1. Accelerated Learning in Advanced Manufacturing

2. Contents Description Program Progression New Program Key Features
Enrollment Process
Stumbling Blocks
What’s Left to Do?

3. Description of the Advanced Manufacturing Program at Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno, Nevada
Funded by TAACCCT Round 3
Designed to provide a more innovative approach for adult learners looking to upgrade job skills

4. Description, continued
Originally delivered as traditional in-seat classroom semesters
Previously limited to 16 students per semester
Classes offered as cohorts in the morning and evening
Focus is on certificate\degree completion
Associate of Applied Science degree option in Manufacturing Technologies – Production Systems emphasis

5. Program Progression
Website went live in July (
Four original program applicants
Tesla announced possible location to open in northern Nevada

6. Program Progression, continued
Program start delayed until announcement
Media blitz enhanced enrollment
400+ students waitlisted in Fall, 2015 program
16 students were enrolled in each cohort, one morning and one evening

7. Program Progression, continued
Industry demand for skilled workforce increases
Need for greater numbers of completers in courses becomes obvious
Competency-based self-paced program created to meet the new demands of industry

8. Modified Program - Key Features
Self-paced, competency-based courses with open entry
Classes in a hybrid online format with ½ credit sections
Ask randy if we can talk about KCC. ½ credits done for employers incumbent workers and self pay students.
Courses are presented in our LMS, Canvas. Students access their reading material and list of assignments online. Students must come into the resource center to take their online quizzes and access the labs for their hands-on lab assignments. Students are not permitted to move to the next level of competency unless they achieve a 90% or better grade on a written quiz and 100% grade on their labs.

9. Modified Program Key Features, continued
Open entry for students wanting to start anytime within a traditional semester
All ten core courses required for certificate are offered each semester
Up to 50 students enrolled in each course

10. Modified Program Key Features, continued
Qualified for Financial aid and scholarships
Online resource material available 24/7 in our learning management system to improve flexibility and access for students
Resource center and advisor scheduled six days a week with extended hours

11. Modified Program Key Features, continued
Students normally complete their coursework in one or two classes at a time and proceed through the classes at their own pace
Courses feature consistent design, ADA accessibility, and include tailored hands-on lab experiences

12. Modified Program Key Features, continued
Courses designed to meet the standards of the Quality Matters rubric (national standard)
Instructor accessibility in labs for students’ one-on-one assistance
Courses include a more personal level of interaction and support

13. Modified Program Key Features, continued
Includes one-on-one guidance when necessary which is essential for retention and completion of non-traditional students
Discuss retention and completion strategies here

14. Enrollment Process On-line application to the college
Meeting with Resource Center Coordinator for orientation of program
Second meeting after admission to create an Individual Education Plan
Resource center functions here

15. Some Assembly Required
Course Delivery – How to fit open-entry into traditional higher education policies
Admissions issues
Financial aid issues
Registration and enrollment issues

16. Assembly continues…
Textbooks – Finding appropriate technical textbooks to meet our industry requirements
Testing – How to avoid cheating
Labs – Space and time
Discuss testing integrity here. Challenge = lab times. Accommodate students on their time. Solution = staggered instructor scheduling in the labs with IAs

17. What’s Left to Do? Revise policies Marketing and Recruitment
Sustainability – Self Support
Track Students
Employment
AAS completion

18. Thank you Patty Aragona, Adult Learner Concierge
Pat Jarvis, Instructional Designer