Why more students are choosing online science courses
By Erin May ,M.Ed., Director of Extended Learning Opportunities
In recent years, online learning has seen a surge in popularity, particularly for post-baccalaureate students ready to pivot into medical careers. As demand for flexible education grows, Doane University’s Open Learning Academy is leading the way in transforming how science courses are delivered. Today’s learners no longer have to rely on rigid schedules or in-person labs.
The Open Learning Academy offers a solution for working professionals, parents, and busy students seeking to advance their education. Whether completing prerequisites for medical or nursing school admissions or completing a science degree, learners can now access high-quality, transferable and rigorous online courses that fit their needs
Doane’s Open Learning Academy provides a variety of formats, including 16-week, 8-week, 5-week instructor-led and self-paced options. This flexibility allows students to choose the pace and style that best suits their schedule while completing online chemistry, biology, and physics lectures and labs from the comfort of their homes.
Can Science Lectures and Labs Be Delivered Online?
One common question that arises is how science lectures and labs can be effectively delivered online. At Doane University, faculty worked collaboratively with instructional designers trained in QualityMatters to design online courses that offer the same level of rigor, accessibility, and hands-on experience as traditional on-campus labs. Through partnerships with Science Interactive and Carolina Labs, Open Learning Academy provides students with hands-on and virtual lab opportunities. The lab experiences ensure that all students achieve the same academic outcomes and learning objectives as they would in an in-person course.
By offering online science lectures and labs, Doane’s Open Learning Academy is breaking down barriers in STEM education. This innovative approach not only makes science more accessible, but also prepares students for the next steps in their academic and professional careers.
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