The School of Human Services tested the electronic delivery of its classes during the week designated as "e-week." Participating programs included Early Childhood, Fashion and Interior Design, Dietary Management, Culinary Arts, Museum Studies, Emergency Medical Services and Criminal Justice.
The goal of "e-week" is to allow students and faculty an opportunity to test alternative methods of instruction when traditional face-to-face classes are unable to meet. This program is coordinated through the Learning Technology Center under the direction of Dr. Roxann Humbert, Director of Learning Technologies.
Pierpont has expanded online courses in many areas over the past few years, but many "hands-on" classes with lab components have continued to be delivered in the traditional classroom setting.
"The community college prides itself on the applied nature of many of its programs and realizes the lab and studio experiences cannot easily be replaced in an electronic classroom," said Beth Newcome, Dean of the School of Human Services.
"Faculty and students have been flexible and responsive to the request to test out alternative instruction. I believe there was a feeling this was very important and timely, given the recent news of flu epidemics," Newcome said.
Several faculty members said the "e-week" experience was very positive.
"I am pleased with the rapid response to my assignments....because of this advanced preparation work, I expect 90 percent or higher final exam grades this semester," said Fonda Hawley, an adjunct faculty member in Applied Design.
Barbara Pavel-Alvarez, Program Coordinator for the Early Childhood program, stated: "One interesting observation is that students are more fully engaged in the class discussions through the online chat sessions. I was really impressed with how well they did. Much more than I usually see and hear in class!"
