Student Experiences at Western Governors University (WGU)

This thread is intended for students to write about their experiences at Western Governors University.

Please keep it civil, and do not spend your time bashing the school, and its policies. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but if you have a problem you need to take it up with your professor or mentor. Please no Flaming on this thread.

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CBaer

@lelei and @usaagent27

My mentor has forbidden approving vouchers before I get pre-assessment tests done. I explained that its slowing my momentum, but she's adamant. How did you go about requesting someone who fit more with your style? I assume they just assign you another mentor randomly. I don't want to get the same problem and waste a silver bullet.

natv

I'm just guessing but I think it falls back on the mentor if you didn't do well on (or didn't do at all) your pre-assessments / practice tests and then end up failing the exam, as the mentor is supposed to make sure you did them first. I think wgu is trying to cut back on the number of failures, there was also an email a while back about a waiting period now if you fail an exam before you can take it again.

natv

I'm thinking of a change of pace for my next class and doing something less technical and looking I'm at the 'CLC1 - Reasoning and Problem Solving'

I started to read the book a while back put decided to put it off for another time... maybe some feedback from others who have taken it can help...

For one.. being in IT and having taken only IT courses so far (and having been out of school for a number of years), I'm not sure how to study for this. I guess I'm so used to studying technical material I can't even figure out what kind of notes to take in CLC1...(?). There's a lot to read and I'm not absorbing it well. So any feedback there would be great.

Another issue I have is more of a 'mental issue' with the course... I'm not a bad person (I swear I'm not) but I am a competitive person by nature (i.e - if I'm going to debate something.. yes I want to win). Yes, I want you to see my side and my goal is to get you to agree me with me. Maybe I know a thing or two that would help YOUR side of the argument but I'm not going to bring it up (for example)

So far the book is coming across like bunch of "moral lessons"... is it just me that feels that way? I don't think the book is wrong I just don't think it's realistic and it seems that to progress through the chapters I have to try to make myself think as the book teaches.

kgb

What I did for CLC1:

- I read like 5-10% of the book.
- I did do all the Mindedge modules though. They went fast.
- Watched their practice question webinars
- Actual test is set up just like the preassessment, so if you do well on it you should be fine.

natv wrote: »

I'm thinking of a change of pace for my next class and doing something less technical and looking I'm at the 'CLC1 - Reasoning and Problem Solving'

I started to read the book a while back put decided to put it off for another time... maybe some feedback from others who have taken it can help...

For one.. being in IT and having taken only IT courses so far (and having been out of school for a number of years), I'm not sure how to study for this. I guess I'm so used to studying technical material I can't even figure out what kind of notes to take in CLC1...(?). There's a lot to read and I'm not absorbing it well. So any feedback there would be great.

Another issue I have is more of a 'mental issue' with the course... I'm not a bad person (I swear I'm not) but I am a competitive person by nature (i.e - if I'm going to debate something.. yes I want to win). Yes, I want you to see my side and my goal is to get you to agree me with me. Maybe I know a thing or two that would help YOUR side of the argument but I'm not going to bring it up (for example)

So far the book is coming across like bunch of "moral lessons"... is it just me that feels that way? I don't think the book is wrong I just don't think it's realistic and it seems that to progress through the chapters I have to try to make myself think as the book teaches.

CBaer

@natv

I find the SQ3R method was helpful to get back into "study mode" after being out of college for --cough--cough-- years. I'm a very independent learner, but like to reinforce things I don't know with constant research (I'm a google-holic). So this method let me shake off the rust for the non-tech studies. Here's a very basic breakdown of it, but you can find a ton of better links online:

The SQ3R Reading Method

Good luck! In the CLC1 book I did all the modules, watched some videos, and read Ch 4, 5, 8 which seemed to be the meat of the course. I got a passing score on the pre to move on to the assessment, and will use the coaching report just to reinforce some concepts. Started it Sunday, finished it Monday, did the pre on Tues (full time work all day), and am scheduled to test on Sunday. In the meantime I'll move onto LUT1 and study for WFV1.

natv

Thanks @kgb and @CBaer. Good luck on the exam CBaer.

natv

If anyone has access to the GAC1 rubric / first task in taskstream would you mind sending it to me? I asked my mentor to open up the GAC1 learning resources while I was waiting to take the last part of the A+ exam. ButI only put in the request today to add GAC1 to my AAV and now it's the weekend... and assuming he adds it Monday it will still take a few days before it's in Taskstream.

I started GAC1 and am now at the first taskstream step in the COS. Would like to see what is involved with these first tasks, as after this latest part (induction) I'm now concerned I may need to review some algebra (polynomials, etc)

Either way would love to get a head start on what I'll need to submit in taskstream if possible.

