Cape & Plymouth // Published August 26, 2020 // By Carol Dumas

Quincy College is offering “Blended Online Courses” this year as colleges and universities throughout the United States and the world continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on campus life.

Students enrolled in Blended Online Courses will not be required to attend Zoom sessions, but they can choose to if they want “synchronous” (live face-to-face) interaction for enhanced engagement and learning. This innovative model was designed to provide a balance of flexibility with personal engagement, college officials said.

“One of the concerns about online learning is the dread of being alone,” said Lisa Desruisseaux, director of Online Learning. “For many of us who have never taken an online course, the thinking is that online learning is simply working on a computer, on your own, without a community. Here at Quincy College we know that many students want and need to be in a group learning environment, like a classroom. Therefore, our Blended Online Courses make it possible for students to interact with faculty members and peers during scheduled Zoom sessions,”

Offering a more personalized online option was essential as COVID-19 has restricted access to the Quincy and Plymouth campuses, said college President Richard DeCristofaro. “In the fall, hundreds of students come to Quincy College and experience college for the first time. These students are learning how to be college students. They need and deserve our full support. A personal touch is what they need to succeed.”

For those students who like the flexibility and independence of online learning, Quincy College is also offering “Only Online” course sections for students. In a more “traditional online” course, students are more independent, and Zoom sessions scheduled into the course—though faculty are always available to support students.

Quincy College is a member of the nationally acclaimed Quality Matters non-profit organization that encourages and recognizes quality online course design. Online courses are peer-reviewed based on the QM rubric and all faculty have completed Quality Matters training. This fall, all courses at Quincy College will use a consistent, online course design template that meets Quality Matters criteria and is ADA compliant.

Safety is Quincy College’s top priority, according to Chris Bell, Chief of Staff, author of the Quincy College Reopening Plan. “These innovative learning options led by faculty will help students to stay connected with each other and learn safely.”

For students who experience any barriers, Quincy College staff are available by appointment by calling 617-984-1700. Strict safety protocols must be followed on campus to keep the community safe.

Admissions to Quincy College is open to anyone who has earned a high school diploma or passed the GED/HiSet exam. Students in high school can also take courses with the permission of a guidance counselor. For more information, go to www.quincycollege.edu/fall