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WVU Parkersburg Moves Online Degree Programs to OpenClass

West Virginia University (WVU) at Parkersburg is in the process of expanding its online and blended learning programs. The university is transitioning its online degree programs to a new platform and is restructuring and enhancing up to 220 of its courses with e-learning content and assessment.

Faced with budget cuts, WVU Parkersburg had been looking for ways to reduce costs, maintain accreditation, and increase access to its programs. To achieve that goal, the university partnered with Pearson to transition all of its online degree programs to the company's free, cloud-based learning environment, OpenClass. The university is currently transitioning four of its associate degree programs to OpenClass, including business administration, business technology, multi-craft technology, and general education, with more to follow.

According to Marie Foster Gnage, president and lead board member of WVU Parkersburg, the university is an early adopter and design partner for Pearson's OpenClass online learning environment, and she said the partnership with Pearson will enable the university to serve more students from in and out of state.

Faculty at the university are also collaborating with Person's instructional design and assessment team to restructure 220 courses using Pearson CourseConnect, the company's suite of customizable online courses featuring e-learning content and assessment tools. Pearson will also provide WVU Parkersburg students with access to e-textbooks; live, on-demand online tutoring; MyLab and Mastering online homework, tutorial, and assessment tools; a 24/7 help desk, and digital assets.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg is a public higher education institution offering community college programs and bachelor's degree programs. WVU Parkersburg serves more than 4,000 students.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

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