Community college launches hundreds of new online courses

Community college launches hundreds of new online courses

Community college is an excellent option for many nontraditional students. These institutions often boast lower tuition rates than larger universities, and several of them offer many of the same educational opportunities as bigger schools.

For example, New River Community College in Virginia recently announced that it will offer more than 200 distance education courses for the 2010-2011 academic year, Twin City News reports. The school is aiming to increase its accessibility by offering nontraditional students more educational options. These programs enable adults - who have transportation or scheduling challenges - to pursue their academic aspirations.

Distance learning courses enable nontraditional students such as working adults, single parents and military service members an opportunity to reach their career goals through challenging coursework and educational support in a flexible and innovative format.

According to the school's website, "our mission is to encourage technology innovations in teaching and learning to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff and the community."

Distance learning courses offered will include Spanish I, art appreciation, college success skills, general biology and principles of marketing. They will incorporate new technologies such as telecourses, mixed media, computer software and live two-way interactive instruction.

Recent estimates from the Sloan Consortium suggest that community colleges enroll close to half of all U.S. undergraduates.

By Mark Danson