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Exploring the
Possibilities with Web-Flex Courses A
grant from the Ohio Board of
Regents enabled Edison Community College to launch a number of
classes to be offered to students in a new mode of delivery,
Web-Flex.
 The
term Web-Flex was coined to identify courses that were offered
partially in the traditional face-to-face classroom, and
partially online using the Blackboard course management system. Several instructors on
campus began work on these new courses in the spring of
2002. The courses were then offered for the first time
during the fall 2002 semester. As
the first semester for the Web-Flex draws to close, it is
timely that we share with you some of the comments from the
students and the faculty about their experiences this first
semester. Bob
Strayer: "My students liked the Web-Flex because it
gave them an opportunity to communicate almost daily with the
members in their groups as they prepared their
assignments." Cheryl
Buecker: "I have had 100% participation in the on-line discussions of assignments. It has been amazing to read the thoughts of students as they reflect on the writing of others. They have given thoughtful, reflective, and constructive feedback to each other. I don’t get this kind of reflection and thinking when they are in class. They were required to post in order to get a grade BUT the quality of the postings showed application of new learning and thoughtful reflections. As an instructor, this has been an excellent experience and helped me to see many of the ECD students in a different light." Jan
Cook: "Terry (Calvert) and I have noticed that one big advantage to this format is that students must become involved in their learning and take responsibility for understanding the material.
We also like the extension of communication beyond the classroom. When we get questions from students, we can post announcements and course material to help the whole class." A
mid-term survey of students in the Web-Flex format offered these
comments from students: What
did you like about the Web-Flex format? "The ability to easily communicate with classmates and the instructor, and the ease of
collaborations between students on projects." "I like the fact that I can work on it during my free time. I am a full time supervisor and a full time dad, and
taking two classes at night. Time is usually not my friend. But the flex helps me work it into my schedule." "I like the fact that we do not have to be in the classroom every week." If
you would like more information about using Blackboard for an online, Web-Flex, or
web-enhanced course please contact Ann Miller. Amiller@edisonohio.edu
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