Teaching at the Speed of Light: Tips on Teaching an Intensive Semester

1. Teaching at the Speed of Light: Tips on Teaching an Intensive Semester • Hirotoshi Takeda (htakeda1@cis.gsu.edu) • Computer Information Systems, Georgia State University • Atlanta, GA 30302-4015, USA • CREPA, Centre de Recherche en Management & Organisation • Université Paris Dauphine • Paris, 75775, France

2. Overview • Background • Advantages of Intensive Semester • Disadvantages of Intensive Semester • Anecdotes • Tips • Discussion • Conclusion

3. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Time constraints Employment Offerings Night-time Classes Formats ½ time 3 weeks 2 weeks Intensive Classes

4. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Introductory IS Class Target: All Majors in Business School Urban SE US Public University 2 ½ hours of instuction/day Every weekday Meet for Three Weeks Use of WebCT for outside class communication 31 students Intensive Classes

5. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Short Term Gains Recall (Daniel, 2000, Scott, 1994, 2004, Seamon, 2004) Continuous Learning Meet Daily Advantages

6. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Rapport Building Student with Instructor Student with Student Concentration Student is Typically Taking One Class Advantages

7. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Long Term Memory Loss Retention Loss (Daniel 2000, Seamon, 2004) Comprehensive Exams Academic Integrity Traditional Semester is better (Daniel 2000, Hildreth & Sawyer, 2001) Scheduling is Out of Control of Instructors Disadvantages

8. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Accreditation Standards Require Intensive and Regular class to be the same Drop Date Approach Quicker than in Regular Semester Disadvantages

9. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Pressure on Students Seen as an opportunity to get rid of a requirement(s) Some take Multiple Courses Typical class 3 units Requires (3 hours X number of Units) of outside study time (9 in this case) Intensive Semester -> 9 hours of outside study per day 9 (study) + 2.5 (class) = 11.5 hours Disadvantages

10. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Pressure on Instructor Prep is for One Week of Instruction per Day Syllabus must be tightly scheduled Feedback needs to Arrive more Timely Disadvantages

11. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Academic Dishonesty Database Assignment saw 5 cases of separate cheating Total cases of cheating: 6 Instructor Grading more intense than Prep Time Rate of Email: One every five minutes Anecdotes

12. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Build on Advantages of an Intense Semester Student retention Rapport Student Focus Tips Advantages of Int. Sem

13. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Student Pressure Orient Students Discourage Multiple Classes vs. Typical Semester 2.5 hours of lecture for One, 3-unit Course Meeting 5 times for 2.5 hour lecture Like taking 15 units of classes 12 units is full time Tips Student Pressure

14. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Time Intense Nature of Computing Assignments Quick Learning Curve Access Database Project Increased Pressure to Copy Computer Generated Files Use of Weekends Major Assignments Group Projects Test Studying Tips Student Pressure

15. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Pressure on Instructor Accreditation Standards Assignments Test Course Load Syllabus Scheduling Updates Tips Instructor Pressure

16. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Non-Teaching Work Research Service Online Tools Use of WebCT or Blackboard Discussion Groups Email Tips Instructor Pressure

17. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Feedback Check email frequently Assignment Due Times Use Discussion Boards Grading Turn Around Quickly Tips Instructor Pressure

18. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Instructor Characteristics Same as in Regular Semester (Scott, 1993, 2004) Enthusiasm Knowledge of Material Experience with Material Willingness to Learn from Students Willingness to Consult Students Tips Instructor Pressure

19. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Drop Date Approach Assessments Before Drop Date Tests Assignments Give Feedback in Time to Make Drop Decision Tips Instructor Pressure

20. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Survey of Other Instructors Survey of Students Empirical Study Discussion Future

21. Background Advantages of Intensive Semester Disadvantages of Intensive Semester Anecdotes Tips Discussion Conclusion Intensive Semester Isn’t Going Away Advantages Disadvantages Scheduling Conclusion

22. Questions • I would like to thank Sara Crabtree and Ricardo Checchi for input of their experiences for this research and the reviewers for their input.