Gary Iman, communication instructor, has started taking his classes online. And its not like your traditional online class. Iman works hard to produce supplemental and style videos to make the learning experience more interactive for his online students. With a handful of upgraded equipment, Iman is leading the pack in helping students achieve degree completion online.
“I am very excited about the growth and direction of our online classes in the communication
Gary Iman
department. A student can earn a B.S. and a master’s entirely online now. We are using this to reach out to OTC students and MSU-West Plains students and many other community colleges as a way to complete their degree and not [have to] move to Springfield,” said Iman.
“Students can expect continued growth and innovation in our online offerings. We want to be on the front line of online for the University and in quality,” said Iman. “I definitely put a lot more work into my videos than you have to do. If you wanted, you could write up your notes and sit right there at your office desk and record your thoughts using your webcam and put them into Blackboard.”
Iman prefers experimenting with technology and doing everything himself. His upgraded equipment includes a new camera and tripod, a teleprompter he built that uses his iPad and an at home filming studio equipped with professional lightning. Total time for a video takes about five hours.
“I would like to think that the reason my videos work well is that I try to be very real-world connected, very professional, and I try to let my students know that I want them to be successful,” said Iman. “It is more than just getting a good grade. I want my students to take the communication information I am teaching and have better personal and professional lives. I think that comes thru in the videos.”
