Hybrid classes spotlighted at international conference
September 29, 2006
KOKOMO, Ind.—For the second time, Sharon K. Calhoon, Ph.D., and Fred Hakes will present information about Indiana University Kokomo’s ACCELerated Evening College at a Sloan-C International Conference on Asynchronous Learning Networks.
Calhoon and Hakes will discuss recent significant increases in program enrollment and graduation rates, attributable in part to the campus’ distinctive hybrid format.
Working with Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Stuart Green, Calhoon and Hakes presented earlier findings about the ACCELerated Evening College at the 2003 Sloan-C Conference on Asynchronous Learning Networks. The 12th annual conference will be held November 8–10 in Orlando, Fla. It is expected to draw professionals from higher education, continuing education, business, government, health care, professional associations, and nonprofit organizations.
Asynchronous learning is a teaching method using computer network technology to deliver training materials or content. Research suggests that, because learners can pace and direct their own learning, this approach can help increase knowledge and motivate students.
An associate professor of psychology, Calhoon also directs IU Kokomo’s Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment. The center promotes student learning through faculty development, particularly in the use of teaching technology and evaluation of learning outcomes. She has taught a number of accelerated hybrid courses at IU Kokomo. “We are pleased that Sloan-C has again demonstrated interest in this unique approach to helping adult students achieve a high-quality IU education in a format that works well for them,” Calhoon said.
The director of the Division of Continuing Studies, Hakes has overseen efforts to reach out to north central Indiana adults who have started but not completed college degrees.
The hybrid format offers special convenience that these adult learners appreciate, Hakes said. Students in hybrid classes attend a two-hour class on campus one night a week for eight weeks and spend an additional two hours per week in online study and assignments. “Because accelerated evening classes are only eight weeks long, students can save more gas and time—plus complete degrees more quickly,” Hakes said. “You can complete online work, from home or other off-campus sites at a time convenient for you.”
In the past three years, enrollment in ACCELerated Evening College classes has grown 25 percent; the number of graduates has also increased. A plan for direct assessment of student learning outcomes via an electronic portfolio of the student’s work is being implemented on campus currently. Hakes and Calhoon will present preliminary results of that assessment at the Sloan-C conference. “It is important for us to demonstrate, to the faculty, to the students, and to the community, that students in our ACCELerated Evening College are achieving at a high level,” Calhoon said.
Information on ACCELerated Evening College will be available at an October 10 Adult Student Open House from 4–7 p.m. at IU Kokomo. To register for the free event, visit at www.iuk.edu/openhouse or call (765) 455-9395.
