Modular Classroom

1
Modular Classroom

• Offering Technology Instruction in a Continuous
  Enrollment Environment
• Highline Community College
• Des Moines, WA
• Michael Allen
• Marcia Welch
• Nancy Warren

2
Why Modular Computer Education

• Alternative method of instructional delivery
• Increased student flexibility
• Meeting the needs of an increased pool of
  students
• Provide technology education for campus community

3
Definition of Terminology

• Lab
• Classroom environment with limited direct
  instruction
• Modular
• Dividing curriculum into one-credit increments
• Continuous Enrollment Flexibility
• Open entry open exit
• Add/Drop credits as necessary
• Variable Credit
• Opportunity to take one course over multiple
  quarters
• Self-paced
• Students learn at an individualized pace
• Staff available for assistance administer
  assessments

4
Advantages Disadvantages

• Types of classes
• Types of students self motivated
• Low enrollment/High enrollment classes
• Multiple classes multiple hours
• Multiple classes one classroom
• Overloading class enrollment
• Lab instructor time ratio start/end quarter vs.
  middle of quarter
• Student advising

5
Timeline for Implementation at Your School

• Research
• Observation of existing Labs
• Cost
• Selling to administration staff
• Working with registration other departments
• Converting curriculum
• Marketing advertising

6
Converting Your Curriculum

• Identify courses for the lab
• Converting course number of credits to 1 credit
  increments (modules)
• Distribution of credits
• Exercises/homework
• Assessment Quiz/Test
• Grading percentages
• Outlining Student/Faculty expectations
  Responsibilities
• High maintenance curriculums
• Student contract test on expectations
• Withdrawals

7
Utilizing Technology Resources

• Outlook resource account
• Contacts
• Tasks
• Merging
• E-mail
• Electronic grading
• Web site
• http//flightline.highline.edu
• Introduction
• Getting Started
• SimNet (Electronic Assessment Software)

• Shared Information
• Private instructor folders
• Syllabi
• Student exercises
• Quizzes tests
• Answer keys
• Classroom materials
• Classroom set up
• Security

8
Worker Retraining Students

• May receive funding from different sources while
  unemployed
• Need to have 12-15 credits to be considered
  fulltime
• Many have very low computer skills
• Frequently begin courses mid-quarter

9
How the BTechLab Responds

• Flexible hours - allows WRT students the chance
  to take other courses and work around the lab
  times
• Flexible credit - which often helps the WRT meet
  the fulltime credit requirement
• Less threatening - to returning adult learners
  needing computer skills

10
What the Numbers Show

• Prior to the BTechLab, Worker Retraining (WRT)
  students were 13 of the BTechLab population in
  the similar courses
• Since opening the lab, WRT students are now 28
  of the BTechLab population
• 9 of the "late add" students (after the 10th day
  of class) were WRT

11
Other Models on Campus to Non-Traditional
Populations

• The Workfirst Customized Job Skills Training
  (CJST) Computer training lab is structured around
  the success of the BTechLab
• CJST population responded to the modularized
  concept
• CJST students feel more success when learning
  smaller modules

12
Question Answer

• Successes
• Mistakes
• Future Changes

13
Visit us at the Highline BTech Lab!

• http//flightline.highline.edu/btechlab
• Michael Allen [phone] Ext. 3301
• Nancy Warren [phone] Ext. 3343
• Marcia Welch [phone] Ext. 3896

14
Modular Classroom

• Alternative Delivery that Works!