Thanks in advance

demonfurbie

whats the class name besides gac1 they have changed alot of the course codes

Jasiono

Has anyone taken mgc1 recently? They started me at chapter 4. I actually passed the pre assesment. I was wondering if its something some courses do, starting people out with chapters other than reading the whole thing

erpadmin

I know that mgc1 was one of those courses I took the pre-assessment for and passed. Whatever I didn't know I just googled. When it came time for the actual exam, I just passed and called it a day.

[This was not recent...but I believe that is still the current M-O.]

natv

it's Finite math but it's ok now got it worked out. One of the other members PM'd me with a great suggestion to call Student Services, I did and it turns out there was actually a way to access the taskstream task from the COS even though this isn't in my AAV yet.

I had to actually access the 2nd Finite math COS to get to the link, turns out they share the same COS but the taskstream part is for the 2nd class.

Psoasman

Jasiono wrote: »

Has anyone taken mgc1 recently? They started me at chapter 4. I actually passed the pre assesment. I was wondering if its something some courses do, starting people out with chapters other than reading the whole thing

This is a class you can basically do the pre-assessment for, schedule it out for the 5 days, and study while waiting. Same for BNC1. The cut score for these courses is pretty low and the pre-assessment is similar to the real thing.

I found it beneficial to read through the chapters in order, as I didn't like how it skipped around.

I would recommend doing BNC1, MGC1, and RIT1 together as they are similar material. I think the BNC1 and RIT1 uses the same book, too.

N2IT

Task 1 and 2 completed for Organizational Management. Task 3 has been submitted, hopefully it's accepted

Once I complete Org Mgmt I'll only have strategic management, decision analysis, financial analysis, and leadership along with the capstone project.

hiddenknight821

@N2IT: I envy your motivation and how fast you're moving along in your master. I'm having a hard time trying to keep up as I don't have many experience with the subject. I realized it would have been easier if I already have a CISSP. You can say I'm one of those "professional students," but I would like to have my degree done with before I get carried away with life. I admire your ambition, and your post just inspired me to finish another task before I go to bed.

N2IT

Hidden keep up the good work!

I really want to finish up before 2013.

usagent27

Just submitted task 3 on Friday and Task 4 today for KFT1. This was the last class that i have to complete. Assuming they both pass i will have completed my degree in six months.

Psoasman

Nice, you've been moving right along. How was KFT1 so far? I've some of the tasks are a beast.

usagent27

Psoasman wrote: »

Nice, you've been moving right along. How was KFT1 so far? I've some of the tasks are a beast.

Task 1-3 were pretty simple. Task 4 was a beast. Make sure you give yourself enough time.

joshmadakor

usagent27 wrote: »

Task 1-3 were pretty simple. Task 4 was a beast. Make sure you give yourself enough time.

What resources did you study for the UML section? Did that section take you longer than the actual coding?

hiddenknight821

Apparently, I spoke too soon. I did very poor on my first task for LKT2. I find this humiliating since I spent so much time doing some assigned readings for this task, which wasn't quite helpful in my opinions. I haven't reached out to the course mentor yet, but I should do that next. Policies analyses aren't my thing, and I will admit it's one of my greatest weaknesses. Yet, it's inevitable in any graduate infosec programs in this country. People who breathe policies stuff like oxygen amazes me, and I wonder how I can improve that. I'm now second-guessing myself, and I'm not sure if the infosec game is for me. Okay, I'm going to end my rant here.

Ivanjam

Can anyone recommend a good textbook for BOV1 - Web Programming - CIW JavaScript Specialist exam (1D0-635)? By good I mean in a concise format and covering the exam objectives.

erpadmin

hiddenknight821 wrote: »

Policies analyses aren't my thing, and I will admit it's one of my greatest weaknesses. Yet, it's inevitable in any graduate infosec programs in this country.

And yet, this is a good part of what infosec analysts do in real life...

Friendly advice...if you are finding it difficult to deal with this in your studies, you may want to rethink you career choice. Either that, or start turning that weakness upside down and buckle the ---- down!

I don't like sounding harsh and usually I like to be encouraging, but did you expect to sashay into this with nothing but a smile?

demonfurbie

joshmadakor wrote: »

What resources did you study for the UML section? Did that section take you longer than the actual coding?

yea i got the coding done i need help with the uml as well

jmasterj206

Take a look at visual paradigm. It can reverse the code for you and make most of your diagrams.

UML CASE tool for software development

There are some youtube tutorials that help explain how to use it.

hiddenknight821

erpadmin wrote: »

Either that, or start turning that weakness upside down and buckle the ---- down!

I don't like sounding harsh and usually I like to be encouraging, but did you expect to sashay into this with nothing but a smile?

Lol, I will admit that was funny. I just contacted the course mentor, but I was hoping that someone here will chime in and tell me how they overcame this struggle since probably most of us here aren't fond of paperwork. I decided to step back from working on my revision and do some readings in the meantime until I get a response from the course mentor before I make a decision I would regret. I don't plan on being an infosec analyst, but I do know that I will be dealing with a few major paperwork down the road. I would hate to be a loser if I can't improve my reading comprehension skill, explaining the intricate policies.

demonfurbie

i would say about 80% of all info sec work is paper trail

erpadmin

hiddenknight821 wrote: »

I would hate to be a loser if I can't improve my reading comprehension skill, explaining the intricate policies.

