Is a hybrid EMT-Basic course right for you???
An online course can be much more convenient than a traditional classroom-based face-to-face course. The responsibility for learning, however, is much heavier on the individual student. You may not have to go to classes, but the readings, studying and assignments are all up to you to complete without the constant in-class reminders of what is due.
Characteristics of Students who might like Online/Hybrid Courses |
Characteristics of Students who might prefer Traditional Courses |
Have excellent time management skills |
Work better in structured environment |
Enjoy communicating with others through writing and using listservs, discussion groups, and email |
Like instructional and social interactions of face-to-face classroom |
Learn best by reading or watching |
Learn better by listening and speaking |
Prefer not to drive to campus and can commit additional time for completing and submitting assignments |
Able to commit the time for commuting, attending 3 to 4 hours of class per week per class |
Have heavy work or family responsibilities |
Able to attend class on campus |
Have convenient and reliable access to the Internet |
Have difficulty obtaining regular access to the Internet and e-mail |
Are self-motivated |
Are motivated by others |
Prefer to work at own pace and at flexible or non-traditional times |
Need definite deadlines |
Have some computer skills and enjoy using the Internet |
Are uncomfortable using a computer |
Enjoy being in control of own learning |
Like more direction/structure provided by instructor |
Frequently asked questions:
How does the online class work?
Anything that you would normally do in a classroom (not a lab setting) is done online. Lectures are a narrated powerpoint, so there is voice and additional information given during the lecture, which you can view as often as you like. Quizzes and tests are given online. Discussions are held via a “discussion board”. Essentially like communicating with someone via written notes or a message board. Various assignments are also either completed online or submitted via a web link.
Isn’t it easy to cheat?
People will find ways to cheat no matter what way you set up your course. Anyone who cheats is not doing any justice to themselves or their future patients. The quizzes and tests are timed – usually one minute per question. The questions are scrambled and there is a question bank from which a certain amount of questions are selected. Each test or quiz is different, but covers the same objectives.
Can I do this course with dial up internet?
NO – the volume of information that needs to be downloaded would take a whole week of non-stop internet connection just to do one week of class.
Online courses are easier aren’t they?
NO – hybrid students will spend more time studying than face-to-face students. It is critical that the online student do all of the assigned reading and may need to re-read some areas. A face-to-face student spends about 12 hours per week in class and studying. Online students have reported spending up to 20 hours per week in class related activities.
Will I learn as much as a face-to-face student?
You will learn at least as much if not more. Unofficial observations have shown that the online students generally have a better grasp on the topics than many face-to-face students. Unofficially they also do better on the National Registry of EMT’s certification examination.
Why would anyone take a face-to-face course if the hybrid is so good?
Not everyone can handle online learning. Some students need the human interaction and the immediate feedback. In the online classroom, your questions are not immediately answered. Because everyone is online at different times, it could be a day or two before you get your answer, although most are answered within the day. Finally motivation and dedication are other reasons. Some people are not motivated or dedicated enough to sit down so many hours per week and do their work.
How do the hands on labs work?
The schedule is normally decided during the first week of the course either on-line or at a course orientation session. The minimum number of lab hours that must be completed is 32. Normally this is four – eight hour Saturdays, but it could be eight – four hour evenings. Attendance at these sessions is mandatory.
What about the internship?
All EMT-Basic students must complete a minimum of 32 hours of internship. Many times the internship can be completed in or near the student’s home community. Currently IWCC has over 50 sites for students to choose from for internship. This internship must be completed prior to taking the practical exam at the end of the course.