Yes at times it appears comments are generic thought questions about the Chapter.

Grading is subjective, they will a wrong answer go now and then if you support your conclusion well.
I have a feeling I know which class your talking about but get me privately and I can tell you more.

 

Larry 

 

Thanks for your reply, Larry. I just sent you a PM, but I'm not yet sure how to check for a response. I'll figure it all out eventually

I was enrolled in the Aspen MBA Program and encountered the same thing. I will not say that Aspen is bad. However, I did not feel confident that I was getting my money's worth. I completed the first two of eleven courses and had the same experience with both. I received responses to my questions that were not pertainent. I received the same  "Cut & Paste feedback" to several different mudules. It may have been just these two instructors. I'm not sure. None the less, I decided to withdraw from the program.

That's really interesting. It's a really strange situation. One one hand,  I feel like I'm learning quite a bit from the assignments themselves, but on the other hand, I'm worried that I could doing the assignments wrong and am not learning much at all. I know Aspen is accredited and I'm very impressed with many aspects of their services as well as with their reputation, but it almost feels like I'm "buying" my degree. Eramos, just to satisfy my curiosity, would you mind PM'ing me with the two courses/instructors you had experience with? I don't want to publically put anyone's name out here on the thread. Thanks for your response. You've given me a lot to think about.

I'm surprised to hear about this, given Aspen's reputation (which is good).  Perhaps you should contact student services about your concerns?  Substandard instructors should not be allowed to continue to teach, even if it is online.  They not only do a disservice to the student and the school, but to distance learning in general.

Lets be honest..Aspen which I attend and like alot is a great deal for the money but it isn't Harvard.

They have a staff of under 10 people, so student services really is talking to the President Jerry Alley, who I have never spoken to, but my daughter had him for a clasa and he seems to be a great guy and very responsive.

If you have a gripe thats who I would take it to. I agree with you about some comments which appear to be canned and sent to everyone.I view them as thought questions.  But on the other hand I have seen some comments that were worthwhile.

You both made some really good points. I guess I can't complain too much considering the fact that I'm getting an MBA for under $5000. I suppose you get what you pay for. I don't mean to take anything away from Aspen. It's an amazing deal and I do learn quite a bit. My instructor is very pleasant and responsive as well. It just seems weird to me that assignments aren't even graded, so students have no idea if they're learning the material correctly. I guess if you want instructors to keep you on track you have to pay more, but if you want a great deal, you just have to learn from the textbook itself. Thanks for your replies. I think I'll stick with Aspen and get as much out of it is possible.

mdire:

You both made some really good points. I guess I can't complain too much considering the fact that I'm getting an MBA for under $5000. I suppose you get what you pay for. I don't mean to take anything away from Aspen. It's an amazing deal and I do learn quite a bit. My instructor is very pleasant and responsive as well. It just seems weird to me that assignments aren't even graded, so students have no idea if they're learning the material correctly. I guess if you want instructors to keep you on track you have to pay more, but if you want a great deal, you just have to learn from the textbook itself. Thanks for your replies. I think I'll stick with Aspen and get as much out of it is possible.

To say that assignments aren't even graded is a stretch. They are graded. If you write comments on the left hand side of your word docs when you turn in your assignment, you will get comments. One missing question out of many is hard to catch. I have been a student at many Universities, including big names like UCLA, and they occassionally miss an answer.

I am a little skeptical of newbies suddenly appearing and making unsubstantiated remarks about a school. Many times it turns  out to be someone with a vendetta. If this is not the case, welcome aboard!

Abner 

 

 

No vendetta. Unsubstantiated? No way

I was enrolled.....didn't like the fit. Therefore I have moved on.

Aspen is nationally accredited and has what seems like a good program. Just wasn't right for ME.

My answer/experience was related to the question. I will not say Aspen is a bad school.

By the way....Thanks for the welcome

 

I think you should speak to someone at the school about this experience.  They may be more receptive than you think.  I took a few courses on campus at Strayer University in the '90s, and one of them was awful -- the guy didn't make it even halfway through the textbook and clearly didn't know what he was talking about.  After the term was over I spoke with the department chair about it, and he seemed genuinely surprised and concerned.  That other instructor wasn't asked back.  I wouldn't be surprised if you had a similar experience talking with decision makers at Aspen about this.

-=Steve=-
 

---

B.S., Info Sys, Charter Oak State College
M.A., Educational Tech Leadership, George Washington University
Doctor of Health Education, A.T. Still University, in progress

Steve makes a good point. Discussing this with the Cheif Academic Officer may help alleviate your concerns.

You are correct, It will be very hard to beat the price.

 

Abner,

That's a fair comment- my comment about assignments not being graded came out wrong. I was just sharing my personal experience and asking if anyone had similar experiences or could offer any advice. As far as I understand, forums such as this are put in place for that exact reason. Aspen seems to be a great school and I am happy with many aspects of their services, but this is just one concern that I'm bringing to the group. I have no "vendetta." In fact, I had never even heard of the school until recently. You'll also notice that I offered a fair amount of praise regarding the institution. I just want to make sure that I'm making a sound investment of my time and money. I'll try your suggestion about placing the word comments on my paper. Thanks for the welcome .

Thanks for your help, Steve and ERamos. I think Steve has a great idea. For now, I'll try Abner's suggestion about placing the word "comments" on my papers. If things still seem "fishy," I might try talking to someone at the school. I just don't want to make any unsubstantiated accusations if they aren't deserved. This forum has been a huge help to me. I actually decided to attend Aspen after researching the school on this forum. I'll let you all know how things go. Thanks again!

 

ERamos and mdire: Once again welcome. As with any new school, communication helps a great deal. As far as certain comments coming out wrong, don't sweat it. The internet can be a sterile medium sometimes. I think you will like it here, we try to be friendly, while also striving to set the record straight if needed. Do not be afraid to ask any question.

I will admit I like to use the word "vendetta". Why? One of my favorite movies is "V for Vendetta". :)

Take care,

Abner  

 

Abner:

I've been wanting to see that movie! Thanks for all of your help. I think I'll like Aspen. I was just taken aback at first because I'm not used to their individual style. I was afraid I was getting ripped off or something.  I know that's not the case; I just have to get used to how Aspen does things. I'll tell you, the assignments keep me busy enough, so I know the school must be legit .