As you might have predicted, the frustration of Drexel U's learning system led me to reading your article. Although I am a freshman 1st semester student (can't get fresher than this!) at Drexel for Biomedical Engineering, I think I've had enough of how poor the quality of equipment, professors, and students are at this school.
Although I am a freshman, I am taking mostly sophomore classes (linear algebra, thermodynamics.etc.). It is saddening to see my next 4 years at Drexel staring at a blackboard and listening to TA who are ignorant of their subject. Adding on, I have never encountered a system as much a FAILURE as drexelone, learning.drexel.edu, and Maple TA. Not only are they visually unappealing, but also inefficient and borderline acceptable.
Unlike you, I am in my freshman year and pays a few grand per year for books and university fees. Should I make the switch this early in the game?
Mat Schaffer
· 1 year ago
Personally, I generally enjoyed my computer science program at Drexel. But I'd say that quality of your program largely depends on the quality of your teachers. CS is fortunate enough to have a few good ones (Regli, Krandick, Char), so it worked out. That may be true of any college, but I guess I won't find out till I go for my masters.
As far as drexelone, it's powered by Banner which I hear has (sadly) managed to sell itself to most of the colleges on the eastern seaboard. So you may have to head west before seeing anything less revolting.
Good luck with your studies either way, and I hope you can find a program (or other venture) that works for you!
Seth Nenstiel
· 1 year ago
@Emily
I was in the same situation last year, that you are in now. The only difference was that I was a computer science major. The program that I was in felt not innovative and did not promote learning. I eventually transferred out after my second term.
I was like you and Alex, I hated blackboard and drexelone. They are clumsy tools and really do not aid the educational process. Unfortunately, many schools still use them. The current school I am attending, uses blackboard. It is somewhat of an industry standard.
I may venture as far as to say that Drexel sort of ruined computer science for me, as it is no longer my major. If you feel that your educational experience is going to be ruined by Drexel, then by all means seek other schools. It is not a good place to 'find yourself' educationally, or try and suffer through a program that has many flaws.
Time is your greatest asset, don't waste it.
Emily, feel free to email me sethnenstiel at gmail dot com.
Alex Hillman
· 1 year ago
Seth nailed it. Your education is just that, YOUR education. If you're not feeling educated, then I think you have every reason to consider other options.
If you think of it from a customer service perspective, why would you keep paying for crappy product when there's competition across the street.
My only point would be: before leaving, know what you're looking for so you don't find yourself wandering. If you can set goals that you can weigh your options against, you'll have a more efficient experience evaluating options and a higher chance of making the right decision.
I think it's an extremely adult decision to make, and better to make sooner than later.
Best of luck, Emily, and keep me posted if we can do anything else to help.
All Comments
As you might have predicted, the frustration of Drexel U's learning system led me to reading your article. Although I am a freshman 1st semester student (can't get fresher than this!) at Drexel for Biomedical Engineering, I think I've had enough of how poor the quality of equipment, professors, and students are at this school.
Although I am a freshman, I am taking mostly sophomore classes (linear algebra, thermodynamics.etc.). It is saddening to see my next 4 years at Drexel staring at a blackboard and listening to TA who are ignorant of their subject. Adding on, I have never encountered a system as much a FAILURE as drexelone, learning.drexel.edu, and Maple TA. Not only are they visually unappealing, but also inefficient and borderline acceptable.
Unlike you, I am in my freshman year and pays a few grand per year for books and university fees. Should I make the switch this early in the game?
As far as drexelone, it's powered by Banner which I hear has (sadly) managed to sell itself to most of the colleges on the eastern seaboard. So you may have to head west before seeing anything less revolting.
Good luck with your studies either way, and I hope you can find a program (or other venture) that works for you!
I was in the same situation last year, that you are in now. The only difference was that I was a computer science major. The program that I was in felt not innovative and did not promote learning. I eventually transferred out after my second term.
I was like you and Alex, I hated blackboard and drexelone. They are clumsy tools and really do not aid the educational process. Unfortunately, many schools still use them. The current school I am attending, uses blackboard. It is somewhat of an industry standard.
I may venture as far as to say that Drexel sort of ruined computer science for me, as it is no longer my major. If you feel that your educational experience is going to be ruined by Drexel, then by all means seek other schools. It is not a good place to 'find yourself' educationally, or try and suffer through a program that has many flaws.
Time is your greatest asset, don't waste it.
Emily, feel free to email me sethnenstiel at gmail dot com.
If you think of it from a customer service perspective, why would you keep paying for crappy product when there's competition across the street.
My only point would be: before leaving, know what you're looking for so you don't find yourself wandering. If you can set goals that you can weigh your options against, you'll have a more efficient experience evaluating options and a higher chance of making the right decision.
I think it's an extremely adult decision to make, and better to make sooner than later.
Best of luck, Emily, and keep me posted if we can do anything else to help.