Web-Enhanced Classes

What are they?

When referring to a Web-enhanced course, it is simply a traditional face to face course that has supplemental materials online. They are essentially technology enhanced traditional courses.

So for example, it could be a website that includes your syllabus, PowerPoint Presentations from class, other links, student grades, and class materials. Many instructors will use a Learning Management System (LMS) to web-enhance their face to face courses.

Advantages

• Allows students to download the class presentations online. (You can have them print out the materials before class which can save you time at the copy machine).
• If the student lost the syllabus, they can pick it up online.
• You can make class announcements outside of the regular class period.
• Allows you to include supplemental exercises or downloadable assignments.
• Allows you to post student grades online so the students can check their grade at any time.
• Saves time, paper, and student frustration

Considerations

• Keep in mind that the student signed up for your course knowing that it was a traditional face-to-face class.
• Offer the web-enhancement simply as a supplement to your face to face instruction.
• Try not to require students to complete online activities unless you complete those activities during the regular class hours, or you know that everyone has internet access at home- after all, they didn’t sign up for an online class.