 Valhalla, NY - At Westchester Community College, gone are the days when “going to college” actually meant going to college. Students can now take courses in the comfort of their own home and at any time of the day or night.
“Distance learning” is done by means of a computer with Internet access. The growing popularity of this web-based learning can be seen at Westchester Community College, where nearly 2,000 students are currently enrolled in 87 online courses.
For a great many of these 2,000 “non-traditional” students, a college education might have otherwise been impossible. Constraints placed upon them by full-time jobs, daycare issues, lack of transportation, physical disabilities—any of these factors could have prevented them from being present in a college classroom during conventional hours. Through distance learning, students can arrange class and study time around their own schedules.
Distance learning students pay the same tuition and fees as traditional students and have the same spring and fall semester schedules (distance learning summer sessions run a week later than traditional courses). Each course has a professor who develops the curriculum, conducts the class, gives the assignments, answers questions, leads discussions, and assigns grades. The lessons are often supplemented by interactive quizzes, tutorials, or an online discussion area. Students can read their lessons and ask questions of their instructor at the time most convenient for them.
Westchester Community College first introduced Distance Learning in the fall of 1997 when it offered four online courses—and only filled two of them. Undaunted, the administration sought outside funding to help it expand the distance learning program. In 2002, with the aid of a Title III government grant, there were 39 online classes with 461 students enrolled. Since that time the program has grown at a phenomenal rate. Today there are currently 87 online courses being offered (a 228% increase from 2002) with an enrollment of nearly 2,000 students (an increase of 393%).
The subjects taught through distance learning include chemistry, computer technology, economics, English, art, medical terminology, business law, and social sciences, just to name a few.
“Our intent is to continue growing the program by adding more courses and more sections of existing courses,” states Professor Margi Winters, Assistant Dean of Distance Learning. Winters also says “many students from other colleges are using our classes to fill in their schedules at the bachelor’s level and occasionally at the associate’s level.” Her analysis of newly-enrolled students showed that one already has a law degree, 18 have master’s degrees, and 22 already have or are working on their bachelor’s degrees, proving that distance learning is not only for the undergraduate.
One current online student is 26-year old Joshua Posnick of New Rochelle, a Westchester County paramedic who began taking classes toward his associate’s degree a number of years ago. He did not complete his studies at that time, and now wants to earn the required credits so he can go on to a bachelor’s degree. However, his hectic 48 hour-a-week work schedule makes it impossible for him to attend classes. Distance learning seemed like a logical solution to Josh’s scheduling conflicts, and after three semesters of taking online courses he has become, in his own words, “a strong advocate of Westchester Community College’s Distance Learning Program.”
“I would highly recommend it to anyone who has a busy work or family life and is looking to complete a degree,” says Posnick. “It allows for greater flexibility which is something I find very important. I like taking my courses online. It helps me overcome my difficulties taking notes, preparing for tests, and organizing my time. Having the ability to work at my pace, with plenty of instruction and help if needed is why I would recommend this program to everyone. The proof is in the grades. For the first time in my life I received straight A’s. I have more confidence in my academic abilities than ever before, which is helping me to move forward and finish my degree. And I no longer feel as though school is a distraction from my life.”
His sentiments were echoed by Christopher Bale of Garrison, another distance learning student. “I take online classes because I work full-time and it gives me the luxury of going to class any time of the day or night,” he says. “It’s the flexibility that attracted me to these courses. If I have to work late or the weather is bad, I don't have to stress about being to class on time. For anyone who can work independently, and who doesn't need the structured classroom, online courses work out great.”
For more information on the Distance Learning Program at Westchester Community College, visit sunywcc.edu or call 914-606-6827.
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