Published
February 10, 2013
Community colleges are a vital part of the world of higher education in the United States. With a long and illustrious history, these institutions have seen
more than their share of trends over the decades. Check out these important trends in community colleges that are expected to continue throughout 2013.
More High School Students Taking Community College Classes
High school students interested in getting a head start on higher education are discovering the benefits in
dual enrollment in community college classes while still in high school. The
Wall Street Journal calls these head start programs a low-cost way for students to gain college credits, which makes it that much easier for them to attain a two or four-year college degree in the future. Community colleges are also now partnering with local high schools to provide
remedial education that prepares them for college-level work prior to high school graduation.
More Traditional Students on Community College Campuses
Additional Campus Housing Available...
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Published
October 19, 2012
Community colleges have come a long way since their inception. Instead of falling into the ranks of the “fallback” plan, many of these schools have now become a
first choice for students looking to change career direction or explore higher education for the first time. With a focus on the community college system in recent years, the changes on these campuses have been even more pronounced, with a wider variety of degree programs, services and even
on-campus housing. Check out these five ways community colleges have evolved to become full-service institutions of higher education.
Greater Diversity in Degree Programs
Community colleges were typically known for their relatively generic, liberal arts degree programs, but not any longer. Today’s student can choose from a wide range of two-year degrees, ranging from
fine arts to
engineering. Many of the degree programs at community colleges today are industry-centric, meaning they focus on training individuals for jobs in the local market. Schools even
partner with employers in the community to ensure the training students receive at the community college can take them right into the workforce.
Some of the unique and interesting programs you might find at your local community college today include:
· Sustainable Agriculture
· Computer Engineering
· Exercise Science
· Manufacturing Engineering
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Published
May 20, 2012
The latest report from the American Association of Community Colleges “tells it like it is,” calling the American Dream imperiled and asking two-year colleges across the country to
raise the bar on higher education standards. While the new report does offer some positive feedback on the current condition of community colleges in terms of growth and success, it also provides feedback on where schools are lacking and what can be done to bring these institutions to the place where they can serve students and the business community most effectively. There are seven problems and seven solutions, providing a blueprint colleges can use to improve the quality of education and professional training across the board.
Shifting the Focus
“This is a brutally honest report,” Walter Bumphus, president of the American Association of Community Colleges, told the Chronicle. “For years we have been focused on access, and now we need to turn our attention equally to student access. It takes courage to say we can do better.”
The report offers a new perspective to the condition of community colleges, beyond their commitment to an open-admission policy and providing access to students who are typically underserved. Once the students are enrolled in the school, their success...
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Published
October 10, 2011
As community colleges grapple with
large student populations and fewer resources, technology has become one solution for meeting the needs of more students for less money. Schools that adeptly integrate technology into daily campus life can accommodate a wide range of student schedules, without adding more manpower to handle the job. The Center for Digital Education and Converge Online recently recognized some of the community colleges across the country that are making the best use of technology to enhance the education experience. These schools topped the list of the Digital Community Colleges Survey as some of the most technically savvy schools in the nation.
About the Survey
The recent survey by the Center for Digital Education and Converge Online took a number of factors into consideration as they were determining the top community colleges for technology usage, including:
· Integration of technology into campus life and course curriculum
· Documentation of online admissions processes
· Sufficient technology training for both faculty members and students
· Efficient use of Web 2.0 social functions
· Ample online services for students, including tutoring and advising services
· Ability to utilize campus security alerts through technology
With a number of factors considered, it becomes apparent that those community colleges that made the grade in this current survey find ways to integrate digital technology into every facet of daily campus life.
“As community college enrollments continue to increase, school leaders are incorporating new technologies to enhance student services and improve course curriculum,” Cathilea Robinett, executive vice president...
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Published
October 01, 2011
Mobile apps are providing information on the go for a host of subjects today. Now, community colleges are getting in on the technology action, with their very own apps designed just for their students and faculty. Whether you are looking for information about
extracurricular activities available on campus or where to go for
financial aid assistance, these apps are ready to get you the information you need in a flash – no matter where you might be. Check out how some community colleges across the country are using the latest technology craze to make campus life easier for their student body.
Montgomery County Community College students now have their campus in the palms of their hands – quite literally – with two new mobile apps available. According to a report at the
Upper Moreland-Willow Grove Patch, the school now features MOX, an application by Datatel’s Mobile Access that offers a wealth of information about the college. The app includes general information about both the Blue Bell and Pottstown campuses, including current campus events, contact information for school administrators, class schedules and locations, and even overdue library books. The app is linked into the campus portal, allowing users to sign in with their usual MC3 user name and password. Information from the portal that is also included on the app gives students access to important information from anywhere on campus. Currently, Montgomery County is the only college...
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Published
June 06, 2013
After two dismal summers with few courses to choose from, California community colleges are back in action this summer with plenty of offerings for their students.
More Latinos are Heading to Community College, but Facing Challenges along the Way
At the same time Hispanic students are enrolling in college in record numbers, class shortages at California community colleges are impeding their progress into higher education and the skilled workforce.
What are Community Colleges Doing with Labor Department Grants?
As the third wave of TAACCCT grants are issued, we take a look at how community colleges are using this federal money to beef up job training programs across the country.
More articles:
Choosing a School,
Financing,
Student Issues / Attending College,
Career Training,
Courses in College
