WARDSVILLE, Mo. - Some college-level classes at Blair Oaks High School benefit from the personal touch.
Three professors from State Technical College of Missouri have been teaching dual-enrollment courses this school year on the Wardsville campus.
Unlike other college credit options using interactive video or computer-based teaching, the State Tech instructors are in the class with the students.
"This is my favorite dual-enrollment class," said senior Katy Alexander, who is taking English Composition II as well as three interactive television (ITV) classes through Central Methodist University this year.
Taking classes that fulfill both high school and college requirements helps college-bound students get ahead, Alexander said. And the level of expectation prepares young students for the college experience.
The ITV classes use video cameras and microphones to exchange real-time video between sites, including other participating schools and the professor's campus. But it can be difficult to create discussions and ask questions.
State Tech's version allows students to interact with the professor in person, then follow-up questions and help also can be done in person, said Kelli Jones, communications department chairman.
"It's nice to ask questions," said senior Dylan Hoelscher.
And "you can count on her being here," since ITV courses sometimes have technical difficulties, Hoelscher said.
"You get more out of this class; you take more away when the professor is in front of you," Alexander added. "Sometimes it's hard to concentrate when you stare at a TV."
That's not to lessen the value of other methods of advanced learning that have benefited rural schools in recent years, Jones emphasized.
In addition to preparing students for higher education, perceptions of State Tech have improved, she said.
Years ago, it was only a technical school. Now as a state college, they provide an associate's degree with the standard general education requirements.
Whether in her high school classroom or on the college campus, Jones teaches the same curriculum with the same expectations, she said.
"It's the same quality and rigor like any other in the state," she said.
High school students must score an 18 or above on the ACT and hold a 3.0 GPA or higher to be eligible for the dual-enrollment classes, including English Composition I and II, physics and introduction to microcomputers.
"These are the cream of the crop students," Jones said. "We can do things you cannot do in a normal high school class.
"It makes my job fun because the kids are motivated and want to learn."
State Tech would like to grow the dual-enrollment program to other area schools, she said.
"I think we are a hidden secret, even in Linn," Jones said.