Los Medanos College (LMC) is growing its online education program to offer more opportunities for students to complete their degrees and certificates in ways that meet their needs. In 2019, LMC received a $500,000 grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office as part of its California Virtual Campus – Online Education Initiative (CVC-OEI). This investment is being used to increase the number of online courses offered in programs such Business, Computer Science, Travel Marketing, and Process Technology. The grant also helps ensure the quality of the courses, by aligning them to stringent standards and taking them through a rigorous review process. Additionally, students are being supported through online tutoring, counseling, financial aid, and other services equal to those that are provided to students taking face-to-face courses.
For many students, online learning is an outstanding option. Some choose to take all of their classes online, while others take a mix of online and traditional on-campus courses. Either way, online classes offer incredible flexibility, allowing students to study any time of day – or night – that is convenient for them. Many of the most successful students, though, choose specific days and times to log on each week. Online classes can also help accommodate students’ unique learning styles and can allow them to review all course material as often as they want.
With so much investment and so many student benefits, it’s no wonder that online education is growing fast! Online course offerings at LMC grew 41% between Fall 2016 and Spring 2018. More students are accessing online learning for a variety of reasons, such as accommodating work and commute schedules, taking care of family, or other responsibilities. LMC is working to meet all students where they are – whether online or on campus – and to support their educational journey.
For more information about CVC-OEI, visit cvc.edu/about-the-oei/
For more information about online education at LMC, please visit www.losmedanos.edu/distanceeducation/
“Online education is a key strategy for offering courses for those who might not have access otherwise, especially single-parent families and those who work full-time.”
Dr. Laurie Huffman, Distance Education Coordinator
