1.  What is self-paced modular learning?

2.  What programs are offered?

3.  What awards are offered?

4.  What does individually-customized program mean?

5.  What does planned entry-open exit mean?

6.  When can a student sign up for classes?

7.  How long does a student have to complete the courses?

8.  When is the Blong Technology Center open?

9.  When do students attend classes?

10. When are instructors available?

11. What if the student already has existing skills?

 

1. What is self-paced modular programming?

Self-paced programming is a flexible delivery format. Students attend the center when it is convenient for them. It replaces traditional lecture with a “Learning Center” environment.
 
Students follow a guided-learning packet design, using: video tapes, CD ROM’s, internet, textbooks, and written materials to replace traditional lecture. Once the student has completed the theoretical portion in the Learning Center, they move to the labs for hands on application. (Students will spend one-on-one time with the instructor in the skills lab.)

Students can progress through the material at their own pace. Students can begin and end their course work in their own time frame. Self-Paced Modular Programming is “skill mastery” driven.

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2. What programs are offered in the self-paced delivery?

• Electromechanical Control Systems
• Industrial Engineering Technology CAD/ProEngineer Industrial Engineering Technology Machining/CNC
• Industrial Welding
• Technical Studies (Individually-Customized Program)

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3. What awards are offered?

• Short-term Certificates (less than 30 credits)
• One-year Diplomas (32- 45 credits)
• Associate in Applied Science Degrees
• Certificate of Completions

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4. What does individually-customized program mean?

Customized programs allow students to personally customize their program to meet their own needs. It requires 24 credits of technical core, 22 credits of technical electives and 18 credits of general education courses.

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5. What does planned entry-open exit mean?

Students can start courses or modules at any time the center is open. There are few formal lecture classes held, only guided instruction in the Learning Center followed by one-on-one instruction in the hands-on/skill application labs.

Training is self-paced to the student’s own needs. Courses are built in the form of short skill-based modules. Hands-on, skill mastery experience in the labs is the major emphasis.

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6. When can a student sign up for classes?

A student can sign up any time during the typical academic year, (200 days per year from late August through early July), students can register for and complete training courses or modules.

Exceptions: Students receiving financial aid, veteran’s benefits or agency sponsorship must comply with individual funding regulations regarding registration.

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7. How long does a student have to complete the courses?

Students will have the 16-week academic term (eight weeks in the summer) to complete the training courses/modules.If the student does not complete the courses/modules in the required length of time they will receive an incomplete and will have until the midterm of the following term (not including the summer term) to complete their registered coursework.

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8. When is the Blong Technology Center open?

Monday through Thursday,  8:00am – 9:30pm.

Fridays,   8:00am – 4:30pm.

200 days per year. 

Late August – early July.

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9. When do students attend classes?

It’s the students responsibility to arrange their own attendance schedule. Students may attend classes during the times that the BTC facilities (skills labs and learning center are open.)

Skills Labs
Monday through Thursday
8 a.m. - Noon, 1 - 4 p.m., and 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Learning Resource Center
Monday through Thursday
8 a.m. - Noon, 1 - 4 p.m., and 5:30 - 9:30 p.m

Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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10. When are instructors available?

Instructors are available at the times that the skills labs are open. (The programs at the BTC are delivered through a flexible, self-paced, guided instruction delivery, the instructors will focus their attention with the students in the skills lab in order to develop application and hands-on skills mastery.)

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11. What if the student already has existing skills?

Instructors will work with the student to validate existing skills. The instructor will provide the student with a “Credit for Prior Learning Waiver” for the modules or courses that the student will receive credit for.

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