Hybrid Delivery of Computer Literacy Requirements for Undergraduate Business Schools:
A New Model for a New Millennium

Kathryn A. Marold and János T. Füstös
Metropolitan State College of Denver, USA

maroldk@mscd.edu , fustos@mscd.edu

 

Abstract

The paper presents a revised model for handling the computer literacy and information systems requirements for undergraduates. The model was proposed for School of Business students at the Metropolitan State College of Denver. Through a combination of entrance screenings, self-paced Web Based Training courses on the campus network, and traditional classroom Introduction to Computers courses, a more efficient model for computer literacy was established. Then a hybrid model to deliver the introductory information systems class was proposed – to save scarce faculty and campus resources, yet preserve the traditional classroom instruction that some students need. The proposed hybrid model takes into consideration the higher level of computer literacy of many modern students, and takes advantage of the newest methods of interactive Web based training that make self-paced courses a practical means of learning.

Keywords: information systems, computer literacy, hybrid delivery, computer course, undergraduate, education

Summary

The hybrid delivery model for CIS Computer Applications for Business courses promises the better use of student resources, faculty resources, and the Metro physical plant resources. It promises individualized, interactive learning and a quality curriculum. It promises better use of technology for learning. The student learning environment would be more flexible.

  • The student learning environment would be more personal, as a result of more online communication and small adjunct-led sessions.
  • The master teacher lectures would be consistently high quality, focused presentations by highly experienced instructors.
  • The ratio of full-time to part-time instructors would be improved.
  • The number of students the course could serve could be increased.
  • The amount of interactive experiential learning time for students would be increased.

The hybrid plan for delivering the Computer Applications for Business course is not without resistance. There is some skepticism and reluctance on the part of administrators and faculty alike. (The students polled have heartily endorsed the proposal!) There are suggestions that the resources required for conversion to the hybrid plan will not save, but deplete more resources. There are threatened faculty members, uncertain administrators who cling to the tried and true pedagogy of the older models, and nervous IT personnel that anticipate greater, not less, traffic in the campus labs. A pilot year will test the hybrid model.

Biographies

Kathryn Marold is a faculty member of Metropolitan State College of Denver, where she teaches information systems, micro-based software, VisualBasic programming and multimedia courses. Prof. Marold has authored dozens of papers and 11 books on the subject of computer literacy, productivity applications, Internet.

János Füstös is associate professor at Metropolitan State College of Denver, where he teaches computer applications, information systems, and web related courses. Prof. Füstös has authored papers in several languages on managerial and international aspects of information systems, and published and translated books on the subject of computing, and World Wide Web.