I became a fan of Rio Salado when I was researching online programs to see what made them successful. It has become known as "the college within everyone's reach". They have been providing online classes for over thirty years. I especially liked their President, Dr. Linda Thor, after hearing her in a panel discussion at the WCET Conference last November. She told the audience that they have an 85% completion rate. Rio Salado is the largest (in terms of headcount) and most cost-effective Maricopa Community College serving more than 48,000 credit and 12,000 non-credit students annually. The Maricopa Community Colleges comprise 10 colleges, but each college is individually accredited. They comprise the Maricopa County Community College District.The District is one of the largest higher education systems in the world.
Rio Salado's web site claims, "We pioneered online learning while the Internet was still in diapers. RioLearn, our customized online learning platform, was developed specifically for us in partnership with Microsoft and Dell. No other college in the nation has anything like it."
The following are some of their online attributes:
-Classes start every Monday.
-The helpdesk is open 24/7.
- The library is open 24/7.
-They offer free tutoring.
-If you are a resident of Maricopa County, it's $71 per credit.
-All student resources are online.
-They are fully accredited.
-Rio Salado partners with industry to provide customized training to update worker's skills.
-Their robust strategic plan is listed on their web site.
-They have developed an online student union.
-They practice intensive community involvement.
-University Transfer Partnerships in state and out of state allow students to complete their Bachelor's degrees.
-They have a Diversity/Inclusive Center which includes offering learning opportunities to incarcerated populations (men, women, and juveniles). One of the programs at ASPC - Perryvile offers female offenders a "Parenting at a Distance Program" to help them be better parents when they get home.
-By partnering with Pearsons, their textbook savings program has saved their students an average of 51% on textbook costs.
-They operate three radio stations.
-They have a library of podcasts that students can download and listen to.
-There are six testing centers located throughout Maricopa County and proctoring guidelines for students who live outside of the County. There are no charges to have tests sent to you, but you have to pay the proctor if he/she requires it.
-They offer international education.
-They offer dual enrollment to over 50+ high schools.
-They have an online checksheet that tracks each student's progress toward their program goals.
I thought at first that Rio Salado was a totally online college, but they offer delivery methods in online, print-based, in person, mixed media, and hybrid formats. Some of the GED and English classes are offered free. The more I read about Rio Salado, the more impressed I am. One of the things that impresses me the most is their commitment to and involvement with the community. It truly seems like they are trying to reach everyone with an invitation to come and learn no matter what your circumstances are. Their web site discloses that, "Nearly half a million adults in Maricopa County are neither enrolled in school nor have a high school credential according to the 2000 U.S. Census. After completing an ABE program (Adult Basic Education), 85 percent of adult learners were successful at improving their employment, increasing both their skills and pay level."
In think this is a great example of the community colleges being able to address the needs of their communities and offer robust programs to fill the educational needs of those communities and to provide a knowledgeable and skilled workforce.
Check out Rio Salado Online!
http://www.riosalado.edu/Pages/default.aspx
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There is so much to like about Rio Salado! I was especially impressed that you not only described their many features, but included evaluation and outcomes information. I'm prompted to learn more about the school, and curious about what motivates a pioneer to go where no one else has gone. Thanks for sharing this great example, Sheri
ReplyDeleteKathy,
ReplyDeleteI've just being reading your blog and the Rio Salado website. I've been learning throughout this class about distance learning institutions that have 30+ years of history about which I was unaware . It makes sense that an area of the country like Phoenix with its large metropolitan and diverse population would benefit from distance education. What is impressive it that the founders were visionary enough to create a Distributed Education system before it was given much thought by anyone else. A large urban community needs to have an educated citizenry in order to have a productive and safe environment and I give Kudos to Maricopa county for their extensive attempts at doing so. Thank you for introducing me to this resource!
Diane
WOW! An 85% completion rate is excellent! It seems to me that community colleges have the most to benefit from in offering online classes and programs. As they often have older students than the big 4-year universities, they can better target working adults who need the flexibility online classes offer.
ReplyDelete