Is Chess.com University an Afterthought or a Serious Program?

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dyspwdm

Cross-posted from Chess.com University Class Suggestions:

[We need more input from the students to further improve Chess.com University. Feel free to leave some feedback! Thanks!]

Here is my feedback:

==> Improve usability, organization, and communication.

I like Chess.com overall, which is why I'm giving the Prodigy Program a try. But I am disappointed that the Prodigy Program, and most importantly, Chess.com University as a whole, lacks organization, coherence, and effective communication with current or future students. 

For example, LindaJKnutson asked an excellent question 6 weeks ago, "Does the Chess University have a description of all it's courses in one place organized by class level or some convenient criteria?"

The response was: "...at the moment we don't have the features needed to organize that information in one place."

Why is that? 

I can only surmise that Chess.com management does not fully support Chess.com University. If they did, such a simple feature would have been in place a long time ago. 

GeniusKJ - You come across as sincere, committed, and desirous of creating an effective teaching and learning environment. But you are listed as a 'Contributor' on the Chess.com About Us page, not a member of 'The Team', which makes me wonder:

  • Are you the only staff member for Chess.com University?
  • Are you a salaried employee, part-time contractor, or volunteer?
  • Are there any employees who support you, or work exclusively on Chess.com University? (I am assuming not.)

I don't expect you to answer all those questions, some of which are personal. My point is that one person cannot run a an online educational program. You need a dedicated staff with education and training in online adult education (I say 'adult' since there is ChessKid.com, which, by the way, does receive the kind of dedicated support I"m talking about), a passion for chess, and all the technical experts to create an easy-to-understand, efficient, and rewarding interface. 

I will cross-post this to the Feedback forum in the hopes that JayErikPeterDoggers, MikeKlein, DanielRenschand/or others will respond. 

Many thanks,

Mark

KairavJoshi

Hi Mark!

I just responded to this question in our Chess.com University forums. :)

dyspwdm

And a very helpful response it is. Cool

Although I still think Chess.com upper management should pump more money and staff resources into Chess.com UniversityMoney Mouth

RonaldJosephCote

   I think they will after V3 becomes formalized.

dyspwdm

I am very glad to hear that. :O)

I attended my first two classes today, and they were excellent! 

dyspwdm

@chemmajor3 - I agree that GeniusKJ (Kairav Joshi) has done a superb job building Chess University, even with limited resources. 

I am glad you find my posts entertaining. Laughter is the best medicine. 

ablankslate

The program is a goldmine aimed at them Whales.

dyspwdm

high roller (redirected from Whale (gambling))

high roller

n. Slang

1. One who spends freely and extravagantly, as for luxuries or entertainment.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.