Summer classes to be offered online through new Blackboard system
Posted by The Skyliner on April 22nd, 2009Leasy Sandal
Staff Writer
Although sitting in classes during the summer hardly seems like an ideal way to spend vacation, the benefits of summer school far outweigh the cons. It may slightly interfere with work or vacation plans, but the end result will be rewarding.
Many students find it is easier to complete a class in five weeks rather than a class that spans a whole semester. Since the summer courses are divided into two sections, the classes are at a quicker pace, allowing students to complete one project and quickly move to the next.
All students are encouraged to take summer classes. In high school, the threat of spending a summer in classes seemed like a cruel punishment. Now, it enables students to get a jump start on classes they will need in the near future.
High school seniors should consider taking classes this summer to help them enter college with a few of the basic level courses out of the way. For college juniors and seniors, summer school ensures their graduation date.
Dr. Linwood Hagin, chair of the mass communications department, is teaching an introduction to mass communications course online over the summer. This is the first year North Greenville University will be offering summer courses online.
This summer is the official start of using Blackboard for undergraduates. Blackboard is a tool that allows faculty to provide students with resources available online.
Dr. William Stuermann, chair of the foreign languages department, is the leading advocate for the University to begin using Blackboard during the fall and spring semesters.
“This summer, online courses will be 100 percent online, meaning students will not have a face to face meeting with the professor,” Stuermann said. “The plan is to move all the instructors and courses to Blackboard to have hybrid courses for next school year.”
Roughly 22 courses are available online this summer through the University. Dozens of on-campus courses are offered as well. Students are able to look at their options on the student portal. Summer classes are $210.00 per credit hour. Online courses have an additional one time fee of $120.00.
Tackling an entire summer of classes is no easy task, however. Hagin warns students against taking on too heavy of a load.
“A student has to be disciplined. They cannot do something the night before. It takes research,” Hagin said. “Consider with online courses the problems that could occur with a computer. The work is due even if your computer is not working.”
Pamela Farmer, registrar, is happy to help any students with questions concerning summer classes. She encourages students to be familiar with the summer course schedule in case summer classes are necessary.
“A lot of students wait until they receive their final grades to apply for summer classes,” Farmer said. “There is a week between the end of the semester and summer school that students can register. See what is offered and become familiar with the schedule.”
Whether you are a senior desperate to see graduation or a freshman trying to be a few steps ahead, summer classes offer students a great advantage.