Evangel cyber-classes pay off for students, faculty

by Frank Shipe

Inside Business Editor

Evangel University's first venture into cyber education is not only proving a genuine success with both students and faculty, but may be a hint of a major change in higher education.

Working in conjunction with WebCT, the university is providing students four summer Internet classes for credit: Study Skills, Introduction to American Government and two classes in Economics in Society.

"We're loving every minute of it," said Professor Bryan Sanders, PhD, social sciences department chair. "It's a new experience for the school. The students are responding well to it. We have some students who are having to get used to the idea of doing more than just coming to a class and sitting."

The classes, which began May 8, will run through June 8. Sanders said, "We have a lot of material to cover in those five weeks, as opposed to course work spread out over the entire semester. However, WebCT software allows students to experience asynchronous learning, which means they can log on and attend class at their convenience."

According to the WebCT Web site at www.webCT.com, the company, formed in 1995, partners with more than 2,200 universities in 79 countries.

Privately held and funded by investors, it reports a total of $125 million in equity financing since its beginnings. The company's motto is "Helping educators transform education."

According to Evangel, WebCT offers career opportunities, financial aid and academic support for students, as well as providing teachers with supplemental materials and instruction on how to teach online.

Sanders is especially enthusiastic about his students' experience with the online classes. "They actually have to post responses to questions, and therefore they have to read the material," he said. "They seem to need to spend a little bit more time before they get into the discussion board, which is our classroom."

Students enroll in the classes by registering and receiving a password to access the WebCT instructional platform at http://Evangel.edu/webCT. In addition to course instruction, they can engage in online discussions.

The online teaching platform may be here to stay. "We're in a pilot phase," Sanders said, "but from what I've seen so far, I think we'll probably continue it. We'll probably be using WebCT as part of our seated classes in the fall. Even then it'll give students an opportunity to go and have discussions after class online."

Sanders summed up his view of the classes: "I think it's just a great opportunity for students to be able to use the technology that's available."

Those interested in more information about Evangel classes over the Internet can contact Sanders at 865-2811, ext. 8213.