Ninety percent of course this fall at Northern Essex Community College will be delivered online.
The college says it is offering close to 300 credit courses this fall semester, which begins Sept. 9, but only those classes that require a face-to-face experience, such as health and science labs, will be taught traditionally. College Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs William Heineman says the college is spending the summer transitioning to online learning.
“While dealing with the pandemic has been a challenge for us, the bright side is that we are developing a first-rate online program,” he said. This summer the college has invested a half million dollars to prepare faculty who have previously taught face-to-face for online teaching and $100,000 for new supports for student success in online courses. Northern Essex is also putting resources toward a laptop requirement for students that will ensure that all students have the technology they need.
College officials say students may take general education classes which easily transfer to other colleges and universities; get started on a certificate or associate degree in a choice of more than 60 degree and certificate programs; or begin preparing for a new career in fields like health care, computers, and education.
Northern Essex is offering a course selection tool here.