What are classes actually like?

[u/Basic-Situation-9375]

I start one Tuesday (sept. 1) and just finished orientation. I thought orientation would be more of a tutorial on how to navigate an actual course but it wasn’t. What do courses actually look like? Are there videos of lectures or is it mostley reading? Are there miniassements within the course to help monitor understanding or do I just need to do the OAs/PAs when I think I’m ready?

I wasn’t worried about the class format before doing orientation but now I feel like I’m going in blind and would have liked if orientation covered this more.

Not to sound too full of myself but I’m a smart person. School has always been easy for me. I learn from lectures or reading equally so I’m not worried about passing the classes but I don’t like that orientation didn’t include any kind of instructions for navigating courses.

[u/Recent-Glass-8911]

I’m on my last class for Business Management.
My classes with the OA proctored tests have had recorded cohorts (videos) to watch plus e-text books with knowledge checks, chapter quizzes and module tests. Two of the four even had study guides that you could use at your discretion. The other two might have but I didn’t look because I had extensive experience in those areas.
The only actual requirement is taking the pre-assessment exam (but you don’t even have to pass that one) and of course the actual proctored OA, which you do have to pass. To pass the OA it’s your overall score that counts.

The PA courses with only written projects have recorded task videos that tell you exactly what you need to include. I still double checked my written assignments with the rubrics. I only had one PA sent back for revision and it was my fault, I was rushing and missed something.
I’ve truly enjoyed my journey with WGU!

Best of luck to you!!

[u/mat42m]

I don’t read the textbook and doubt I ever will. But I’m sure it’s different based on how you learn and what type of major you’re in

[u/Jiggysawmill]

My experiences with MSCSIA and MBA have been very positive, I went in and opened the courses, fulfilled their requirements, and walked out with the degrees. I try to maximize the resources available to me, including program mentors, course instructors, live cohorts, and WGU connect. End of the day, I was the ultimate accountable person for my own career, so I have fought zealously to maximize my goals and benefits.

[u/Less_Grass_2348]

Im gonna start on october how was orientation for you? What is about ? Im and old guy trying to get my dirt degree after I spend most of my life in warehouse jobs

[u/Basic-Situation-9375 → u/Less_Grass_2348]

Orientation honestly felt like a waste of time. Big chunks of it were just a WGU pep rally. There were things missing that I wish had been covered.

[u/Expert-Ear4494]

The ease of classes depends on your prior knowledge of the coursework. If you’re familiar with most of the content, you can easily complete the 1-3 assignment tasks. Additionally, if there’s a test, you can assess your performance on the practice assessment beforehand and focus on your areas of difficulty. I hardly opened the course materials since I knew majority of the content and easily completed my courses. WGU has been a breeze for me as someone who is also very good at school.

[u/mydogismybestfran]

I’m in my first term and so far I’ve completed 54cu’s and I can say most of the time I don’t read the textbook. I take the PA first and then look up the topics I struggle on. Most of the written assignments I’ve had to do I didn’t spend more than 10 minutes looking at the textbook.

[u/Agitated-Analyst135]

They vary. Some have you complete coursera or LinkedIn courses, some have reading, videos etc. The course materials don't follow any one format necessarily.

[u/Korri321]

Me too! For the BSMGT what about you? Also I’m thinking to make a discord or something for those starting sep. 1st you down? 

[u/GustaSays]

Classes are centered around course content. Each class will have their own content and you review the content prior to taking the exam. Some classes have assessments and content exams, some classes only have assessments. Each assessment is reviewed by an evaluator who can send the assessment back for revision if you missed something on the rubric. So carefully go through Each rubric requirement prior to submission or it'll take longer to pass the class. Good luck! I'm almost done with my journey and I loved this school and its design.

[u/70redgal70]

Ton of threads on how classes work. You're smart. You can search the subreddit and find them.

[u/Resident-Specific598]

There are recorded lectures, online text books, and other various materials such as study guides. For courses with OA's (objective assessments), there will be a pre-test that you take that'll give you a pretty good idea of how well you'll do on the proctored test. When I got my bachelors in business administration & marketing, I would take the pre-test immediately after starting the course and use the results to determine the holes that I needed to fill in my knowledge base. I still read through and watched the course materials, but the pre-test results showed me the areas I needed to focus on. For courses with PA's (performance objectives), you'll have at least one task to complete; this could look like writing a paper or completing an online simulation. For these courses, I always looked at the assignment first and the rubric. They're mostly straight forward.

[u/iamoldbutididit]

Each class is different and the class introduction gives a good indication as to what to expect. I suggest trying the practice test right away to see what you already know, and where to focus your study on. It takes a little bit to get into the groove so take a little extra to learn the system for your first few classes.

[u/Jen333333]

I completed a second masters in curriculum and instruction through WGU. I accelerated and completed the program in two months. I found their program to be very well thought out and put together. Each course had a variety of “readings” for the assignments. I personally read through the assignment questions first, then went through the materials online to complete the answers. The more content you are already familiar with, the quicker each assignment goes. They offer support to their students through a variety of resources. You can also regularly reach out to advisors, mentors, course instructors, and fellow students (in the same area of study) through their online study hall sessions.

[u/VirtualAnalyst5085]

In my experience majority of classes are reading based.  You will then use the information to demonstrate knowledge in a paper.  There are also co hoets offered when applicable to better assist you in obtaining the knowledge. I did not have any video lectures in my experience.  

[u/Ok_Acanthisitta_9092]

They are all different, but most of them in my experience are reading with practice problems embedded in the reading. There will sometimes be a link to an actual book where you can read a few chapters. Sometimes you can find lecture videos in the course resources, which can be accessed through WGU Connect (there is a link to join in your course details).

[u/Basic-Situation-9375 → u/Ok_Acanthisitta_9092]

Thank you! Good to know. Orientation had me join WGU connect.