On-line Classes

I’ve just started to look at ASU as a possibility for my son and I got the impression from the website that on-line classes are a big thing there. Is it normal for a student who is enrolled at the Tempe campus to take some classes on-line? Is it necessary, as in is that the only way you can get into some classes? Can you avoid on-line classes if you prefer actual classrooms? Any insight would be welcome.

@me29034 - My son is about to graduate. The only iCourses he had to take were some of the obscure, college specific requirements. For example, he wanted to take forensic anthropology. It is only offered as an iCourse. I think he has taken a total of 3 iCourses. One advantage, some of them are only 8 weeks, instead of 16. So, you get 3 credits in half the time. They also have “hybrid” classes that meet in person once a week, then have discussion boards online. The only class he had like this was freshman English. He was not a fan. I am sure it is fairly easy to take all “in person” classes if you are flexible with class times.

Overall, my son has never had a problem getting a class. I was involved with each class sign-up period (I am told I can be a helicopter parent ;-)). He got his first choice every semester. He is in Barrett. He is a Chemistry major with a Business minor. The advisors do a great job of helping the students out and they are very accessible.

Thanks for the answer @usma87 . Do you think your answer would change if your son were not in Barrett? My son is not a high stats student and would be just one of the crowd. He wouldn’t be in Barrett.

@me29034 I think for the most part classes are very accessible. The final answer will be dependent on major and your son’s preferences for timing. He may find that he likes certain classes in the online format. What does he plan to major in?

He will likely major in either history or political science. I think that class discussion would be important for both these majors which is why I am concerned about on-line courses.

I have two OOS students who will be attending ASU in the fall. One of my son’s will be in Barrett and the othe will not. He will be majoring in political science. He already has his schedule for the fall (they register at orientation) and none of his classes are on-line. He’ll be taking one or two political science courses right out of the gate in addition to English and Math and something else I don’t recall. Also, his advisor called him prior to orientation to get to know him a little and discuss what courses would interest him. Surprising for such a large university - and this isn’t the Barrett kid.

@me29034 - Online classes have bulletin board discussions. I agree they would not be ideal, but it still happens. As stated, the online classes are not the norm in my son’s experience.