|
 |
High-Quality Online Programs Pay-Off for Edison State
With a deep commitment to student satisfaction, Edison State Community
College continues to make great strides in student fulfillment by
increasing online learning opportunities. Years of faculty development,
investments in online software and equipment, and online teaching and
learning have not only positioned the college for success during the
COVID-19 pandemic, but they have also contributed to a growth in
enrollment.
This semester, Edison State has experienced an increase of 4.7-percent
in overall headcount and a 9.5-percent in credit hours. These increases
demonstrate that online classes are becoming more popular, and students
are enrolling full-time or taking an increased number of credit hours.
A 2016 student enrollment survey indicated that many students sought
assurance that a degree or certificate could be completed entirely
online. According to survey results, even if students have one or two
courses required on campus, it created barriers to completion. Edison
State responded, and every degree and certificate were reviewed with
the goal of 100-percent online availability.
After years of strategic investment and faculty preparation, Edison
State rolled out a 2018 fall course schedule highlighting online course
offerings and complete online degree options. Online course sections
were formatted to roll out new sections as needed eliminating student
waitlists and delays in schedule changes. Curriculum changes were
completed that resulted in many new degree and certificate programs
available through all online courses.
Increases in fall 2018 and fall 2019 enrollments indicated that Edison
State had made the right move. Online registration in fall 2018
increased by 28-percent, and likewise, fall enrollment in 2019 was up
by an additional 5-percent. Overall, Edison State has had steady
enrollment growth since 2015.
Edison State President, Dr. Doreen Larson, explains, “Our response to
the COVID-19 pandemic did not require a complete and disruptive shift
in teaching and learning. For us, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated our
trajectory towards our goal of 100-percent online program availability.”
“Students in Edison State online courses immediately experience the
high levels of faculty engagement, individual feedback and support, and
flexibility in learning and assessment that are the hallmarks of
high-quality, highly effective online teaching and learning for both
full -time and adjunct faculty. These quality factors take the
faculty’s time and dedication to develop and master,” Larson added.
Edison State continues to highlight faculty professional development as
Strategic Priority supported by a college Priority Project. Continued
pursuit of innovation and excellence in all courses remains a top issue
for all faculty and student support areas of the college.
|
|
|
|
