1 8 • GCU TODAY
D
uring his Tuesday afternoon Math 134 class, Grand
Canyon University professor Dr. Filippo Posta lectures
on algebra and calculus to more than 80 freshmen
and sophomores. Many of the concepts he covers are
refreshers from high school classes.
On Thursday, a fraction of the students attend class, trickling in late
and staying for a half-hour at most. Many spend time doing homework
on laptops. But Posta doesn’t seem to mind. He floats around the room,
answering questions.
Posta’s class is among several traditional undergraduate classes that
are part of a new blended learning format that GCU, as it explores ways
to combine elements of traditional and online courses, piloted this year.
In the format, students meet for ground classes once or twice a week and
complete homework assignments online, using the extra class day for
tutoring or study time. Other blended courses include Psychology 102,
Physics 111, Biology 220 and Biology 483.
Through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the blended
learning concept was first introduced over the summer in Posta’s Math
110 course as a way to reinvent 100-level classes to be more engaging and
valuable as core degree courses. GCU is a leader in online education with
more than 55,000 students and 200 online full-time faculty members and
also has a burgeoning traditional enrollment of nearly 11,000.
Provost Dr. Hank Radda said the blended program may not apply
to every class. But the University hopes to use the concept to improve
the quality of general education courses and provide students a greater
depth of online learning.
“We’re always trying to do our best to improve learning and learning
outcomes for our students,” Radda said.
“We have experienced teachers who have a willingness to explore
blended learning and a desire to improve the pedagogical experience and
make learning better for students. GCU is the perfect laboratory because
it is essentially already a blended university, being a pioneer with online
and ground.”
Better work habits, application, grades
In blended courses, students receive the same lectures as they would
in 100-level classes but are given personal online assignments, called
asynchronous learning experiences. These assignments cater to students’
careers or post-college life.
Posta’s 20-student summer math class met for lectures Monday and
Friday and received online assignments Wednesday to be completed by
Friday. The aim was to curb procrastination among students and prevent
Blended
Learning is in
theMix
University weaves elements of
traditional and online formats
into key classes
B Y C O O P E R N E L S O N
