory. The test is pretty easy if you know basic high school Algebra and English. To find out what you should study for on each part of the test, check out this great article. After taking the test, I thought that I would receive an email or be told if I passed or not, but I was told that they stopped sending out pass/fail emails and now you must wait to talk to your enrollment counselor to be told if you passed/failed the assessment I had to wait about three nerve racking days after the test to talk to my EC, but I was pleased to learn that I passed!
The next step in the admissions process was my in-take interview. This was an interview with my EC where we went through all of the basics again. Make sure you have about 30 minutes to go through this call, and also make sure you are at your computer because your EC will want to show you how to navigate through the WGU student portal. He/she will also explain to you how to make payment (if you haven't already done so), and also what to expect when you start "Education Without Boundaries" which is the orientation process for WGU. Education Without Boundaries opens up on the 15th of the month before your official start date. So, for instance, I'm scheduled to start on May 1st, so my Education Without Boundaries will open up tomorrow!
The last step of the enrollment process has been by far the most nerve-racking and patience testing part of the process. Remember that I told you that the transcript from my community college needed to be received first. This was for good reason. The transcript department took about three weeks to process my transcript evaluation, so I was stuck waiting for about three weeks to know if I was to be cleared to start on May 1st. WGU has only a 35% acceptance rate, so I was really worried that my previous college coursework would disqualify me from admission. Thankfully, I just received word the day before yesterday (was in my SPAM folder, so make sure you check that often) that six of my classes transferred from my community college and that I've been cleared to officially start on May 1st!!! One word for those that don't receive clearance and are denied admission due to not enough transferred units - there is still hope! WGU partners with another school called "Straighterline", and if you make it through a term of Straighterline, you are almost guaranteed admission into WGU. For more details on a Straighterline experience, check out this great post by candimc on wgustudents.com forum. Keep trying, never stop, never give up hope! There is always hope... ;)
As I said before, I've got Education With Boundaries starting tomorrow. WGU gives students two weeks to complete the orientation, but I've heard that it only takes a few hours to complete the process. During the orientation they are supposed to show us everything we need to know to "hit the ground running" on May 1st. I'll let you know how that experience goes in the next few days. Thanks for reading and I hope you come back again! :)
Next step, I paid the $65 application fee that WGU requires and started studying for the "Readiness Assessment" test. This is a test that all students have to take during the application process that helps WGU determine your readiness for college level coursework. I spent the next few days over at Khan Academy studying the Algebra section before taking the readiness assessment. The assessment is a four part test; math, language, written essay, and admissions inventory. The test is pretty easy if you know basic high school Algebra and English. To find out what you should study for on each part of the test, check out this great article. After taking the test, I thought that I would receive an email or be told if I passed or not, but I was told that they stopped sending out pass/fail emails and now you must wait to talk to your enrollment counselor to be told if you passed/failed the assessment I had to wait about three nerve racking days after the test to talk to my EC, but I was pleased to learn that I passed!
The next step in the admissions process was my in-take interview. This was an interview with my EC where we went through all of the basics again. Make sure you have about 30 minutes to go through this call, and also make sure you are at your computer because your EC will want to show you how to navigate through the WGU student portal. He/she will also explain to you how to make payment (if you haven't already done so), and also what to expect when you start "Education Without Boundaries" which is the orientation process for WGU. Education Without Boundaries opens up on the 15th of the month before your official start date. So, for instance, I'm scheduled to start on May 1st, so my Education Without Boundaries will open up tomorrow!
The last step of the enrollment process has been by far the most nerve-racking and patience testing part of the process. Remember that I told you that the transcript from my community college needed to be received first. This was for good reason. The transcript department took about three weeks to process my transcript evaluation, so I was stuck waiting for about three weeks to know if I was to be cleared to start on May 1st. WGU has only a 35% acceptance rate, so I was really worried that my previous college coursework would disqualify me from admission. Thankfully, I just received word the day before yesterday (was in my SPAM folder, so make sure you check that often) that six of my classes transferred from my community college and that I've been cleared to officially start on May 1st!!! One word for those that don't receive clearance and are denied admission due to not enough transferred units - there is still hope! WGU partners with another school called "Straighterline", and if you make it through a term of Straighterline, you are almost guaranteed admission into WGU. For more details on a Straighterline experience, check out this great post by candimc on wgustudents.com forum. Keep trying, never stop, never give up hope! There is always hope... ;)
As I said before, I've got Education With Boundaries starting tomorrow. WGU gives students two weeks to complete the orientation, but I've heard that it only takes a few hours to complete the process. During the orientation they are supposed to show us everything we need to know to "hit the ground running" on May 1st. I'll let you know how that experience goes in the next few days. Thanks for reading and I hope you come back again! :)
Hello, World!
