During Christmas break, Southern Adventist University’s Online Campus will be implementing a redesigned version of eClass, known as eClass 4.0. It will feature a new design and heightened functionality, according to Director for Online Campus Gus Martin.
Martin said as Southern’s physical campus improves, Online Campus is excited to implement changes as well.
“You can see that there’s a lot happening on campus. We have new buildings, upgrading everywhere, on sidewalks and so on. And eClass has been kind of the same for a long time,” Martin said. “So, we’re taking advantage of the opportunities that we have right now. And we are working diligently [and have] been working for a long time with many individuals on campus and outside to find the best option available, and we are moving forward to doing an upgrade.”
According to Greg Merchant, Online Campus teaching technology manager, eClass 4.0 will be on the same platform but will undergo a fairly extensive redesign that will impact the user’s experience.
Merchant said the updated platform will have some customizable aspects. In addition, Moodle, an app designed for phones, will be made available again for those who do not want to access eClass through the internet browser on their phones.
“We’re actually showing them that Southern has something to offer, and we’re excited to be part of the change,” Martin said. “I’m hoping that everybody will be excited and ready for this.”
“It’s been designed to be definitely more mobile friendly and adaptive for smaller screens, along with computer screens, and it [has a] more up-to-date, modern look,” Merchant said of eClass 4.0.
Martin said he is excited for the changes but acknowledged that the learning curve may be a challenge. To enable students and faculty to become familiarized with eClass 4.0, virtual tutorials on how to navigate the changes will be available at southern.edu/online.
“That’s why we’re going to be available on campus,” Martin said concerning the learning process. “[Online Campus is] always available to support faculty and students, and I don’t foresee any issues. But, yes, it’s a normal process of something new.”
According to Martin, changes implemented to eClass are for the best interest of the students.
“This will open up for us to be able to provide better opportunities for faculty to use resources that will make your experience as a student more enjoyable and user friendly,” Martin said. “We want our students to actually go online and enjoy the learning experience. We’re not guaranteeing that everything’s going to be perfect, but we’re trying to do the best that we can within the limitations that we have.”
Martin added that he considers eClass as another building on campus and is excited to see these changes implemented. He said eClass is the platform where people, including those abroad, can see what Southern is like for students.
“We’re actually showing them that Southern has something to offer, and we’re excited to be part of the change,” Martin said. “I’m hoping that everybody will be excited and ready for this.”
