There are many full-time workers who want to take college courses in electronics, but their jobs have prevented them from attending classes. In an effort to accommodate these students, Jones County Junior College has created a hybrid course, the first of its kind in electronics and, depending on its success, possibly the first of many.

“This class is a chance for us to experiment and see what will work for our students,” said electronics instructor Bobby Hinton. “We get a lot of calls from people who want to train in electronics, but they work all day and can’t make it to a night class. We also have calls from offshore workers who work 7 days off, 7 days on or 14/14 shifts, so a traditional class won’t work for them.”

The electronics class (EET 1114 DC Circuits) is unique from other JCJC hybrid classes in the fact that 40 percent of the class time will be in physical meetings that will take place on eight alternating Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until noon.

The hybrid class is taught mostly online, allowing offshore workers to do their work while on the rig, as long as they have a computer and internet access. Students who take the class will have to buy software they can install on their home or work computer.

The software, which can simulate actions of circuits, will allow them to work on drill problem sets.

Saturday morning sessions will consist mostly of lab work, allowing the students to show they can do the work and use the physical instrumentsrequired.

“We have a lot of interest in this class,” said Hinton. “We determined that with the technology Jones has, we can offer a class like this now. We can teach using software on home computers, and offer videos, video conferencing, and discussion boards through the college’s online Blackboard system.”

It’s recommended that those who take the class have access to high speed internet connection to best view the video content. In addition to regular textbook requirements, online students will be required to purchase some lab tools and software, which is estimated to cost $150.

“This is the first time we have felt reasonably comfortable offering our electronics subjects online. Other classes will follow - if this class venture is successful. Not all classes that we teach can be facilitated by this format because they are too lab intensive and mechanical in nature. It is our hope that we can at least offer the basic essentials in this manner,” said Hinton.

For more information regarding the hybrid electronics class, call 601-477-4075.