December 11,2003

Innovative "Hybrid" Class Gives GCC Students New Learning Option

An new alternative to traditional college classroom instruction combines cutting-edge technology with face-to-face instruction at Glendale Community College (GCC). Known as a "hybrid" class, the prototype was developed by Marla DeSoto, English faculty at Glendale Community College. Her "hybrid" English 101 class combines standard teaching with web-based instruction. This "hybrid" program allows students to spend half the normal amount of time in DeSoto's classroom. Students still participate in the class for the traditional number of hours per week and receive three credits for the class. The course website contains links to assignments, course documents, the course discussion group, and other materials. Using home computers or computers in the GCC High Tech Centers, students can complete many of the assignments outside the traditional classroom. Its added value is the ability to schedule twice as many classes in a standard classroom, reducing the need for costly new classroom buildings. DeSoto may be reached at marla.desoto@gcmail.maricopa.edu or 623-845-3637.

GCC Receives Grant from DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund

Glendale Community College (GCC) recently received an $8,000 grant from the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund in support of an automotive training program at the college. Students in the DaimlerChrysler College Automotive Program (CAP) at GCC participate in a two-year program which trains them to be authorized DaimlerChrysler service technicians. During their training, they alternate eight weeks studying on the GCC campus with eight weeks at the dealership that sponsors them during the program. Upon graduation from GCC, they are employed full-time by the dealership where they performed their internship. The gift from DaimlerChrysler will be spent on additional equipment for this successful program at GCC. For more information on the CAP program, call CAP Program Coordinator Joe Corne at 623-845-3167.

Professional Sewing Faculty at GCC Offer Wide Array of Spring Classes

Knowing how to sew can be an entertaining hobby and a money-saving skill. If you want to learn, need to brush up, or desire advanced classes, such as Pattern Alteration or Advanced Clothing Construction, Glendale Community College (GCC) is the place for you this spring. Classes for all ability levels and interests are scheduled, from "Basic Sewing" to "Upholstery," to "Quilting" and "Serging." Sewing classes can be taken for credit or noncredit, and there is even a class called "Sewing for the Home" which involves curtains, bedspreads, slipcovers and other accessories. GCC has skilled and respected sewing instructors, such as Belva Barrick, who recently received national recognition when her article was published in the January issue of SewNews Magazine. Titled "Pressing Matters," it discusses the professional art of pressing when tailoring garments. To receive a spring schedule of classes for noncredit, call 623-845-3805.