Paperwork is an acquired skill, based on foundational knowledge (basic grammar, command of language, etc.) When I was very young, I found that I actually enjoyed reading, but over the years, I became mentally lazy. That did not help when I endeavored to go to college (the first time.) I did all the wrong things...I did everything "cool" in college except actually show up to class. LMAO.

In any event, there are things I've come to accept that I need to take a class for, like very advanced math and accounting. The basic math, like what I went through at WGU was stuff I knew or could do, but I had to actually work to make sure I could pass that exam or hand in that assignment. By "work" I mean, I mean I had to do extra reading, spend more time than I liked, and just asking questions on stuff I was confused about.

I'll tell you this much, the people who make a decision to go to graduate school (like you and I have done) pretty much know (or should have known) that there is going to be a lot of paper writing, reading.

Last November, I bought Call of Duty MW3 (I know you like video games so you'll appreciate this.) I had thought that I'd have been done with WGU by December...but I cut it very close and made it to my last month, thanks to the MS exams. I started my grad certificate studies that January as well, and I NEVER got to really play multiplayer. I played campaign because I love the COD stories, but I never got to really get into multiplayer. The last multiplayer action I got to see was Black OPS. I just haven't had the time to get into because the work required for grad school required X amount of time...

You want to know something really funny...that mentally lazy part wasn't a joke...I used to wait until the last minute to hand in an assignment and the grade would usually vary (C, C+, B, B+ and sometimes an A...) I would have been a NHS student if I would have just given a ----...fast forward to today...I now give a ----. Because I give a ----, I am getting As at NJIT at the graduate level...and I work more than 40 hours a week at work...(and I don't have time to do school work at work...I swear to Whomever I don't.)

And now for the grand tie-in...your issue is that you tend to lose focus. If you spent half the time on your assignments as you do on video games, you would be handing WGU papers that don't require revisions. Don't get me wrong though, everyone needs a break from work (I'm on one right now.) But you can't take a break from an assignment if you didn't put in quality work. You're in graduate school now, no one is going to hold your hand. You will get support (I'd like to think I'm a part of that) but you gotta show that you've been busting your hump before you ask for help, and I see no evidence that you are.

Work on your concentration and focus on your assignment...that's what you need to do in order to get a good pass on Taskstream. No more half-steppin'

You are not a loser...losers quit.

(Edit: oh wow, my 4000th post!...feel proud that it was spent on you...lmao!!

)

Raidersfan81

Ivanjam wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a good textbook for BOV1 - Web Programming - CIW JavaScript Specialist exam (1D0-635)? By good I mean in a concise format and covering the exam objectives.

I would honestly use the 13 PDFs CIW gives out to study for this. The main reason is, they actually wrote it all. Can't beat using information from the people who give the test.

hiddenknight821

erpadmin wrote: »

You will get support (I'd like to think I'm a part of that) but you gotta show that you've been busting your hump before you ask for help, and I see no evidence that you are.

Work on your concentration and focus on your assignment...that's what you need to do in order to get a good pass on Taskstream. No more half-steppin'

Erp believe me. I'm no gamer at all. I find myself not having enough time to play two games I purchased more than three years ago. This summer I have been antisocial (deactivated my FB account since Memorial day). I'm committed to my study, but it just hit me that I may need a little guidance in the beginning, so I know what I learned was in fact right or wrong. I don't want to be left stranded in where I am now. You can't expect yourself to be able to read at a 12th grade reading-level naturally if you're only 7 years old. It takes a lot of time and guidance.

If failing tasks and fixing revisions are what it takes to really learn the materials and improve, then I hope this remains true. Yet, we can't reach the graders to get more in-depth feedback. At a traditional university, I would be able to meet with the professors and ask them why I was wrong. They would provide enough feedback, so I can improve. I don't like the idea of fiddling with the TaskStream using trials and errors. That's not an effective way of learning. That's why I reached out to the course mentor for more feedback. I need to get a good feel of what their expectations are.

I'm aware I'm in graduate school now, and I need to change that "good enough" mentality I had last year. I guess I'm still comparing myself to other people, which is hard not to most of the time. I am rushing to finish this degree no later than December 2013, and it frustrates me when I'm slipping behind again. I need to wear a mental horse blinder in this race, so I can finish at my own pace. Maybe Adderall will do the trick.

Thanks again for the blunt advices and the encouragement.

Hypntick

One week to go until my start date. Really looking forward to getting my head back into the game. Also received word that my mentor request was approved, luckily it's someone i've spoken with previously and who knows my working habits. I really would love to finish this in a single term, however I think a more realistic goal is two terms. We'll see what happens, I just need to buckle down and knock it out.