Waco Reporter

Central Texas College issued the following announcement.

When the COVID-19 pandemic affected classes this past spring, Central Texas College (CTC) rallied to engage students using many of today’s technology options and implemented a new class delivery format to provide students real-time learning in a near-classroom experience. The new format, synchronous virtual lecture (SVL) offers live instruction online and allows students to interact live with their instructors in a virtual environment.

The SVL format, or live online lecture, was piloted by the CTC Mathematics and several other departments when it became clear students would not be returning to campus after spring break. Primarily using Blackboard Learn, CTC’s online learning management system, and Blackboard Collaborate, an integrated video conferencing system, students would virtually attend class at their designated class time, take notes during the lecture, ask questions and get any assistance they need from their instructor as if they were actually sitting in the classroom.

“We have been able to hold classes as scheduled and students are able to ‘attend’ class remotely via their mobile phone, tablet or computer,” said Debra Prescott, department chairperson - CTC Math department. “Students join the session and we teach class just as we would in the classroom. They are able to ask questions and participate in real time and we are able to provide immediate assistance. It has worked out great and students seem to appreciate it.”

In a recent student survey conducted by CTC, many students anonymously echoed Prescott’s opinion. “SVL allows more convenience for students who work (save commuting time). It’s like a regular class with the benefits of online classes and I prefer it,” said one student. Another student noted, “Although I like face-to-face classes, these classes offer more flexibility if there is a crisis that happens, ex. COVID-19. We can still, in most cases, continue class without many interruptions.”

While the majority of the near 1,000 survey respondents preferred the face-to-face classroom experience, these students also appreciated the SVL format during this difficult time. “I believe the open interaction between staff and students is imperative in real time to help solidify the information while learning. Real world examples are more relatable than book examples as well,” said a student.

Many instructors have enhanced the SVL delivery by recording their lectures and other instructional materials to video for easy student access. Students are then able to download a particular lecture or class meeting and review it as often as needed. In the survey, students expressed gratitude for the extra effort. “I've grown to like the SVL because our professor is making a supplemental video aside from the lecture. This makes it easier to go back to the videos I need to, whenever I needed to. Our professor is going above and beyond to deliver all the information we need which I really appreciate.”

CTC faculty members also anonymously participated in SVL survey and noted its advantages. “I like the convenience for the students, assuming they have the equipment and internet service. The students who engage seem to get almost as much from it as a face-to-face class. It does not replace a F2F class, but it does allow for sick, injured or students homebound by children or lack of transportation to take a class,” said one faculty member.

Other instructors’ comments were, “I appreciate that this allows our students to move forward in completing their educational and professional goals. It provides flexibility for students and helps us implement appropriate social distancing guidelines in accordance with our local, state and federal public health policies during this pandemic.”

“I like being able to maintain the traditional schedule and face-to-face instruction time with students; the ability to interact with them in real-time, to convey course content, and field questions and comments as we cover the material is great.”

CTC will begin the spring 2021 semester utilizing both SVL and traditional online class formats as well as a blended format combining both online and classroom instruction for those classes requiring a hands-on component.

Original source can be found here.