WNCC 2010 Self-Study Report - Western Nebraska Community ...

may be reticent in traditional classes, research shows that collaborative learning experiences
benefit students.
Institutionally, the persistence data for WNCC students indicates almost no difference between
online student retention and other types of classes. For instance, in the spring term, 90.5% of
students in other types of classes completed, while 90.7% of online students completed the course.
Anecdotally, we know that in our rural area online instruction affords educational opportunity to
site-bound students who would otherwise not be able to take courses. An instance of this relating
to advanced courses are recent Calculus 1 and Physics classes offered via the ESU 13 system to
rural students who have otherwise no access to such specialized, higher-level coursework.
Likely, a growth potential resides in the concurrent enrollment market where students enroll in
more than one institution and need or want to pick up one class or a series of general education or
undergraduate courses. However, the full potential for degree-seeking students may not yet be
realized because online options may open up opportunities in areas like nursing; students could
take virtually all of the theory courses online and then perform clinical at local approved locations,
or only need to travel to a clinical site for a short interval. Virtual or simulated labs are a possibility
in many areas, further decreasing the need for physical presence at all labs. Courses like
chemistry are being developed by WNCC for full online delivery, as WNCC aggressively seeks to
expand and support online learning options.
Academic Computing Services
To support effective student learning, WNCC provides students with access to computer labs on all
of its campuses. The Scottsbluff campus has a student computer lab in the academic computing
area (commonly known as D-pod), in addition to student computer labs in each of the residence
halls and the Harms Advanced Technology Center. The academic computing area also includes
instructional computer lab support and help-desk assistance for students, faculty and staff through
a full-time student computing supervisor and student assistants.
Computers are available for student use in a variety of other places as well, including the Library,
the Writing Center, the Math Center, and instructional classrooms used by business and writing
teachers. The Scottsbluff campus offers wireless Internet access throughout the main campus
building, the Applied Technologies Building, and the residence halls.
Both the Sidney and Alliance campuses also maintain student computer labs. All student computer
labs have Internet access, and the computers contain all of the necessary software to meet the
educational needs of the students. The Library in Sidney has extra computers in two locations, and
wireless connections are available at the campuses as well.
Institutional Computer Services
Personnel working in the Information Technology area provide computer and networking support to
the College community through the purchasing, installation, and configuration of computers and
peripherals. The department administers all user accounts on the various servers.
In 2001, WNCC created the MyWNCC online portals for students, faculty and staff. Students have
immediate access to their course schedules, advisor name and office schedule, mid-term and final
grades, unofficial transcripts, financial aid statements, College email accounts, and course
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Western Nebraska Community College