For Immediate Release
September 15, 2006
When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans a
year ago, thousands of college students were displaced and in search of
a new institution to attend. 
Even if a hurricane sweeps through the Rio Grande Valley, The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College students will not lose the ability to pursue a degree.
Since the creation of the online portal three years ago, My UTB/TSC Blackboard has linked together learning and technology into an after-course classroom.
“What has been created and is growing in popularity is what is called a ‘Hybrid Course,’” Rene Sainz, UTB/TSC assistant director for Distance Education said. “Now, learning is expanding beyond the classroom. Students and professors can use blackboard for outside discussion and a learning tool.”
Sainz said when the online learning platform first started, only about three professors not using blackboard to teach an online course. Now, most faculty members are picking up on the idea to enhance the learning experience.
“Before, professors would have their own webpage for students to retrieve class information and they were not secure,” he said. “Through blackboard, students can log on and even take a quiz online. It is a totally secure interface and a lot of professors are picking up on this.”
However, the evolution of college courses at UTB/TSC is also preparing the university to keep students connected to their education in case of a natural disaster through the Emergency UTB/TSC Academic Continuity Program.
“If a hurricane threatens the area, the university shuts down three days before,” Sainz said. “Blackboard will allow students and professors to still conduct ‘class’ while off campus, or even after the storm. Most shelters now have internet access.”
Besides an easier way for students and professors to connect outside the classroom, blackboard also has expanded their services this year for its users.
UTB/TSC students can now take advantage of free online tutorials and training in Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Free online practice tests for the GRE, MCAT and Nursing NCLEX.
Online courses has also expanded since they were first offered in 1998 from 30 to 150 and nine, fully accredited degrees are offered through the portal, which includes undergraduate and graduate tracks.
The Office of Distance Education also offers free research classes, blackboard tutorials and basic Microsoft Office skills at the Oliveira Memorial Library.
For more information about My UTB/TSC
Blackboard or distance education, contact Rene Sainz at (956) 882-6695
or at
rene.sainz@utb.edu.