Online classes

[Trainwreck]

Any thoughts on online classes? Do they work? Are they any good? I know that Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Powerscore all offer them but beyond that, I don't know much.

[Tailgator2010]

I'd be interested in hearing from people about this too. I love the idea of access anytime day or night.

[Ashley O]

For comparative purposes this might help:

Kaplan Demo at http://www.kaptest.com/LSAT/LSAT-Prep/Online/lsat-live-online.html

PowerScore Demo at http://www.powerscore.com/lsat/virtual/content_index.cfm

Princeton Review Demo at http://www.princetonreview.com/law/free-lsat-practice-test.aspx

[Trainwreck]

For comparative purposes this might help:

Kaplan Demo at http://www.kaptest.com/LSAT/LSAT-Prep/Online/lsat-live-online.html

PowerScore Demo at http://www.powerscore.com/lsat/virtual/content_index.cfm

Princeton Review Demo at http://www.princetonreview.com/law/free-lsat-practice-test.aspx

Thanx, I'll check those out

 

[widespreadLSATpanic]

An online class is probably best for me (((lazy))). Any idea if you do the lessons anytime you want? Or does it have to be a set schedule?

[lsattutor]

Depends on the structure of online classes.  Another source is Examville if you are looking for an affordable online options.  The key is the online presentation and the teacher.  In online classes it all comes down to how well the teacher communicates.

[Ashley O]

As I understand it, the Online classes now have live class sessions that you attend at a set time. So, every Thursday at 6 PM you might all meet online for a live session. But, those classes are also recorded, so if you miss a class or want to review one, the session is available for complete review. So, that allows you to do the classes whenever you want. Its kind of the best of both worlds from the look of it. 

[Dr. Troy]

Ashley - based on what I've seen it seems that whether you get live or pre-recorded sessions really depends a lot on the prep company and course option you choose. Obviously live classes where you can interact with the instructor (or even two instructors for some companies) are preferable, since you can ask questions and provide feedback during class, and since these live sessions are archived for post-class review. That means that even if you do "miss" a class you still have access to it and can stay on pace with the course. So be sure to read the details of your course options closely and try to stick to live classes if you can.

Good luck!

[Tailgator2010]

Ashley - based on what I've seen it seems that whether you get live or pre-recorded sessions really depends a lot on the prep company and course option you choose. Obviously live classes where you can interact with the instructor (or even two instructors for some companies) are preferable, since you can ask questions and provide feedback during class, and since these live sessions are archived for post-class review. That means that even if you do "miss" a class you still have access to it and can stay on pace with the course. So be sure to read the details of your course options closely and try to stick to live classes if you can.

Good luck!

Do you mean that at some companies you don't get both, you only get live or prerecorded? Why wouldn't they offer both if it records?

[Dr. Troy]

Well I can think of a few reasons that might motivate a company to do prerecorded as opposed to live, although none of them really seem to be motivated by a student's best interests. It's certainly cheaper to do a prerecorded course, since you don't have any recurrent instructor costs. Also you wouldn't have the administrative and technological hassles of assigning students and instructors to individual class sessions and having to do tech support if something goes awry. And once you have a course that you think is solid you could just sell it without further thought or expense (aside from books, perhaps).

So from a company's perspective the prerecorded option is great, especially considering a lot of the prerecorded courses are being sold for around the same price as competitor's live courses. But as a student I really think there's a lot to be gained from the live experience: you get to interact with others in real time, instructors can track your progress and help you out as the classes progresses, and of course you also have the archive of the class once each lesson finishes. You really get all of the advantages of live adaptability and prerecorded accessibility when you take a course that will be taught in a real-time format. Definitely the way to go if you can find one in your price range and with a schedule that allows you to attend at least most of the classes!

[widespreadLSATpanic]

Great points, Dr. Troy! At first, I was thinking a recorded online class would be best for me...so that I could log on anytime and do the class. But now it makes sense...why not go for both...live and recorded sessions! I know how I can often get stuck on minor details, and I can picture myself getting frustrated with not having the option to get questions answered.

I'm planning to take the exam in June. So I need to get into a class fairly soon. This whole process is kinda overwhelming!
 

[Anne]

why not go for both...live and recorded sessions! I know how I can often get stuck on minor details, and I can picture myself getting frustrated with not having the option to get questions answered.

My thoughts exactly. A combination of both is ideal--then you can go over material you're having trouble with in the pre-recorded lessons, and then you can also ask questions when the class is taught live. Best of both worlds! 

[widespreadLSATpanic]

Has anyone here actually taken one of these online classes?

[widespreadLSATpanic]

For comparative purposes this might help:

Kaplan Demo at http://www.kaptest.com/LSAT/LSAT-Prep/Online/lsat-live-online.html

PowerScore Demo at http://www.powerscore.com/lsat/virtual/content_index.cfm

Princeton Review Demo at http://www.princetonreview.com/law/free-lsat-practice-test.aspx

This is helpful, but I'm still confused after checking further into each of the sites. Is the Kaplan course actually live and interactive? The video indicates that it is, but I can't find any specific schedules?  PowerScore looks good (plus, have you seen how hot the chick is on their homepage?!  ...sorry ladies). The Princeton site mentions 24/7 online coaching...that sounds awesome, but is there really going to be someone there to help me when I'm studying at 3am?!

I found a pretty cool comparison chart... http://www.powerscore.com/lsat/virtual/content_comparison.cfm

[Anne]

(plus, have you seen how hot the chick is on their homepage?!  ...sorry ladies).

LOL! Which one? The LSAT one at the top of the page, or the chat one on the side?