By Jo Zulkowsky
English 101, taught by Randy Rambo, will be IVCCs pilot course into cyberspace.
Rambo has developed a freshman composition course that will be offered over the Internet in spring semester 1999.
"There is so much technology we can take advantage of," he said.
The English 101 Internet course is just the beginning of a two-year plan to incorporate on-line delivery into IVCCs curriculum, Rambo said.
The college has joined the Illinois On-line Network, a cooperative organization of 20 community colleges and the U of I, to support on-line instruction. The network is funded by a Higher Education Cooperation Act Grant.
In spring 1999, one section of Rambo’s course, accommodating 25 students, will be offered.
All of the written work will be turned in through e-mail.
"Communication through the written word isn’t a bad thing for a writing course," the instructor said.
The course will also include tests and quizzes, modified to fit a computerized class. One area where the class will be different: Rambo said he will not accept or tolerate late work.
The on-line course will not have a regimented meeting time. A first-day orientation will be scheduled to give students a chance to meet and to give Rambo a change to explain the software they will be using.
After that initial meeting, students will be communicating through discussion rooms or chat rooms. Assigned papers will be reviewed by students on-line.
"The class will be a lot of students helping other students," Rambo said, adding that research has shown that "students get to know each other better (on-line) than in a regular classroom."
The advantage of the on-line course, according to Rambo, is that students can set their own schedule, although he is quick to point out that students need to check into the computer class every two days.
"This is not an independent study to be done completely on your own schedule," he said.
He added that an on-line course is also an advantage to a student who may be more willing to speak up through a computer than in a classroom setting.
Dr. Harriet Custer, vice president of academic affairs, noted other advantages to on-line courses.
"They provide access to some students who do not have access to the college campus and provide opportunities for learning to students," she said.
The English 101 course will attract a certain type of audience, Custer said, but "it is not the right medium for all students." The students who enroll, she said, will likely be technology oriented.
Rambo pointed out that in contrast to other classes, in the on-line class "there will be something missing."
Noting that "nothing can replace face-to-face interaction with students," Rambo said "the on-line class will be less personal than a classroom, but the classroom can’t be taken home."
Traditional classes, Rambo explained, meet at a set time, but the Internet allows for flexibility.
Given the limitations of on-line courses, why did Rambo decide to pilot this course?
"I’ve always been interested in the Internet and the World Wide Web," he said. "I can do
so many things.
"Other colleges and universities are on the Internet to better serve the students," he added. "Anyone can take the course, and it is a competitive environment."
Security measures will be taken to ensure that the person enrolled in the course is completing the work for the course, Rambo said. Face-to-face meetings, especially on the first day, will help.
Additionally, a code will be required to access the course materials and assignments.
Custer said the reaction of faculty and staff to this new venture has been positive although some faculty are a bit leery.
"I am excited about this and Randy is too," Custer said, and then she echoed a faculty concern, "I think we need to be cautious to retain the high quality of the institution."
Oct. 8, 1998 the Apache