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

With the growth and expansion of online classes, WNCC provides quality control with the help of
the Online Learning and Services Director, who uses a best practices model and a checklist for
development. The Director and Division Chairs coordinate and approve courses, and the Directory
furnishes technological support such as Horizon Wimba and the WebCT/Blackboard platform.
These technologies augment not only online classes but hybrid and traditional classes too.
Instructors are utilizing WebCT/Blackboard for a variety of reasons to improve learning and course
management. According to the Online Learning and Services Director, approximately 80% of all
courses feature some form of technology enhancement. Online courses currently account for 10%
of sections delivered. Blended class formats account for just over 3% of total course offerings.
Academic Program Planning
Within the past three years, programs have been created and modified to accommodate demands
that reflect growing or changing markets. A brief summary of academic changes reflecting
continuous planning follows:
Table 6-17 Academic Program Changes
Curriculum Activity
Associate Degree in
Nursing
Food Service
Management
Criminal Justice
Studies
Engineering
Powerline
Construction &
Maintenance
Achieving College
Success
Information
Technology
Change/Modification
The AD-N program was established in response to a need
identified in a 2005 Audit Report by Golden & Associates (RR 43).
In cooperation with Southeast Community College, a food service
program is made available to regional students.
To complement the increased need for law enforcement,
corrections, and justice studies preparation in Nebraska and
Wyoming, the CJ program was restructured and the curriculum
updated and broadened.
WNCC entered a STEP grant program (part of an NSF grant)
designed to recruit minority and female students in particular into
the various engineering fields. The program, operated by the
University of Nebraska, uses common course offerings and a
block transfer of credits from the community colleges.
The Powerline program was established at the request of and in
cooperation with local utility companies.
In 2008, this inactive course was revised and reinstituted. The
course prepares incoming students for college responsibilities and
expectations. The target audience is students with one or more
academic deficiencies.
As a consortium member of the Midwest Center for Information
Technology (MCIT), WNCC has benefited from staff and faculty
training; new and updated software/courses; recruiting efforts;
articulation; and problem-based, case-based learning.
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