DU is offering a wider range of both traditional and online summer classes for the first time, while tripling the number of need-based financial aid and loans, according to Jennifer Karas, associate provost of academic progress.
DU has previously provided summer classes but on a more limited basis. The university is expanding to include a more extensive range of class options in subjects such as math, literature, science and advanced seminars.
“This year, we really looked for what students wanted,” said Karas. “We have heard from students that accelerating their time to graduation is important for some.”
Students can register for online and traditional courses on webCentral as normal. Online courses, including one called Environmental Systems and Weather which Blackboard awarded the Exemplary Course Award of 2011, will be listed as “Distance” or “ONL” under their location. There is also a list of online classes available to view through the office of the registrar. Class registration has already begun for the summer quarter.
Classes are broken into four options: three-week, four-week, five-week and nine-week sections. The nine-week classes begin June 13 and end Aug. 11, with subsequent classes beginning and ending throughout the summer quarter.
“It’s a big deal,” Karas said. “We’ve always offered some online and hybrid courses, but this year we’ve added a lot more options for students.”
Students who are trying to finish their degree faster or only need a few additional classes to graduate in order to walk with the graduating class in August are just some who may benefit from this new system. Online classes do not appear differently on students’ transcripts and count for the same academic credit, said Karas.
The option for summer classes affords students the ability to enroll in or retake a class they may have been unable to take previously.
In addition, there are also studio art course options that afford students the opportunity to take classes vastly different from what they may take, Karas said.
“We have really made an effort to focus on delivering high-quality, rigorous classes in both the traditional and online learning environments,” Karas said. “It’s good for students to explore [online courses] because it’s a new way of doing things that helps them with the future through the use of technology.”
Online classes at DU are offered in a variety of different venues, including Blackboard. They have a wide range of methods, where students can work at their own pace but also get one-on-one interaction with fellow students and professors through the use of email, Skype and discussion forums.
“There are only 15-20 students allowed in each online class, so there is a good amount of individual interaction with students and professors,” Karas said.
Hybrid classes, which combine an online and traditional learning environment, are also available
to students, including those who will be spending their summers out of town.
“Even if you’re in Chicago, we can work with you to take your tests in an approved testing center,” said Karas.
Students who sign up for online classes will receive an email from their professor with instructions on what to do following class registration.
DU professors and faculty who have received specialized training through the Center for Teaching and Learning, located in Penrose Library, will serve as instructors. The center helps enhance their teaching and provides workshops for DU faculty to learn how to effectively teach online.
According to Mike Keables, a professor of geography who will teach the nine-week online class Environmental Systems and Weather, part of a three-course sequel offered to students looking to fulfill their science requirements, the online learning environment is just as comprehensive as the traditional one.
Keables said that he uses Blackboard as the main venue to teach the class. He breaks his class down into eight modules, which each student has one week to complete. The modules include 10-15 minute videos for students to watch, text links if students would prefer to read the material, links to videos from YouTube, lab assignments, homework and tests.
At the beginning of the quarter, all eight modules are available, but the latest one disappears at the end of each week.
“I used to have students wait until the last couple weeks and try and do the entire course,” said Keables. “It’s too much material if you put it off until the last minute. However, I also designed the course to be flexible so that students could work at their own pace.”
Keables said his course is a great opportunity for students to work toward fulfilling a science requirement even if they aren’t going to be on campus.
“Last year I had someone take it in China,” said Keables. “It’s very popular for athletes also because of the travel convenience. The content is the same, but students need to be motivated to do it.”
This is the third time Keables is teaching the online summer course.
Recently, his course was awarded the Blackboard Exemplary Course Award for 2011. According to Keables, Blackboard looks at courses all over the country and picks the top 15 or 20.
The costs of both the online and traditional courses are the same, $989 per credit hour.
This year, the Office of Financial Aid has tripled the amount of need-based financial aid accessible to students for the first time. There are also private loans available, which the financial aid office can help students apply for.
For more information about summer classes or to apply for summer financial aid, as well as the breakdown of class costs, students should visitwww.du.edu/summer.
