Blinn offering students four distinct course formats this Fall
Students can choose the classes that best fit their learning style and schedule
July 28, 2020
As part of its Back With Blinn plan to safely return for the Fall semester, the Blinn College District is offering students a choice between four distinct course formats, allowing them the option that best fits their learning style and schedule.
Students can choose between four primary course options:
- Live Online,
- Traditional With Live Online,
- Blended With Live Online,
- and Flexible Online.
Live Online
In Live Online classes, all class participation takes place via live videoconference at scheduled class times. In this format, students connect live with their professors and peers without traveling to campus.
Traditional With Live Online
Traditional With Live Online courses offer students the most live interaction with their instructors and peers, and allow students to ask questions and receive immediate feedback.
In these courses, students are separated into groups of approximately 10-15 students. During their assigned face-to-face class time, students meet on campus with their instructor. Face masks or face coverings are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.
The remaining students participate via a live videoconference, allowing them to interact with their instructor and peers and receive immediate feedback. This videoconference experience uses Zoom to allow students to receive information in real time and ask questions for an immediate response. To participate, students need a computer (not a Chromebook, tablet, or smartphone), webcam, and microphone.
As an example, a course that meets on Mondays and Wednesdays would be split into two groups, with Group A meeting face-to-face on Mondays and remotely on Wednesdays, and Group B meeting remotely on Mondays and face-to-face on Wednesdays:
| Mondays | Wednesdays | |
|---|---|---|
| Group A (10-15 students) | Face-to-Face on Campus | Live Videoconference |
| Group B (10-15 students) | Live Videoconference | Face-to-Face on Campus |
Courses that meet three times per week could meet in this format, with students coming to campus once per week and engaging in simultaneous remote participation the remainder of the week:
| Mondays | Wednesdays | Fridays | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group A (10 students) | Face-to-Face on Campus | Live Videoconference | Live Videoconference |
| Group B (10 students) | Live Videoconference | Face-to-Face on Campus | Live Videoconference |
| Group C (10 students) | Live Videoconference | Live Videoconference | Face-to-Face on Campus |
When registering, students can select the specific group in which they wish to participate. For example, students registering for the ENGL 2311: Technical Writing course below can register for Group A, which meets face-to-face on Tuesdays and remotely via live videoconference on Thursdays, or for Group B, which meets remotely via live videoconference on Tuesdays and face-to-face on Thursdays:
Blended With Live Online
In Blended With Live Online courses, students rotate between attending class on campus and participating via live videoconference during scheduled class times. Additionally, more than half of the course content is delivered online for students to engage with on their own schedule.
For example, students may register for a Blended With Live Online course with this schedule:
| Mondays | Wednesdays | |
|---|---|---|
| Group A (10-15 students) | Face-to-Face on Campus | Live Videoconference |
| Group B (10-15 students) | Live Videoconference | Face-to-Face on Campus |
In addition to these live lecture periods, more than half of the course content, including lectures and activities, will be posted online for students to engage in on their own schedule.
With this format, students enjoy live interaction with their instructors and peers and can complete the majority of their course content on their own schedule.
Flexible Online
Blinn’s Flexible Online courses meet entirely online and require no traditional face-to-face meetings.
Students who choose to take Flexible Online courses still have access to campus computer labs, writing and learning centers, and other campus resources. Please note that some classes may require in-person test proctoring.
In preparation for the Fall semester beginning Monday, Aug. 24, the Back With Blinn plan outlines the steps Blinn is taking to keep its campuses safe and to continue to provide a quality class experience for its students. For full details, visit www.blinn.edu/back-with-blinn.
Prospective students can apply to Blinn via the GoApplyTexas.org application. Once admitted, they can register for classes at https://my.blinn.edu. Blinn recommends that all students speak to an academic advisor prior to registering for classes. Students can chat online with a Blinn admissions specialist between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at www.blinn.edu/admissions, and can call Enrollment Services at 979-830-4800.
Students can contact Blinn’s Prospective Student Relations Department at blinnbound@blinn.edu or by scheduling a virtual visit at www.blinn.edu/future-students/tours.html. Campus phone numbers are available at www.blinn.edu/future-students.
Blinn’s academic transfer rate is the highest in the state, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and data from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s CollegeForAllTexans.com shows that out-of-district Blinn students taking 30 credit hours will save $4,514 (44%) in tuition and fees compared to in-state residents at the average Texas public university.
In addition to Blinn’s low tuition and fees, the Blinn Foundation offers more than 200 endowed scholarships available to incoming and returning students from a wide range of backgrounds, majors, and experiences. Current and prospective students can complete a single application to apply for all Blinn scholarships at www.blinn.edu/scholarships.
To learn more, visit www.blinn.edu.
