Distance learning: More community college students turning to online classes
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Community college enrollment has increased overall recently because of the economic downturn nationwide. Online courses are being taken by persons looking for jobs or for those looking to improve skills for possible employment or advancement in high-growth industries such as technology, wind and solar energy, etc.
The survey revealed that administrators' greatest obstacle in distance learning is not having enough support staff for training and technical assistance. And in some cases, staff become overloaded with the addition of having to prepare for online classes as well as their traditional on-site classes. The upside, however, is that the survey notes that 76 percent of students complete their online courses, up nearly 25 percent in the last few years.
Garcia said the trend of offering a variety of courses by using distance learning is going to continue. Community colleges, many of which are currently strapped for funds while facing burgeoning student populations with limited facilities on campus "can only build so many classrooms," he said. "Distance learning is one way to expand our ability to provide access to higher education without bricks and mortar."
