Last updated on September 2, 2020
Volunteer State Community College announced today its plan (Plan 1) for its fall opening due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Basically, most classes will use an online element with classes having significant “hands on” components meeting as face-to-face classes. However, face-to-face classes will have several COVID-19 requirements in regards to attending classes in person.
Vol State will be offering classes primarily in four formats:
- Online – Fully online classes within eLearn, as previously done. These are labeled Online: Asynchronous, meaning students can log in and receive instruction and do their work at any time. Asynchronous means there are no assigned class times, but there will be assignment due dates each week.
- Virtual – Classes will use a videoconferencing service (for example, Zoom) to meet at an assigned time to deliver live instruction. eLearn will be used to submit assignments or access additional materials. These are labeled Virtual Class: Synchronous, which just means that they have assigned days and times for the online class meetings. Vol State’s videoconferencing services are free. Software may be downloaded directly from volstate.edu.
- Hybrid – A combination of online or virtual and an on-site, in-person component. The idea is to limit the number of class meetings.
- On-Site Face-to-Face – Traditional classes occurring at one of our campuses. This is primarily for classes that have a significant “hands on” component, such as some science labs, and Health Sciences, Art, and Music instruction, to name a few.
If students are new to online learning, that is not a problem. Vol State will offer students unfamiliar with online learning opportunities to understand how it works. Vol State is ranked number seven in the nation for online learning at community colleges, according to the review group College Consensus. Vol State uses an online system called eLearn. It’s a web page that will have classes and assignments. Students are encouraged to take a few minutes to visit this explanatory web page and get acquainted with eLearn: https://www.volstate.edu/elearnsuccess.
In addition, Vol State has computers and other IT related resources that may be provided if students need assistance. Visit IT related resources.
No matter what happens this summer or fall with COVID-19, Vol State says that it is ready to support students in their classes and help them do well in those classes. Vol State will provide updates with new information periodically, so students are encouraged to check their email regularly and visit the Vol State website and the Vol State Facebook page for timely updates.
Advisors are available to help students with questions. Email advising@volstate.edu or call 615-230-3702 to set up an online or phone appointment.
For students considering classes this fall, but have not applied yet, Vol State encourages them to do so now. Applying is free and entirely online at www.volstate.edu/apply.
Comments are closed.