Remote learning isn’t just for students this year! Last month, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) unveiled their new-and-improved e-learning system for educators. Fundamentals for College Access & Success Providers helps practitioners stay informed about the changing landscape of college attainment for students pursuing postsecondary pathways. The new system will present foundational information for educators in a fresh delivery method.
These online courses provide a toolkit of concrete strategies and resources for counselors and advisors to use when guiding students through one of the most important decisions of their lives. Courses are segmented by topic, with options ranging from admissions and financial aid advising to working with undocumented students and youth experiencing homelessness.
While content in the majority of these courses is targeted at new college access and success professionals, courses dedicated to building cultural competency are available in a companion model. One is designed for advisers, and the other is designed for supervisors. These courses are filled with activities that can be completed with the supervisor and advisers to strengthen their skills.
Regardless of topic or audience, courses are delivered in convenient 30- to 90-minute segments. They are self-paced and asynchronous. They’ll be available year-round, on demand, to anyone with an Internet connection. And since they’re designed to incorporate best practices for online learner engagement, educators will want to take as many courses as they can.
Participants register and select the courses they wish to complete: either individual or badge courses. The content will be delivered via tutorial videos that can be stopped, rewound, and started as often as needed in order to absorb the content. End of course quizzes can be taken up to three times. Participants successfully complete the course when they score 65 percent or higher on the quiz.
Upon successful completion of a course, learners will be able to download and print a certificate of completion for that course. Badge courses containing multiple sections are also available. Learners will have to complete multiple courses to earn a badge certificate. They will be able to download and print a certificate of completion for the badge courses containing the names of all the individual courses they completed. Completing the 21 courses required for the “NCAN Certified Advisor Badge” should lead to a highly skilled college access and success adviser.
NCAN membership makes e-learning affordable for school districts. Member districts can enroll up to 100 educators in this virtual training resource at no additional cost through Summer 2021.
If you have any questions regarding e-learning, please feel free to reach out to MorraLee Keller, director of technical assistance, at kellerm@ncan.org. We wish you well as you begin another academic year.