Instructional Methods

EICC Course Delivery Methods

EICC classes are taught by qualified college instructors and provide comparable content and rigor, regardless of delivery or instructional method. Each course utilizes the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) to support teaching and learning, including course materials, grading, and tools that support student success. EICC’s eLearning and instructional technology department can guide and support students, faculty, and staff on the use of Canvas LMS and distance technologies. 

EICC offers many options for course delivery:

• Classroom (on-campus): Classroom courses are held in-person at one of EICC’s campuses, providing a traditional college experience. You’ll attend scheduled classes, engage directly with instructors and classmates, and participate in discussions, group activities, and hands-on learning in a structured, face-to-face environment.
   
• Live online (Zoom): These courses meet at set times using Zoom, allowing you to join live lectures, discussions, and activities from any location. This format combines the structure of a scheduled class with the convenience of learning remotely, ensuring real-time interaction with instructors and peers.
   
• Hybrid classroom (on-campus and online): These courses blend in-person and online learning, offering the best of both worlds. You’ll attend scheduled classes on campus for hands-on activities and group work while completing other coursework online. This format provides flexibility while maintaining face-to-face support and connection.
   
• Hybrid live online (Zoom and online Canvas): These courses blend live online interaction and independent online learning, offering the best of both worlds. You’ll attend scheduled classes online via Zoom for real-time discussions, hands-on activities, and group work while completing other coursework independently through Canvas. This format provides flexibility while maintaining life interaction, instructor support, and connection with your peers. 
   
• Online (Canvas - asynchronous): These courses offer maximum flexibility, allowing you to complete coursework on your schedule within set deadlines, all while being guided by an instructor. There are no specific meeting times, but you have access to instructor-led course materials, assignments, and discussions through Canvas. This format is ideal for students who need flexibility while staying committed to meeting course expectations.
   
• Open lab: These courses are designed for hands-on learning in a lab setting. You have the freedom to work during designated times, with instructors available to provide guidance and support. This format is great for subjects requiring equipment, practice, or project-based work.
   
• Onsite residency: These courses require students to attend in-person instruction at scheduled intervals, but not every week. These sessions provide intensive, hands-on learning opportunities while the rest of the coursework is completed online. This format is ideal for programs requiring specific in-person experiences, such as labs or immersive training.
   
• High school section: These courses are part of EICC’s partnerships with local schools, allowing high school students to earn college credit. These courses are scheduled to fit into high school calendars and may rotate offerings each semester.

Course Scheduling Information 

Assignment of Credit Hours and Course Contact Time 

The assignment and awarding of credits are governed and regulated by the U.S. Department of Education through the awarding of Title IV federal financial aid under 34CFR 600.2 and Iowa Code 281.Chapter 21.2(12) Credit Hours. The Higher Learning Commission monitors institutional compliance with commonly accepted practices for the assignment of the credit hour. 

EICC provides for a minimum of 800 minutes (or 16 contact hours) of classroom or direct faculty instruction per one semester hour of credit over the course of a 16-week semester, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. A minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week over 16 weeks for one semester hour of credit is expected of the students, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. No registration or orientation hours may be included when determining credit hours. 

Application of Definition   

EICC provides for a minimum of 16 contact hours of classroom or direct faculty instruction per one semester hour of credit over the course of a 16-week semester, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time.   

Throughout the course, students are expected to dedicate a minimum of two hours of out-of-class work (or the equivalent amount of work) for every hour they are in class. For example if a class meets 3 hours in a week an additional 6 hours of out-of-class work is expected that week. It is important to note that registration or orientation hours should not be considered when calculating credit hours.   

As an example, EICC contact time is calculated in this manner:   

EICC contact time is calculated in this manner: 

The Course Development Model (CDM) provides information about the curriculum that must be taught in an EICC course regardless of length of term, location, modality, or format of instruction. The CDM presents the course descriptions, student learning outcomes, and a detailed outline of required instructional topics. The CDM is the standard by which alternative formats of instruction are measured. Instruction offered using alternative formats must adhere to the CDM for the given courses and students shall be expected to demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge, competencies, and outcomes at the same level as those obtained in traditional classroom settings, in the time frames set by the institution. 

EICC alternative formats of instruction may include accelerated courses, synchronous distance education, asynchronous distance education, hybrid courses, self-paced instruction, arranged study, and multi-format instruction.