On-line classes soon available in the Bitterroot for the first time

Officials from the College of Technology at the University of Montana are hoping potential students in the Bitterroot are admitted into the school before the upcoming semester begins.

By JENNY JOHNSON Staff Reporter

That’s because for the first time, the college is offering classes via the Internet and will have community sites in Stevensville and Hamilton.

Efforts to offer college classes in Hamilton have been touch-and-go for the last several years. But in an effort to target high school students and non-traditional students, the college is opening new doors.

Eight classes will be available to take on-line spring semester, which begins mid-January. But students must be admitted to the college to enroll, so officials are getting the word out now.

"On-line classes can be the only way for some students to further their education," said Jodie Rasmussen, outreach coordinator for the College of Technology.

For people who work full-time or have families, commuting to Missoula for college can be nearly impossible, she said. The on-line versions of classes are taught by the same instructors that teach the classes on campus and offer a less expensive way to accumulate college credit.

The credits are transferable and will appear on college transcripts, so high school students can get a head start on their college careers, and other people looking to advance or change their careers can find educational alternatives to enrolling in a traditional college class. Students can access class material and instruction at any time of the day from any computer logged on to the Internet.

In addition to the Internet classes, the college has set up community centers in Stevensville and Hamilton four nights a week. The computer centers will be staffed and provide help with assignments. The centers will also provide a place for students to connect and help each other, Rasmussen said.

"Sometimes when people take classes on-line, it can be somewhat isolating," she said. "(Students) can get together at the centers with other students and get additional information."

The program allows students to get a start on a professional certification or associate degree. Many of the classes offered are general education classes taken by most college freshman, such as English composition.

Students connect to the class and professor on the Internet and receive instruction and materials on-line.

"Students really receive the same high-quality education from the same professors who teach on-site campus courses," Rasmussen said.

Virtual College classes cost $115 per credit, so three-credit classes like English and math cost $345. The cost is lower than on campus classes because there aren’t any fees associated with the Internet classes. And students also save time and money by not commuting or paying for child care, she said.

Eventually, college officials would like to offer entire programs on-line, Rasmussen said.

High school students get admitted to the College of Technology through the High School Pilot Project. Once admitted, students need to follow all of the deadlines and requirements for payments and course registration. Applications for the program are available at high schools.

Other students can request an admission packet by contacting the College of Technology.

College officials will be in the Bitterroot at two information meetings next month. On Nov. 11, officials will be at Stevensville Elementary School from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Nov. 17 at Hamilton High School from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information, call Rasmussen at 243-7871.

Reporter Jenny Johnson can be reached at 363-3300 or [email protected]

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