Alan Davis, Distance Education Associate Dean for Jefferson State Community College joins us today to discuss distance education.

Tell us about the distance learning programs offered at Jefferson State Community College.

The mission of the Distance Education Department at Jefferson State Community College is to provide accessibility to education through a broad range of quality courses in various disciplines.  JSCC offers many online courses for transfer credit (university parallel degree programs).  The college also has three accredited career education programs that are available through distance education:  Veterinary Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Funeral Service Education.  JSCC also offers several online courses toward many other AAS degrees and certificates.

What is the typical duration of each of your programs?

Associate degrees are typically thought of as two-year degrees; however, students may complete most programs at their own pace on either a full-time or part-time basis.

What would you say makes Jefferson State Community College programs different and better than other comparable online programs?

JSCC has provided countless opportunities for the greater Birmingham area for over 40 years.  The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools fully accredited the College on December 14, 1968.  JSCC has a history of offering distance education courses:  we began offering telecourses in 1978, began using interactive video and offered our first online courses in 1997, and are now using podcasts in distance education as well.  Faculty who teach these classes typically are the same faculty who teach traditional versions of the same courses and often hold on-campus office hours.  Tuition is also very affordable.  Finally, we participate in a statewide articulation agreement, which ensures transfer of credits for all Alabama General Studies Committee approved courses between public institutions of higher learning.

How important would you say accreditation is when choosing an online college?

Extremely important!  Accreditation ensures a certain level of quality in the educational process.  In addition, accredited institutions will often only accept courses for transfer if completed at regionally accredited institutions, and whether one has graduated from an accredited institution may have a bearing on how the degree is viewed.  For example, when we hire, graduate work must generally be from a regionally accredited institution for us to consider the applicant.

There is some debate as to whether or not online degrees are as worthwhile as traditional degrees. What steps does Jefferson State Community College take to ensure that online students are receiving the same education that they’d receive in a classroom?

Distance education courses are taught by qualified Jefferson State instructors.  Upon successful completion of these courses, students receive credit equivalent to traditional on-campus courses.  JSCC has established course competencies for each course we offer.  We have also developed standards for teaching online and a peer course evaluation process to ensure the same integrity and rigor in our online courses as students receive in traditional classes.

What would you say are some of the benefits of earning a degree online rather than in a traditional classroom?

JSCC strives to provide flexible learning opportunities to meet the needs of students who have difficulty accessing the campus for a variety of reasons including childcare, transportation, physical disabilities, work responsibilities, etc.  People are able to complete courses regardless of their work and family schedules.  Many of our distance education students would not be able to attend college without the option of online courses.

If a student enrolled in one of your programs was interested in finding an internship in their field in their area, do you have any means of assisting them in acquiring an internship position?

Program coordinators assist students with finding internships.  Students who do not already have a job in their field are often placed at the college in appropriate departments.  In the past, companies have called wanting an intern, and students have been placed with them.

Does Jefferson State Community College offer any job placement services to your students and graduates?

Yes.  The Career and Job Resource Center at JSCC offers a variety of services not only to students, but to community residents and businesses.

Is financial aid available to students in your programs?

Yes, financial aid is available for students who qualify through the federal guidelines. There are also a variety scholarship opportunities for students.

Do you have any advice for students enrolling in online classes for the first time?

Check the accreditation status of any institution you are considering.  Keep in mind that online classes are not “easier” than on-campus classes.  They require as much work and self-discipline, and perhaps more self-motivation.  Be sure you have the requisite computer skills.  Typically, these include navigating the Web, uploading and downloading attachments, and word processing skills such as copying, pasting, and editing text.

What do you enjoy most about your position in the Jefferson State Community College?

I believe in Distance Education.  We have been able to provide educational opportunities for Katrina victims, military personnel serving in Iraq, recent transplant recipients and people waiting for organ transplants, students with various physical disabilities, workers whose schedules vary from week to week, and busy parents.  This is a rewarding job for these reasons.

To Request more information about the distance learning programs available through Jefferson State Community College, Go here to visit them online.

Thank you Alan, for sharing and participating in this piece for Online Degrees 2.0

That concludes our interview! 

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Tell us about the distance learning programs offered at Cossatot Community College-University of Arkansas.

