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Many prospective students ask how the
classes in the CIS Flexible Learning Program are different from
traditional classes? There are many reasons
given by current and former students, but the following three are the
most popular:
- Flexibility: CIS Flexible Learning classes are set up to give students
flexibility. Students enrolled in one of these classes
will be able to choose from lab or lecture or online instruction at any
time throughout the class. The entire
class can be done in any one of these ways (for example: just in the
lab, or just lecture, or just online), or in a combination of these
ways that works best for the student (for example: some lab, some
lecture, some online). Most lecture
classes meet during specific times each week, which is inconvenient for
many working students. Most online-only classes allow a student
to work at home, but don't offer the personal interaction and level of
assistance offered in the lab setting. Additionally, neither
format offers students the flexibility of working ahead of the course
deadlines to finish everything before the end of the semester.
Many students find this compelling because it allows them to focus on
their other classes as the semester ends. Or, it allows them to
plan around an event coming up that will put them away from MiraCosta
during the semester.
- Personalized Instruction:
The student has personalized one-to-one instruction available anytime
the two dedicated CIS Flexible Learning Program labs are open.
These labs are typically open 60 hours per week during the
semester. This availability appeals to students who feel lost in
a typical classroom, or miss the flavor and experience of coming on
campus when taking an online-only course. Additionally, studies
show that personal hands-on instruction is one of the best ways to
learn computer software programs. Students find that this level of
access to instruction increases their chance of success. Additionally, lectures are offered each day on
different
topics. These short 20 minute lectures are designed to focus on a
specific topic covered in the text. Through these lectures
students
have the chance to benefit from traditional stand-up delivery teaching
and are able to ask questions in a group format with their
classmates. In addition to
myself, all of the Associate Faculty who work for the CIS Flexible
Learning Program are Microsoft Certified.
- Late Enrollment:
CIS Flexible Learning classes allow students to enroll past the typical
registration deadlines for lecture and online-only classes (see the
Schedule of Classes for specific dates). This gives students more
options when other classes are full, or an unexpected change has meant
they need to pick up a course where they had not planned. Every
CIS Flexible Learning class allows students to enroll late and still
finish by the end of the semester. Personalized test deadline
schedules ensure that students who do enroll late have the best chance
of being successful.
Additionally, click here to find
the answers to many frequently asked questions.
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