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AoPS classes--OK to do not in real time?


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I am considering one of the AoPS Python programming classes for DS, but the time is likely to be tricky--at least sometimes it will for sure conflict with baseball and possibly other commitments as well. How essential is the experience of attending the real-time interactive class "meetings", as opposed to catching up with the transcript, working through problems independently, and using the message board as needed?

 

Thanks,

Heather

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I looked at that. I think the class would be at 2.30 AM here.

All the classes seem to run 7:30 - 9pm Pacific time (California). So depending on day light savings ds is in class from 11-30-1pm, 12-30-2 or 1:30-3pm. (it does get confusing -- when the USA falls back, we spring forward, and the dates of the switch vary by a month) There are kids from Europe who stay up to midnight to go to class, and there is one unfortunate boy in India who has to wake up at 4am.

 

My answer would be, No, you don't have to go to class. But boy oh boy does my son love it. He gets to see his answers appear to the class (not all go up), and he races to beat certain classmates that he knows through the chat board, and he has a serious intensity of effort during that 1.5 hours because they. are. moving. through. the. material!

 

My son makes sure that he is on the chat board when the other kids are awake (obviously this is an issue to us), because not only do they work together to solve problems, but they also just chat and get to know each other. He has even started signing up for certain classes to continue with another student from Mexico that he really likes. They will have been in 4 classes together by the end of the year.

 

The AoPS classes are way more than just an online transcript of class material and a list of problems. They have totally revolutionized how my son feels about math. He use to see it as an isolating passion of his, and now it is all about working *with* others who are equally passionate.

 

Happy to answer more questions,

 

Ruth in NZ (where it is currently winter and I am wearing a puffer jacket inside (with a scarf))

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lewelma, that is so cool:).  Different continents, but kids with the same passions and similar abilities can still be friends:)  How fun!  Did you guys plan to sign them up for the same class together, or was it a coincidence ?

 

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No, I did not know that Quark's son was in the class until I started a thread asking if any other WTMers were taking it.  My ds loved feeling that connection with one of my internet friends. Who couldn't love Quark? :001_wub:

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I'm convinced the main benefit of online classes is that relationship/competition with other kids. My DD planned out her schedule for her online classes specifically so she could stay with some of the same kids she was in class with last year. She also "recognizes" the regular people who are online at the same time she is on Mathletics.

 

We haven't tried AOPS yet. Maybe after we see how Intro to Algebra goes....

 

 

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:blush: :blush: :001_wub: Oh gee, Ruth and Iskra. You're so sweet. Yeah, that was so cool that they got to be classmates like that, Ruth. DS found it very motivating to have someone he "knew" there too. It just made it more meaningful. As for the OP, I haven't read most responses but I know that for my DS, doing it live added so much value to the classes. He isn't very active on the forums so perhaps that's another reason why the class meant so much. And he loved being able to see his responses appear on the chat room.

 

Good luck!

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