EDUCATION
How colleges are adapting for today’s students
Today’s college students bring a wide variety of
needs and manage a constant juggle of responsibilities
while pursuing a degree.
According to the Department of Education, 74 percent
of undergraduate students, described as the “new
normal,” have at least one nontraditional characteristic
such as being a fi rst-generation student, having
at least one dependent, or working either full or part
time. Further, nearly half of students enrolled today
are age 25 or older and are working to complete an unfi
nished degree, returning to advance their career or
re-skill for a new opportunity.
As students are redefi ning their roles, higher education
is reimagining pathways for today’s rapidly
growing number of nontraditional students who are
committed to earning a degree by offering more robust
support programs, new technologies and fl exible
course schedules.
Supporting students beyond the
classroom
Considering today’s college students are seeking
a work-life-school balance, there is an increased demand
for student support services to deliver helpful
tools, resources and programming designed to aid students
from enrollment to graduation.
Many online students are stepping back into school
after years of taking time off and greatly benefi t from
personalized resources and support like those offered
at ASU Online where students are paired with an online
success coach from day one. Success coaches are a
lifeline as these learners juggle life with studying and
coursework. By proactively reaching out to students,
coaches can quickly assist in overcoming obstacles
and work to ensure online students stay on the path
to graduation.
Technology in the classroom
A recent study found that the number of students
taking online courses grew to over 6.3 million students
in the U.S. and that number continues to rise.
More degree specializations are now available as universities
scale and expand to meet the evolving needs
of students. ASU Online offers more than 200 degree
programs ranging from traditional degrees to specialized
programs - many of which are infusing emerging
technologies bringing forward an entirely new kind of
learning environment.
New technologies are also changing the way professors
deliver information and how students can apply
key learnings in real time. Virtual reality tools
enabling completion of lab sciences courses are helping
Caribbean L 40 ife, May 31–June 6, 2019 BQ
to expand the types of degrees available to online
students. At ASU Online, courses are designed using
state-of-the-art technology and tools providing students
with a direct connection to the knowledge and
expertise of university faculty.
Introduction of fl exible class
schedules
Universities are now designing fl exible learning
models and accelerating course offerings that better
fi t the modern-day student’s schedule as they balance
work, parenting, education and family. Online learning
provides an opportunity for students to design
their own path - putting them in control. Being able to
study at a time that’s most convenient - whether it’s late
in the evening, early morning before kids are awake or
over a lunch break - is a game changer for many busy
adults. Dealing with a commute or missing class is no
longer an issue as students can manage their time and
create a schedule that works best for their lives.
The fl exibility allows online students to be anywhere
in the world while studying or attending a lecture.
Further, online learners are now able to log into
class at their convenience, which allows students to
work at a pace that best suits them.
Online learning allows universities to meet students
where they are both academically and personally.
The power of innovation in online learning is
visible with each new program, each new tool and the
promise of each student that is able to complete a degree
in a way that was simply not possible before. For
more information on Arizona State University’s online
offerings, visit asuonline.asu.edu. — BPT
sps.nyu.edu/appliedUG/bachelors55;
nyusps.appliedUG@nyu.edu;
Complete Your Bachelors Degree
/asuonline.asu.edu
/bachelors55
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