Technology transformation: Online college, book-free classes now here | Schools - Camarillo Acorn

"CSUCI offers less expensive pathways to degrees" says Hector Gonzalez.

PAPERLESS—California State University Channel Islands students who enroll in CSUCI’s “z-majors” in the communication and early childhood studies programs will use a variety of digital materials, including online resources, videos and materials from the college’s library, instead of traditional textbooks.
Photo: Courtesy of CSUCI

It’s taken decades but at long last the merger of technology and education finally is starting to deliver on the promise of cheaper costs for college and greater accessibility for prospective students.

On the accessibility side, the state budget Gov. Jerry Brown signed June 27 included over $100 million for his ambitious online-only community college initiative that has the potential to revolutionize adult learning in California.

Meanwhile, officials at California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo are making college more affordable by creating “z-majors”—courses for which students won’t need to buy a textbook.

Instead, students who enroll in CSUCI’s “z-majors” in the communication and early childhood studies programs will use a variety of digital materials, including online resources, videos and materials from the college’s library, among other tools.

That could save students $125 on average for each textbook...

In today’s digital world, students crave flexibility, Leafstedt said, and digital learning gives students the ability to catch up on a reading assignment, for instance, on a mobile device at their own convenience.
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Source: Camarillo Acorn