New learning models in accelerated CIS program

Summary form only given. According to a study by the College Board, today´s average college student is a female in her thirties with children and a job. Such students frequently have difficulty attending a traditional full-time college program, but the alternatives may not meet their needs either. In an effort to combine the benefits of the classroom and lab experiences, the alternative scheduling of evening programs, and the relatively short time span of a full-time degree program, DeVry Institute of Technology has developed an Accelerated Computer Information Systems program. The Accelerated program allows students to attend class 12 hours a week (one evening and all day Saturday). This program enables students to earn a bachelor of science degree in Computer Information Systems in just three and one-third years (attending twenty consecutive 7-8 week sessions). In each session, students take two courses, with class sit time reduced by at least 30%. To enable students to achieve the course objectives, we have blended a distance learning component with a traditional classroom component. In addition to lectures and labs, instructors use Internet technologies such as web forums, Asynchronous Learning Networks, web pages, and e-mail to assist students in mastering the course objectives as outlined in our standard curriculum guides while minimizing the time they need to spend in a classroom.