As you know, Belhaven has been piloting Virtual Synch and Hybrid undergraduate courses during the Fall 2019 term. The Hybrid courses meet the 1st, 3rd, and 5th nights in the classroom and virtually by Zoom on the 2nd and 4th nights. The VS courses are conducted virtually by Zoom for all five sessions. Students attend from their home or wherever they have a reliable internet connection.

So far 135 students have completed a virtual synchronous or hybrid course, or both; 75 in term 1, and 60 in term 2. Another 89 students are planned to start one of these courses in term 3 next week. All of the faculty teaching these courses has had to go through a training course to help them become proficient with the software. Students in each term were surveyed regarding their experiences with the opportunity to point out problem areas and share testimonials if desired.

Of those responding, from term 1,

• 52% liked the format, with another 35% indicating they would take another course in this format if that was the only way the course was offered.
• 100% said the Instructor’s use of technology and the ability to teach in this format was Satisfactory or above.
• “Having access to a virtual class fulfilled my need for being connected with my professor and classmates in a structured learning involvement that accommodated my schedule and location.” Amber Tilley
• “The virtual classroom was great for a parent especially for me who has smaller kids I did not have to worry about finding a sitter. In between the classroom breaks I was able to finish dinner and get the children prepared for bedtime. I’m grateful for this option.” Dominique Hart, Desoto Campus

Of those responding from term 2

• 58% like the format with another 33% indicating they would take another course in this format if that was the only way it was offered.
• 100% said the Instructor’s use of technology and the ability to teach in this format was Satisfactory or above.
• “This is my first virtual class. I admit that I was a little apprehensive in the beginning but after the first class I was at ease. I love the flexibility of being home and not having to drive to campus. Keep them coming!!”
• “I have been pleasantly surprised! I think by having to log on at a certain time and still “attend” class creates the bridge of making this the best of both worlds. I can still interact with my instructor and classmates in real-time from the comfort of my home.”

Below is the list of courses being offered in the VS format for Spring 2020.