The Omnibus

Issue date: 5/13/04 Section: News

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Southwest Baptist University students use the University's technological services on a daily basis; however, few students are familiar with the extended learning program, which is an integral element of the Colvin Center for Instructional Technology and Extended Learning. The department is located in Jester Learning and Performing Center and was officially dedicated on Tuesday, May 11 in a ceremony involving SBU President Dr. C. Pat Taylor and SBU faculty and staff members.

Media Credit: Ben Cassil Junior Justin Newkirk explores the Colvin Center for Instructional Technology and Extended learning located in Jester Learning and Performance Center.

The Department of Extended Learning, "encourages and supports faculty in the use of technology," Assistant Director of Extended Learning Scott McNeal said. The department also provides extensive opportunities for students.

Among these opportunities is the College Credit Through Correspondence program, which provides correspondence learning through either print or Web-based learning. During the 2001-2002 school year, the course management system, Blackboard, was introduced. With this came the current Web capabilities.

"The tool was brought in and enabled the transferring of information from print versions to Web-based versions," McNeal said.

Most students have experienced the "Web-enhancement" Blackboard has provided to the classroom through benefits such as printable class notes and grades posted online. Some students have been exposed to the "Web-centric" effects of Blackboard, when certain class times during the semester are perhaps held through online activities or readings. Students, particularly underclassmen, are generally unaware of the range of possibilities provided through "Web-based" courses.

These courses, which are scarce in numbers for undergraduate studies, are beneficial and allow students to complete credits from home or anywhere else around the world.

"(Web-based courses) can solve a course scheduling problem," McNeal said. "In addition to (course training), it frees you up to make other choices. Some people can even graduate early or on time by taking courses this way."

However, too much expansion in this program would eventually cause a financial loss for the school during summer and winter terms.

"It is up to the University as a whole to determine the future of online education at SBU," McNeal said.

McNeal explained the route students should take when interested in correspondence learning. After checking out the link from the school Web site (www.sbuniv.edu), he advises students to meet with their adviser and then attempt to enroll.

"It is after you and your adviser determine the reasonableness of it," McNeal said, "that you come and see me, and then I make it happen." McNeal outlined a few characteristics of good candidates for the extended learning program. Among these are students with an understanding of Blackboard technology, self-motivation, time management skills and self-discipline.

"It stands to reason," he said, "because you don't have specific deadlines. You have to make your own."

Likewise, McNeal points out detrimental character traits in a correspondence program.

"If you are a procrastinator," he said, "it will make a course very hard and life will be miserable."

While some students question the effectiveness and authenticity of distance learning, the SBU CCTC program believes effective learning is possible.

"Learning can happen by distance," McNeal said, "but we're just inside a really traditional, 'face-to-face' place."

Whether aiding a student to finish a general education requirement before graduation, helping another get one step ahead of the educational game or occupying another's spare time during a boring summer, the Department of Extended Learning's CCTC has an open door for any student who can benefit from its programs.

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