2019 EDSIG Proceedings - Abstract Presentation

Exploring the Emporium Delivery Model for an Introductory Computer Applications Course

Victor Berardi
Kent State University at Stark

Gregory Blundell
Kent State University, Stark Campus

Abstract
Computer Applications is a three-credit hour course teaching the fundamentals of MS-Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Access, etc.), the concepts of data, information, and knowledge, and the basics of computer systems and the internet. The Office applications are the greatest focus, consuming approximately half the semester contact hours. The course is of value not only to traditional college students but also to working adults seeking workforce retraining, skills development, and certification as well as to high-school students taking college-level courses for credit. Currently, in our program, computer applications is only taught using a traditional face-to-face delivery mode. To broaden the course appeal and availability to students, an emporium model is being investigated as an additional delivery option. Curricular guidelines at our university define emporium delivery as a course “offered in a computer-learning center utilizing software to provide an essential resource for students working collaboratively in a problem-based instructional setting or to provide individualized pathways that allow students to progress through the curriculum, based on assessment results of their mastery of the material. An instructional team provides student assistance.” Major textbook publishers such as, Pearson, Cengage, and McGraw-Hill, and Wiley all have systems designed for emporium delivery or with functionality that could be repurposed as such. These include Connexus®, MindTap®, SimNet®, and WILEYPlus®, respectively. Additionally, GMetrix®, an automated MS-Office® practice testing and feedback system is included in this investigation. The emporium model is currently being utilized for some math courses at our university using a McGraw-Hill product known as ALEKS® (Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces), which provides us with some implementation ideas and issues associated with emporiums. Enabling students to earn certifications via Certiport, e.g. MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) testing or publisher-developed certification programs recognized by industry is also a primary goal. An emporium model for this course could serve three primary student groups (1) traditional college students and high-schoolers taking college courses who already possess significant MS-Office applications skills—where the emporium for expedited course completion can quickly authenticate what they already know and concentrate on areas of weakness, (2) working adults, where a computer applications emporium could be packaged with additional support and requirements to deliver industry-recognized certificates and training, and (3) continuing education though our Corporate University division. The emporium model envisioned here will have a dedicated on-campus location with proctors to support students as well as online capabilities for those who are capable and desire to work on their own. The emporium computer-learning center would be open from morning to night where it is anticipated that traditional students would use it mainly in the morning to afternoon, high schoolers from late afternoon to early evening, and working adults in the evening, thereby balancing demand somewhat naturally. This presentation details this emporium model investigation.

Recommended Citation: Berardi, V., Blundell, G., (2019). Exploring the Emporium Delivery Model for an Introductory Computer Applications Course. Proceedings of the EDSIG Conference, (2019) n.5011, Cleveland, Ohio