I have recently been considering making a small career change. I've always thought myself capable of working in the CADD industry (Computer Aided Drafting & Design). I would think to myself, "Well, it's just a different computer software to learn, that's not too difficult." The difficulty only comes in trying to find the time to take the classes and the money to pay for it.
In my research I found a program that was offered through a local community college (Harrisburg Area Community College - HACC). The program was exactly what I was looking for and it struck me that this program was the epitome of how far eLearning has advanced.
1. The entire course was offered online, but you only needed an internet connection to submit assignments or to seek help from the professor (yes, there was still a professor).
2. Because it was asynchronous, you could enroll anytime. And you could work on the class materials anytime you wanted to based on your schedule.
3. To further eliminate the traditional classroom, all of the software needed came bundled in the course package with a one year registration. You're even able to download a sample of the course to see how it works.
4. You had 6 months to complete the program. But it had an automatic additional 6 month extension.
The thing that surprised me the most about this course offer, was that it wasn't your traditional "paper" class. Meaning, it wasn't the type of class where all you had to do was read a couple books and take a test. I that think that it's a real accomplishment for eLearning to be able to offer a drafting class outside of the traditional classroom. Maybe it won't be too much longer till more classes like this are offered. Making it easier for the non-traditional student to "go to school" :o)
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3 comments:
This is pretty cool! Once you complete the course do you get a degree or certification?
I thought the six months and then six more automatic is strange just say it is a year.
Yes, you do receive a certificate upon completion. There's even some testing you have to pass before you can get the certificate. I did wonder however is all jobs would accept the certificate. You know, just how credible it would be.
wow ! that's so cool. I've actually forwarded this post on to my brother who is not only a former IIT graduate but is currently an ITS for HACC.
Also, I'm sure that with how many reputable schools are now offering totally online programs that it would be just as accepted as a face to face program. It would be interesting to see what the workforce's thoughts and impressions about online programs are.
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