Brigham Young University–Hawaii is launching a new program aimed at giving more options for education at the University. The program, called BYU–Hawaii Online, provides college courses for students preparing to attend BYU–Hawaii, as well as students already on campus who need additional schedule flexibility or who prefer this unique learning method. The program utilizes modern technology to significantly reduce the cost of education for students who can now take initial course work in their native country, without the expense of travel, housing, and other costs associated with traditional college living.
The program is in the early development stage and will have close to 20 courses available by Winter Semester 2010. One of the goals is to have the capability to support 20 percent of the University’s students online and to provide a fully accredited college degree with just one year on campus. All current courses are taught in English.
Michael Griffiths, Director of BYU–Hawaii Online, felt this program would be a great blessing to students and the University. "Our approach is unique in that we are all online, but offer personalized mentoring for every student," said Griffiths. "We've piloted this program in a few areas, and we have been very pleased with the outcomes."
Griffiths further stated, "BYU–Hawaii Online will not only better prepare students for their experience on campus, it will accelerate their progress toward graduation and career in their chosen field. This is a key benefit to students because it represents a significant cost savings, and to the University because it allows us to serve more students."
President Allen Anderson of the Mongolian Mission requested that Dr. Griffiths visit Mongolia and demonstrate this new learning program. Dr. Griffiths began his 6,000-mile journey with a non-stop flight to Seoul Korea and then on to Mongolia's capital city of Ulaanbaatar. The Church has close to 10,000 members in Mongolia and the membership is growing. During his visit, Brother Griffiths found the people very warm and friendly and eager to help one another. While there, he helped set up a computer lab in the Church Office building in the capital where prospective BYU–Hawaii students and others could access BYU–Hawaii Online courses and accelerate their education. In addition, he conducted special firesides to demonstrate this new teaching approach. In some cases the audience filled the building to overflowing. The information presented was an overwhelming success, and now there are close to 70 students who are starting classes at BYU–Hawaii right in Mongolia.
With BYU–Hawaii Online, every effort has been made to create a regular classroom. The program design starts with recognized experts in their specific field to design and formulate the material that will be included in class. Modern animations assist to visually demonstrate special processes when needed. Special presenters are selected to assure students’ continued interest. Tutors are selected to provide ongoing assistance for students. Professors will continue to monitor and review course material.
Asynchronous video (video mail) will provide course material, tutor support and student interface. This operates like email and the student can select the time to watch the lectures, review the homework, and participate in the testing requirements. At the beginning of the course the tutor will send an introduction to each student. This way the student will be visually acquainted with the tutor. Any questions that the student may have during the course will be sent to the tutor. The tutor will then be able to provide essentially a one-day turnaround for these questions, providing personalized, one-on-one support for the entire course.
Where remote world locations will be involved it was necessary to consider the capabilities of computer and online systems that will be used. While most students will be able to access the courses entirely online, in some cases DVDs will be provided to make sure that the class work can be accessed in the best possible way. Every effort has been made to have the class information available even under challenging technological conditions.
BYU–Hawaii Online supports the University imperative of lowering the cost for students by offering low tuition pricing for students. The standard cost per credit is fifty dollars, and reduced tuition scholarships are available based on factors including country of residence and individual circumstances.
The importance value of distance learning is readily demonstrated in Mongolia. When an employee obtains an accredited college degree the salary can potentially be increased four times. Mongolia is a very poor country. Twenty percent of the population lives on about $1.25 a day and one-third of the country lives below the poverty line; thus, potential for these students is dramatically increased. This training provides substantial aid and stability for their families. Leadership potential is greatly increased in the community and the Church. Mongolia’s increasing Church membership opens up the critical need for this leadership capability. Currently many leaders are in their early 20’s. The Distance Learning Program that has been developed by Dr. Griffiths at the Brigham Young University–Hawaii is not limited to Mongolia and can be readily expanded to include other countries.
This program will open the door for a college education to many students that would not have any chance for this type of formal education.
--Photos courtesy of Monique Saenz