TCCC to increase online classes this fall
Peachtree education

To better serve the community, Tri-County Community College is significantly increasing online courses this fall semester.

The parking lots on the college campuses may look empty this summer, but in fact, 256 students are earning college credit without being on site. This fall, the college is increasing these offerings - with more than 70 classes planned that will be held at least partially online.

"Rising gas prices are prompting our college officials and students to think differently about commuting. Looking at creating alternative schedules for students and increasing online and hybrid course offerings can help to reduce pains at the pump," announced TCCC President Donna Tipton-Rogers.

TCCC offers online courses in two formats, hybrid and Internet. In hybrid courses, the primary instructional method is online, with a requirement that students also meet in traditional face-to-face sessions as determined by the instructor. Internet courses have 100 percent of instruction delivered online.

"Online classes are taught by the same qualified instructors as our classroom based courses," said Wes Chastain, Distance Learning Coordinator at TCCC. "They also earn the same credits as traditional courses."

Nearly half of all students at Tri-County Community College take at least one online class each semester, which is the highest percentage ever.

"From a technological standpoint, the only requirement is that students have access to a computer with Internet access," said Chastain. "Technical support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week." Many students come to the college campus and use college computers for online courses but others work exclusively from home.

For many students, the appeal of online classes is the convenience of not being in the classroom at a specific time. Instead, they are able to work when their schedule allows.

"I have odd work hours and online classes give me the freedom to fit schoolwork into the rest of my life," said TCCC student Cody Anderson.

TCCC's online classes include many of the school's most popular programs, including accounting, business, college transfer, and criminal justice. TCCC's Computer Information Technology degree consists entirely of hybrid and Internet classes.

Early registration for the fall semester is being held through July 25. For more information, call the Main Campus at 828-837-6810 or the Graham County Center at 828-479-9256.

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