PHOENIX - (Business Wire) Today's higher education institutions increasingly turn to online programs and textbooks to supplement or replace classroom instruction, and the technology and sophistication of online programs has grown along with the interest in this form of learning. With a growing presence in the online world Grand Canyon University (GCU) has created and integrated a variety of innovative visual enhancements into many of its online classes, for which it was recently recognized by a major online learning system provider. “There are some who have been critical of online education when comparing it to the traditional classroom, but with the investment in learning tools, the sophistication of the technology and the ability to absorb the information at the student's convenience, online learning is surprising its critics," said GCU President Kathy Player.
GCU was recently highlighted among 50 competing universities by ANGEL, an online learning system provider, with the Exemplary Course Award for its online programs for the University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Through a combination of 3D models, simulations, flash movies, audio lecture recordings and a fresh, more visually appealing design to the online learning environment, GCU brings the convenience of coaching and tutorial material from the classroom and lab to the computer.
“Our goal is to help change the online environment in a way that promotes further understanding of course content and help students feel more comfortable in the classroom and on the computer in general,” said Academic Web Services Director Miranda Hildebrand.
The Med Math tutorial, for example, is a helpful simulation that allows students to practice medication calculation skills to help them prepare for their board exams. The simulation tests the student’s knowledge of prescription dosages while also helping them to use critical thinking in the mathematics associated with the medication. The enhancement is similar to a sophisticated version of a flash video game and has proven popular with students.
Additional enhancements being introduced in the other GCU colleges include self-assessments and role-playing exercises for education majors, coaching through complex spread sheets for business students, the anatomy and inner workings of a camera from digital media students, and historic maps to help Christian Science majors experience and chart biblical journeys.
“An ongoing project is the move to modernize the look and feel of the classroom environment,” Hildebrand added. “This includes breaking lectures into smaller, more manageable portions as well as adding other enhancements.”
About Grand Canyon University
Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University is a traditional regionally accredited, private, Christian university offering campus-based and online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs through the Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and College of Liberal Arts. As an NCAA-competitive university, GCU offers more sports programs than any other higher education institution in Arizona. The Phoenix-based school is ranked as having one of the top online education programs by OEDb (Online Education Database). GCU emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students as well as the working professional. For more information visit www.gcu.edu.
Grand Canyon University
Bill Jenkins, 602-315-5566
