Teaching Methods in Urban Planning using Planetizen Courses

Abstract

A pilot program at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo explores the potential for Planetizen Courses, an online video course platform, to enrich and extend curriculum through a hybrid classroom learning environment. Based on an implementation in two courses, results show increased command of, and comfort with, the material, comparable to a traditional lecture-lab format. Furthermore, results show a significant correlation between time spent in the online environment and course performance. These results show promise, particularly in light of constrained classroom space and increased financial pressure at many institutions.