CCCUA currently offers four fully online degree programs:

Associate of Arts
Associate of General Studies (The first online degree in the state of Arkansas)
Associate of Applied Science – Business Management
Associate of Applied Science – Medical Assisting

What is the typical duration of each of your programs?

Two to two and a half years to complete.

What would you say makes Cossatot Community College-University of Arkansas programs different and better than other comparable online programs?

Because of the attention to detail and built-in quality. For one, all programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and other major-specific accrediting bodies. Another reason is all of our courses and instructors have to go through a course review and course observation to ensure quality. And our programs are supported by an online tutoring center.

How important would you say accreditation is when choosing an online
college?

100% a must!

There is some debate as to whether or not online degrees are as worthwhile as traditional degrees. What steps does Cossatot Community College-University of Arkansas take to ensure that online students are receiving the same education that they’d receive in a classroom?

Same course syllabii as the traditional courses. Review and observation comparable to traditional courses. Same tutoring and library resources available as traditional courses.

What would you say are some of the benefits of earning a degree online rather than in a traditional classroom?

Flexibility is number one.
Cost-saving is another.

If a student enrolled in one of your programs was interested in finding an internship in their field in their area, do you have any means of assisting them in acquiring an internship position?

No, not at present time.

Does Cossatot Community College-University of Arkansas offer any job placement services to your students and graduates?

Yes. In fact we just hired a new placement officer.

Is financial aid available to students in your programs?

Absolutely. Scholarships too! Especially for online students.

What do you enjoy most about your position at Cossatot Community College-University of Arkansas?

The ability to formulate policy that can HELP students succeed.

To Request more information about the distance learning programs available through Cossatot Community College-University of Arkansas, Go here to visit them online.

Thank you Steve, for sharing and participating in this piece for Online Degrees 2.0

That concludes our interview!

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Students who complete this online certificate program will gain a comprehensive knowledge of eastern concepts of holistic health and healing. Students will learn the cultural and historical background behind practices like yoga and meditation, as well as the physiological effects of these practices. Ultimately, the goals of this program are both personal and professional: a renewed mindfulness and an increase in the potential for knowledge and communication between medical, religious, and spiritual groups.

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With increasing knowledge about natural approaches to staying healthy, there is a need for information about caring naturally for the animals who share our lives. While the various species, like humans, respond differently to certain modalities, there are also many similarities. Beginning with the basics of care and feeding, as well as foundational information about natural health, the program expands to introduce students to a wide range of holistic modalities that are appropriate for animal care.

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Persons interested in herbal studies will want to look into Clayton College’s three-tiered Herbal Studies Certificate Program. This three-part program was designed to cater to persons interested in herbal studies for a number of reasons. The Family Herbalist Certificate program was designed primarily for persons interested in using herbs in order to improve their family’s health. Students in this program take classes such as Basic Nutrition, General Herbology, The Home Herbal Garden, Issues of a Consulting Practice, Home Remedies and Simples, and Aromatherapy.

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The Associate of Arts degree in Health Administration is designed to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in health and human services settings. The curriculum provides a solid foundation in areas of health and human services organization, roles of health and human services workers, public policy, information technology, financial management, and regulatory and ethical issues.

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While studying for your Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Health, you’ll take classes like Natural Health and Traditional Naturopathy, Alternative Health Practices, Fundamentals of Nutrition, History of Healing, Holistic Health and Lifestyles, Mind/Body Healing, Universal Energy and Health, Cancer: Prevention and Politics, Herbology, Homeopathy, and The Meaning of Health. Furthermore, you can use the credits you earn while studying for your Bachelor’s Degree to pursue a Master of Science in Natural Health through Clayton College of Natural Health.

The Certificate in Life Care Planning program is designed for people who have already completed their primary education and are currently working in their field, such as RNs, occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation counselors, nurse practitioners, and special education professionals. While studying for your Life Care Planning Certificate, you’ll learn how to develop life care plans as well as gaining an understanding of the medical, emotional, social, and economic concerns that impact people who are unable to care for themselves. 

When you’ve finished your Certificate program, you’ll be prepared accept jobs from government agencies, law firms, insurance companies, HMO’s, or any other organization that works closely with people who need life care. Furthermore, your additional education will make your even more marketable in your current job field. 

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