While many higher education institutions have transitioned back to in-person learning, the demand for online options remains. Fortunately, New Mexico State University continues to offer a number of traditional and micro-credentialing courses online.
NMSU On Demand, which under the NMSU Online umbrella of course offerings, has become one of the university’s fastest-growing programs, providing affordable options for professionals and students alike. NMSU On Demand features a number of courses that enhance digital literacy skills, workforce training and entrepreneurship skills, as well as certification courses. Many courses come with micro-credentials, which has become a popular way to enhance resumes digitally.
“NMSU On Demand provides flexible, affordable and condensed online learning opportunities for community members who want to stack skills to improve their career opportunities,” said Sherry Kollmann, Ph.D., NMSU associate vice chancellor for digital learning.
This fall, NMSU Online saw an increase of 30.4% over last fall and is now serving nearly 1,600 adult online learners. NMSU System Chancellor Dan Arvizu recently praised the collaborative effort that has led to significant growth in online programming in recent years. NMSU On Demand, in particular, has attracted a number of partners offering courses as well as a strong number of course participants.
“We have about 35 courses available; some are invite-only but most are public-facing,” said Andrew Sedillo, instructional designer lead for NMSU On Demand. “All On Demand courses are online and most have an active instructor who is available to assist students and provide Q&A sessions or informative lecture.”
Courses offered by NMSU On Demand are not just taught by NMSU-affiliated faculty and staff. NMSU On Demand works with organizations and entities throughout the state to host a variety of courses.
“We’ve started partnering with organizations like the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, as well as internal faculty, to develop courses” Sedillo said. “Any type of course you can imagine can be offered through NMSU On Demand.”
While some offerings will mail paper certificates to students who successfully complete training, others also offer digital badging via Badgr. Digital badges include embedded information about the completed course that can be accessed by current or potential employers.
For more information about NMSU On Demand, email digital_learning@nmsu.edu.
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CUTLINE: Raju Gangadhara, left, a graduate student in information technology at New Mexico State University, studies inside the Corbett Center Student Union with Ryan Hickman, a social work graduate student. Each has taken online courses at NMSU, which also offers a variety of online certification courses through NMSU On Demand. (Courtesy photo)
A man and a woman seated with laptops.