Research Proposal for Formal Report – Revised

To:                   Dr. Erika Paterson

From:              Alexander Clements

Date:               February 15, 2022

Subject:           Proposal for Determining the Feasibility of Moving Computer Science Classes to a Hybrid Educational Model

Audience Description

The intended reader for this report is Dr. Ian Mitchell, the head of the UBC Computer Science Department at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Mitchell possesses the influence to allocate required resources to transition the Computer Science courses to a hybrid learning approach.

Introduction

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning tools have become widely available. Video conference services have allowed for effective remote lectures, while collaboration and file-sharing services have allowed students to productively work together on assignments while maintaining their distance. For several semesters during the pandemic, universities adapted to the remote learning model to maintain quality education while keeping students and staff at safe distances.

Such a style of learning introduced a significant convenience for students and instructors, particularly at the University of British Columbia (UBC), in the form of time savings. Commuters gained hours of extra time during the weekdays not having to travel to the University, providing them with the opportunity to spend more time on course work and extracurricular activities. As the pandemic has been winding down, the University of British Columbia has brought students and staff back to the classroom, reintroducing the commute times experienced by so many.

Throughout this proposal, reference is made to online, hybrid, and in-person course delivery models. The online model refers to a method of course delivery that is entirely conducted over the internet. In this model, lectures, labs, and tutorials are conducted over video conferencing software. Exams in this model are also conducted over a remote proctoring software. The in-person model reference to a method of course delivery that is conducted in-person. Lectures, labs, and tutorials are conducted within the university buildings, and all participants must be present. Similarly, exams under this model are conducted on the university premises. The hybrid model refers to a method of course delivery that combines aspects of the online and in-person models. Lectures, labs, and tutorials may be facilitated online and in-person simultaneously, allowing students the option to participate from the university premises or remotely. Exams may be conducted remotely, however they may also be conducted at the university depending on the preferences and resources available to the course instructors.

Statement of Problem

In the Computer Science department at UBC, some courses offer a hybrid learning model. These courses are offered in person as well as online. This provides students with the choice to stay at home to participate in the course, or to come to the university into the classroom. Meanwhile, some of the classes in the department have strictly moved back to the in-person model. With a schedule of hybrid and in-person classes, students can find themselves required to travel to campus for one in-person lecture, lab, or quiz, while the remainder of the activities for the day are handled remotely.  In this situation, commute times can far outweigh the time required to be on-campus.

Proposed Solution

A possible solution to the problem is to adopt a consistent hybrid learning model for all Computer Science classes. Students and instructors who prefer the in-person style of lectures would have the ability to attend or facilitate lectures live at school. Students and instructors who would prefer to participate in the lectures remotely would have the option to do so as well. Throughout the school year, students and instructors would have the option to save time and costs by cutting down on commuting.

Scope

To determine both the feasibility in adopting a hybrid learning model for all Computer Science classes, I intend to investigate the following areas:

1. What are the time savings realized by learning online versus in person? Are there any associated cost savings?
2. Which aspects of remote learning do students and instructors find to be the most effective?
3. Which aspects of in-person learning do students and instructors find to be the most effective?
4. Given the option of remaining at home or coming into the university, which would generally be the preference of students and instructors? Is there interest in having the option to do both?
5. What is the level of effort associated with setting up a hybrid learning course? What are the associated costs?
6. What are the challenges faced by professors who have successfully set up courses in the hybrid model?

Methods

The primary sources of data for the investigation will include surveys with Computer Science students, and interviews with Computer Science department professors. Surveys with students will help to gauge interest in the idea while interviews with several professors will assist in obtaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and costs encountered in setting up hybrid courses.

To counteract bias in the surveys and interviews, emphasis will be placed on the pros and cons of experiences with the in-person course delivery model and the online course delivery model. Considering viewpoints on both of these approaches will allow survey and interview participants to express opinions on either side of the issue. Specific language will also be used around each of the questions asked, such that they do not lead the participants to provide specific answers.

The secondary sources of information on the topic will include peer-reviewed journal articles comparing student experiences with remote, in-person, and hybrid learning models.

My Qualifications

I am a Computer Science student at the University of British Columbia with four years of work experience in the Technology Industry. Having experienced the remote, hybrid, and in-person educational models first-hand, I am familiar with the benefits and challenges of each model. Due to this, I can conduct a fair survey that minimizes bias. My participation in the Computer Science program provides me with sufficient access to students for interviews.

I have also built good relationships with professors whom I can contact for interview requests.

Conclusion

It is understood that not all students prefer to attend in-person classes, however, it is undeniable that many students would benefit from the option of attending classes remotely. Through this investigation, interest will be gauged in the proposed hybrid classroom solution, as will the feasibility of setting up hybrid Computer Science classes. With your approval, I will aim to begin this research straight away.