Accelerated Learning in Advanced Manufacturing

Contents Description Program Progression New Program Key Features Enrollment Process Stumbling Blocks What’s Left to Do?

Description of the Advanced Manufacturing Program at Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno, Nevada Funded by TAACCCT Round 3 Designed to provide a more innovative approach for adult learners looking to upgrade job skills

Description, continued Originally delivered as traditional in-seat classroom semesters Previously limited to 16 students per semester Classes offered as cohorts in the morning and evening Focus is on certificate\degree completion Associate of Applied Science degree option in Manufacturing Technologies – Production Systems emphasis

Program Progression Website went live in July 2014 (www.tmcc.edu/appliedtech/accelerated-programs) Four original program applicants Tesla announced possible location to open in northern Nevada

Program Progression, continued Program start delayed until announcement Media blitz enhanced enrollment 400+ students waitlisted in Fall, 2015 program 16 students were enrolled in each cohort, one morning and one evening

Program Progression, continued Industry demand for skilled workforce increases Need for greater numbers of completers in courses becomes obvious Competency-based self-paced program created to meet the new demands of industry

Modified Program - Key Features Self-paced, competency-based courses with open entry Classes in a hybrid online format with ½ credit sections Ask randy if we can talk about KCC. ½ credits done for employers incumbent workers and self pay students. Courses are presented in our LMS, Canvas. Students access their reading material and list of assignments online. Students must come into the resource center to take their online quizzes and access the labs for their hands-on lab assignments. Students are not permitted to move to the next level of competency unless they achieve a 90% or better grade on a written quiz and 100% grade on their labs.

Modified Program Key Features, continued Open entry for students wanting to start anytime within a traditional semester All ten core courses required for certificate are offered each semester Up to 50 students enrolled in each course

Modified Program Key Features, continued Qualified for Financial aid and scholarships Online resource material available 24/7 in our learning management system to improve flexibility and access for students Resource center and advisor scheduled six days a week with extended hours

Modified Program Key Features, continued Students normally complete their coursework in one or two classes at a time and proceed through the classes at their own pace Courses feature consistent design, ADA accessibility, and include tailored hands-on lab experiences

Modified Program Key Features, continued Courses designed to meet the standards of the Quality Matters rubric (national standard) Instructor accessibility in labs for students’ one-on-one assistance Courses include a more personal level of interaction and support

Modified Program Key Features, continued Includes one-on-one guidance when necessary which is essential for retention and completion of non-traditional students Discuss retention and completion strategies here

Enrollment Process On-line application to the college Meeting with Resource Center Coordinator for orientation of program Second meeting after admission to create an Individual Education Plan Resource center functions here

Some Assembly Required Course Delivery – How to fit open-entry into traditional higher education policies Admissions issues Financial aid issues Registration and enrollment issues

Assembly continues… Textbooks – Finding appropriate technical textbooks to meet our industry requirements Testing – How to avoid cheating Labs – Space and time Discuss testing integrity here. Challenge = lab times. Accommodate students on their time. Solution = staggered instructor scheduling in the labs with IAs

What’s Left to Do? Revise policies Marketing and Recruitment Sustainability – Self Support Track Students Employment AAS completion

Thank you Patty Aragona, Adult Learner Concierge paragona@tmcc.edu Pat Jarvis, Instructional Designer pjarvis@tmcc.edu