Block SchedulingGlen Roberson-Asst Vice PresidentStatewide Technical ProgramsIvy Tech Community College

• Grouping Similar classes together in 8 week formats-Contextualized format

• Students meet 2x per week for each 8 week class• Students take 4 core classes and one gen-ed class per semester-Fulltime

path• Naturally creates student cohort groups

What is Block Scheduling

• Sample Student Schedule:• 1st 8 Weeks 8:00 AM – 11:50 AM (Monday, Tuesday)• ADMF 101 Key Principles of Advanced Manufacturing• INDT 113 Basic Electricity

• 2nd 8 Weeks 1:00 PM – 4:50 PM (Monday, Tuesday)• ADMF 102 Technology in Advanced Manufacturing• ADMF 122 Automation - Mechatronics Electrical and Robotic Systems

• Wednesday 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM• IVYT 113 Student Success in Technology

What is Block Scheduling

• Students study fewer topics at a time during the semester• Typically no more than 3 subjects at a time

• They persist from one level to the next in same semester

• Students enroll in 15 credits per semester • Prevents gaps in students taking advanced classes• Sample block of similar content:

• INDT 205 Programmable Logic Controllers I • INDT 206 Programmable Logic Controllers II

Advantages

• Banner Enrollment System is not user friendly for Block programming thus becomes a manual process

• Shorter courses require on-time textbooks and Ivy Tech is transitioning tech programs to a Flip model with eLearning.

• Requires collaboration and cooperation with all departments to successfully run a block program- step out of comfort zone

• Curriculum needs to be built in a contextualized format with soft skills and gen ed competencies embedded within Tech programs as well as tech/Industry relevance within the gen ed curriculum

• Creative scheduling to allow for part-time and fulltime students

Disadvantages

• Coordinate with other technology and general education departments on entire process

• Align common/shared courses from all Tech Programs• Technical and gen ed courses

• Block schedule these classes in a day/afternoon and or night block format

• Tech programs will use this template to block their remaining courses in same structure

• Courses are scheduled in Banner and template is shared statewide to avoid duplication with minor adjustments do to facilities, dual credit blended programs, campus size etc…

• Advising in collaboration with the Technology School is critical

Process to convert traditional scheduling to Block scheduling

Northeast- Fort Wayne

Was Implemented in Fall 2014 at Ivy Tech Northeast•First cohort size – 17 students•Fall to Spring retention = 82%•Fall to Fall Retention = 82%

Success Rates

Enrollment Patternsof Technology StatewideTotal Enrollment Fall 2015:

10,442Up 3% from Fall 2014 Technology Statewide

Total Enrollment Fall 2015: 10,442

Up 3% from Fall 2014

Enrollment Patternsof Technology StatewideTotal Enrollment Fall 2015:

10,442Up 3% from Fall 2014 Technology Statewide

Total Enrollment Fall 2015: 10,442

Up 3% from Fall 2014

Enrollment Patternsof Technology StatewideTotal Enrollment Fall 2015:

10,442Up 3% from Fall 2014 Technology Statewide

Total Enrollment Fall 2015: 10,442

Up 3% from Fall 2014

Enrollment Patternsof Technology StatewideTotal Enrollment Fall 2015:

10,442Up 3% from Fall 2014 Technology Statewide

Total Enrollment Fall 2015: 10,442

Up 3% from Fall 2014

Sample Semester Schedule – CORE Classes

Sample Semester Schedule – GEN-Ed Classes