The number of students registering in online courses offered by Northwest Community College’s (NWCC) Continuing Education & Industry Training (CEIT) department has increased significantly. And as a result of the surge in student numbers, the department’s online learning partner, Ed2Go.com, has featured the College as a success story in its March 2011 newsletter.
In January 2011, 60 students registered for CEIT courses offered online through ed2go.com/nwcc. That is almost double the number of students, 32, who registered in the same time period last year, and about half the number of students enrolled in similar courses during the entire year of 2008.
“NWCC’s Continuing Education & Industry Training department offers a large variety of short-term interest courses and long-term career training programs through Ed2Go. We offer a wide range of topics such as writing, health courses, computer skills and much more,” according to Margo Van der Touw, NWCC Dean of Trades, and Continuing Education & Industry Training. “The variety and accessibility of the online courses means we are able to satisfy the diverse needs, interests and goals of all Northwest BC residents.”
Registration numbers for NWCC’s Ed2Go courses have increased steadily over the past few years. In 2008, 113 students completed a course. That number nearly doubled the next year with 207 students connecting to the site. Numbers grew again in 2010 with a total of 271 students. To date, in 2011, 83 students have already registered for Ed2Go courses.
Many student comments describe the courses as valuable and accessible.
NWCC student, Margaret Sanou, who completed the Ed2Go course Writing For Children, said, “I gained a lot of useful knowledge from this course. I'm going away with many, many resources that I can use to learn more about a wide range of topics related to writing for children. I received helpful feedback about my writing and lots of encouragement.”
Online education has many advantages. Students can complete course work at their own pace when it’s convenient for them. They can choose from a broad range of subjects, and save time and money by not commuting. E-learning also reduces physical and geographical barriers, thereby, increasing accessibility for people with disabilities, residents of remote areas, and those with busy work schedules.
For more information about Ed2Go courses at NWCC, visit ed2go.com/nwcc. Or contact NWCC CEIT Program Officer Kelly Swain, based at NWCC Terrace Campus, at [email protected] or 1.877.277.2288 Ext. 5473.
In addition to the online Ed2Go courses offered through its CEIT department, NWCC also offers online credit courses and programs such as Applied Business Technology, Computer Technology and various University Credit courses. Some credit courses are also available through videoconferencing.
That's not surprising since a lot of universities are already offering online college courses. http://www.testdrivecollege.comn/
Posted by: Kelly | 10/05/2012 at 12:10 AM