Nash Online: A New NCC Student Experience
Beginning this fall semester, Nash Community College enhanced its online offerings to meet the needs of students regardless of a student’s location with the launch of “Nash Online”. Campus leaders understand the digital age offers students – traditional and nontraditional alike – the convenience of pursuing a college career while balancing many other demands of life.
“Our emphasis in online delivery gives students the same quality service online as the students in face to face, on-campus courses,” explained Lane Freeman, Department Chair for Nash Online. Through e-learning Support, login assistance, troubleshooting for instructional delivery systems, tutorials and other instructional resources will be made available to all students online. These added services enhance the student experience, affording convenience, flexibility and efficiency. Additionally, the Nash Community College Campus Store, Library services and tutoring and Tutoring for Life services for alumni are also offered online, and therefore do not require students to come to campus.
An Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree can also be obtained completely online through Nash Online. The offering of online classes does not set Nash Community College in a category all its own but when it comes to providing a quality learning experience dedicated to interaction and support, Nash Online strives to be unparalleled. Nash Online has been constructed to provide students with a non-intimidating, connected environment.
“NCC is implementing engaging instructional strategies that are proven to support student success. Research shows that by teaching content in a way that engages students with instructors and their classmates, students can have similar educational experiences online as in a face-to-face classroom,” states Freeman. “It is suggested as a benefit to the student to possess basic computer skills, be self-disciplined and have the ability to manage time appropriately, seeing that online students will be required to submit assignments by specific dates but are otherwise free to learn course materials fitting with his or her personal schedule.”
The College ranks eighth in the United States for digital presence among collegeof its size by e.Republic’s Center for Digital Education Digital Community Colleges Survey. The survey identified 46 of the most forward-thinking and technology-driven community colleges in the nation. Only three other North Carolina community colleges of varying size categories were recognized for their digital presence in the same survey: Fayetteville Technical Community College, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Halifax Community College.
“Nash has made great effort to bring the best technology, distance learning, digital media resources to our students, faculty, and staff. On our campus, technology does not dictate our instructional innovations. Instead, we approach technology as a service to support the various college initiatives through our excellent technical and media staff. It is great for our entire campus team to be recognized for their accomplishments, ”Nash Community College Chief Information Officer Jonathan Vester said.
Students who have already participated in Nash’s online classes have provided positive feedback in appreciation of the level of involvement, dedication, motivation and overall concern delivered in instruction to each student. “We are focused on instruction and meeting students’ needs and expectations. Nash will continue to broaden its availability of exclusively online degrees with time,” said Freeman. For more information about Nash Online, visit www.nashcc.edu.
