FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – Florence-Darlington Technical College is looking to better cater to students in rural communities who have trouble accessing the main campus, as well as students at adult education centers. The school received a nearly $200,000 grant from the Department of Agriculture to install new “distance learning” cameras.
The cameras allow students to attend class remotely from a satellite site that has the cameras hooked up and connected to the classes on the main campus. The technology has audio and video capabilities, similar to a conference call. If a student can’t physically attend class, they can tune in through distance learning and still hear and see the lecture.
Administrators say providing remote teaching is a way of extending the learning environment into rural communities and keeping students connected to the college. Through distance learning, the college offers a variety of classes, from general education courses to certificate-based programs such as labs. Interim Vice President for Information Technology Tyron Jones says some students in rural areas aren’t receiving the same services and resources as students here in town.
“This was an idea around dual enrollment, dual credit and workforce development. It was a way of teaching courses or originating courses from Florence Darlington technical college into the high schools so that we can bridge the gaps between the students here that we can accredit instructors for and leverage the technology portion of it,” he said.
Commuting to campus is a difficulty many students, especially those in rural areas, face. Through distance learning, the burden of driving long distances to class is alleviated.
“With transportation being a bit key for a lot of people actually having to get here to campus,” said Jones. “But we also realized that we were serving the Florence close community a little different and we wanted to extend our campus to the rural areas as well.“
The school’s Director of Admissions Ivy Ingram says the college collaborates with local adult education centers. That’s where students of all ages and experiences go to complete their GED or high school diploma in a more non-traditional setting. Ingram says students range in age from 16 to 50.
“It could be your adult learner who’s 32 and decided, ‘you know what? I’ve been out here working. This is something that I actually want to do and achieve. I’m encouraging my children to go to school and get their credentials. You know what? I think I need to be an example and go back and earn my credentials as well,’” she explained.
Ingram also says distance learning provides adult education students with the same advantages and opportunities as high school students which ultimately levels the playing field and motivates them to succeed.
“Now, they’re able to take advantage of these courses. They’ve become a college student. They’re not treated or labeled any differently. And that’s empowering for them.”
The college is currently focusing on expanding distance learning to Mullins, Marion and Darlington counties. They hope to reach an additional 80 to 100 students.