Hello to anyone taking the time to read through this blog about my journey through Western Governors University Teachers College (K-8 Interdisciplinary Studies). Little disclaimer before I get started: I'm not editing this blog to make sure that I maintain proper grammar, syntax, etc. This is because I'm a husband, father of two, work full-time and I'm about to start school full-time, so I don't have a lot of time to blog, as you might imagine.
The purpose of this blog is that I really enjoyed reading through other students blogs that graduated at WGU and so I wanted to give back to other future prospective students. Secondly, I wanted to have this as a record for any potential future employer that might want to know more about my education experience at Western Governors. Lastly, I wanted to have a record of my own accomplishments to motivate me along the way - when you get to the "I want to stop" wall, you just have to run through it!
The best place to start is to explain why I want to get my teaching B.A at the age of 31. As a young adult I was very immature and didn't take college seriously. Shortly after my freshman year at a community college, I quit school and started working in the computer/tech industry. I was always adept with technology, so I found a few really good jobs and have been in that industry ever since. I always knew that I wanted to have a career where I was really useful to others and so I began to become disheartened working in the computer/tech industry. I bounced around from wanting to be a nurse, police, fire fighter, military, and teacher until about 3 years ago I decided that my calling was indeed teaching - this came after I had been teaching younger kids at church for a couple of years and after developing a few close relationships with teachers. I was a late bloomer, I guess. Since college, I've started a family and now have two kids of my own and my maturity level is such that I'm ready to finish my bachelors and start teaching. Not for any perk, as of right now I get paid more than the average pay of teachers in Texas. I'm willing to take a pay cut to teach. That's the short story of a much longer journey. :)
I'd like to take a moment to explain why I chose WGU over a traditional brick-and-mortar school. This is really simple to explain. First, I love the competency based learning method at WGU. I believe that this is the future of education - I see WGU as a pioneer here. Secondly, WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Also, in 2006 WGU Teachers College became the first exclusively online school to receive accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Lastly, WGU is non-profit university, so that told me that they care about students graduation rates more than their own profits.
I plan to update this blog after every competency unit (class) that I pass, and also I'll post here and there with general tips and experiences that I have to help current/prospective students. I think this is a good place to end my first blog post. My next blog post will detail my admissions process. Stay tuned and thanks for reading! :)
The purpose of this blog is that I really enjoyed reading through other students blogs that graduated at WGU and so I wanted to give back to other future prospective students. Secondly, I wanted to have this as a record for any potential future employer that might want to know more about my education experience at Western Governors. Lastly, I wanted to have a record of my own accomplishments to motivate me along the way - when you get to the "I want to stop" wall, you just have to run through it!
The best place to start is to explain why I want to get my teaching B.A at the age of 31. As a young adult I was very immature and didn't take college seriously. Shortly after my freshman year at a community college, I quit school and started working in the computer/tech industry. I was always adept with technology, so I found a few really good jobs and have been in that industry ever since. I always knew that I wanted to have a career where I was really useful to others and so I began to become disheartened working in the computer/tech industry. I bounced around from wanting to be a nurse, police, fire fighter, military, and teacher until about 3 years ago I decided that my calling was indeed teaching - this came after I had been teaching younger kids at church for a couple of years and after developing a few close relationships with teachers. I was a late bloomer, I guess. Since college, I've started a family and now have two kids of my own and my maturity level is such that I'm ready to finish my bachelors and start teaching. Not for any perk, as of right now I get paid more than the average pay of teachers in Texas. I'm willing to take a pay cut to teach. That's the short story of a much longer journey. :)
I'd like to take a moment to explain why I chose WGU over a traditional brick-and-mortar school. This is really simple to explain. First, I love the competency based learning method at WGU. I believe that this is the future of education - I see WGU as a pioneer here. Secondly, WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Also, in 2006 WGU Teachers College became the first exclusively online school to receive accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Lastly, WGU is non-profit university, so that told me that they care about students graduation rates more than their own profits.
I plan to update this blog after every competency unit (class) that I pass, and also I'll post here and there with general tips and experiences that I have to help current/prospective students. I think this is a good place to end my first blog post. My next blog post will detail my admissions process. Stay tuned and thanks for reading! :)
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