MIT Challenge

kgb

If you haven't already seen this, I found it to be quite inspiring. I'm a software engineer and wanted a CS degree, but circumstances led me to WGU and I do not regret that decision. Being finished with WGU though, I plan on going through the core CS classes he lists here.

MIT Challenge « Scott H Young

I really can relate to the section in his FAQ's when he answers the question:
"Q) Isn’t this just cramming for tests?

No, but the difference is subtle. Most the classes build on past concepts, so my goal with each is to develop a deep understanding that I can leverage. Cramming is typically a resort to memorization to quickly pass a test then forget it. Understanding is harder, but not necessarily more time consuming (and a requirement if each class builds on the one before it). "

There are always posts about people accelerating so quickly through WGU with the stigma of not actually learning. I could never put it to words, but Scott nailed it. With that said though, I'm not afraid to admit that I have not remembered everything I learned during all my classes at WGU.

dbrink

kgb wrote: »

With that said though, I'm not afraid to admit that I have not remembered everything I learned during all my classes at WGU.

That is the case with any sort of education. If you don't actively use it then you will eventually forget most of the detailed information you learned but may retain some general concepts.

spiderjericho

True. Use it or lose it. But I think with WGU's approach one could say this is exacerbated. It's almost like the school is a means to an end instead of about the journey and how it prepares you for your field. But, the school does have a specific demographic. I'd be more interested in their nursing program numbers and how many medical organizations hire graduates.

theanimal

I'm starting on 2/1 and I plan on taking my time through each course, supplementing everything of importance for my goals with extra materials, and making sure I have a core understanding of everything.

That being said, transferring in my A+ and maybe 2 college credits, I will be able to complete the degree in 1/2 the time for 1/4 the cost. So though it's faster and cheaper, I think you get what you put in.

Valsacar

I went with WGU as a means to an end, I have the experience in almost all aspects of the degree but it's that piece of paper that validates it to HR. That's what I like about the program, for most courses I already have the competency so I just need to prove it and move on to the next.

DoubleNNs

I want to do the MIT challenge. Or, at least a short version of it.

I'm currently taking a year off from school. After getting done w/ my entry level certs, it'd be cool to try to find something else to study so I'll be able to easily bang out the rest of my degree when I return to school.