With technology impacting our lives in so many ways, and students busier than ever, the way we learn is changing.
“Our students now need to multitask, balancing work, family and school. Online classes are not just a convenience but a necessity,” says Jim Egan, dean of Distance Learning at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
“And it makes sense. Technology is all around us in online banking, online video gaming, even finding a mate online. Why not use it for education too?”
Online is flexible
Students taking online classes do equally well or even better than those taking traditional on-campus classes, says Egan. The reason may be exactly what sets them apart-flexibility.
“Online classes address the issue of different learning styles and paces,” says Egan. “Some students are visual learners so they have the option of watching a lecture as many times as they want. Text-based learners can rely on the supporting material. No one size fits all.”
Online is growing
“Enrollment in distance learning and blended learning appear to be outpacing traditional on campus enrollments,” says Dr. Gerard de los Santos, president of the League for Innovation in the Community College, an international organization that fosters the growth of community colleges through research, conferences, partnerships and shared resources.
“Students are looking at online options for different reasons. It could be the displaced worker who has to juggle a family or a younger student who is comfortable with technology.”
Is online the right choice?
While online learning has many positive aspects such as access and flexibility, there are some caveats says Dr. John Roueche, Community College Leadership director and professor in the College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin.
First, choose your online courses carefully: “Some online programs are worthy of praise and some are fly-by-night and take advantage of students,” he cautions. Those offered by accredited public institutions are most often reputable and reliable.
Second, stay connected to fellow students and your teacher. Roueche is encouraged by the trend he is seeing of incorporating collaborative activities into courses such as chat rooms so students get interaction along with their instruction.
Finally, be sure you’re prepared to learn online. “Students need to be evaluated to determine whether they will be successful online learners,” he says.
“They need to demonstrate that they are goal oriented, self directed and need a certain level of academic and computer skills.”
FAST: Easing the way for adult learners
Are you working, but looking for a way to boost your pay and find new challenges?
Many adults easily answer yes to that question. Isothermal is here to help you meet the problem of underemployment with a new set of streamlined diplomas and certificates, designed to be completed in less than a year.
The program is called Flexible Adult Studies Tracks (FAST). Recognizing that many working adults have limited time and differing obligations, the courses are offered in a combination of online, hybrid and minimal face-to-face formats.
“We are excited about packaging these diplomas and certificates in this manner,” said Dr. Dolly Horton, Isothermal’s vice president of Academic and Student Services. “We know many people in our community would love to be able to take advantage of this kind of learning to better themselves and advance their careers. However, we are keenly aware that life happens. It’s tough to take time out of a workday to come to class when you have so many job and family obligations. FAST addresses that in its flexibility and focus on short-term certifications and diplomas that can lead to better jobs quickly.”
The classes are set to begin in August for the Fall 2019 semester. At this point, the classes that will be offered include:
- Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate
- Business Administration Diploma
- Criminal Justice Diploma
- Information Technology Certificates: C++ Programming, Computer Programming & Development, Front End Web Development, Game Programming, Java Programming, Python Programming
- Medical Office Administration Certificate
- Medical Office Administration/Medical Billing & Coding Certificate
- Payroll Accounting Certificate
- Welding Technology Certificate
The time commitment varies, depending on the program you select. Financial aid is available and, if you’re a resident of Rutherford or Polk, the Powers Promise means your tuition may
be free.
Contact the Admissions Office at 828-395-4193 for more details.
