WACO, TX — Texas State Technical College will continue to use a hybrid class format in several programs after seeing success.
Through the hybrid format, students were able to complete hands-on labs. The format was used during the summer and will continue into the fall.
"What we are doing is making sure the quality of our online courses has stepped up even further," said Gina Cano-Monreal, TSTC's associate vice president of Online Learning. "We are working with subject and content experts in each area to ensure there is the same level of quality in their online programs as we have in our face-to-face courses."
Instructors schedule virtual office hours to engage with students. They are also working statewide to provide a library of digital content for students to utilize.
"The ability to present course material and resources in multiple formats online allows students to learn from anywhere using a variety of devices," Cano-Monreal said. "Courses are also more tailored to the personal needs of the student."
TSTC says online classes allow the college to reach students across the state.
"It opens the door to remove the restrictions of set class times of our programs," Shannon Ferguson, statewide chair of TSTC's Computer Programming Technology and Web Design and Development Technology programs, said. "It is no longer Monday to Friday, 8 to 5, during class time. I am asking instructors to stay in contact with students and let them know we are here. Since we do not have face-to-face labs (for certain classes) it does not mean they cannot reach out to us. It does not mean we will not have virtual meetings online where we see their screens."
