Online, self-paced academic programs are a no-brainer for institutions looking to attract working adults balancing a full-time schedule. One university might be presenting the next evolution in online learning with a familiar solution: an in-person learning space.
National University has unveiled “The Nest,” a co-learning hub designed for nontraditional students. Born out of collaboration with a local YMCA, one of the top childcare providers, student parents living around the San Diego main campus can drop their children off and walk across the parking lot to the new space that features single or collaborative workspaces, coffee service and high-speed WiFi.
“Our students didn’t want to come to a class, but they wanted to come to learning,” says Mark Milliron, president of National University. “There’s a term in sociology called ‘third place,’ your home away from home. We wanted to create that for our students.
Milliron and his team were partially inspired by a similar initiative at Austin Community College. Known as the Accelerator, the computer lab and student support service station were refurbished from an old shopping mall.
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“We were blown away when we toured it,” Milliron says. “We wanted to create that kind of environment for our students but do it our way.”
Of the 50,000 students pursuing one of National University’s degree programs, 80% are entirely online and their average age is 37. Additionally, about two-thirds of its students are women.
“Being able to drop your kids off at the Y for an hour and a half and then go study for an hour and a half and just be able to focus is a real blessing,” Milliron says.
“The Nest” offers in-house services including academic and career coaching, workshops and mentorship programs. One studio features cutting-edge technology such as drone coding, 3-D printing and virtual reality devices.
Military students, who account for around 50% of undergraduate enrollment, can use the Veterans and Military Community Center for tailored career and wellness programs to help them transition to civilian life.
While primarily a space to unplug from work and parenting, President Milliron hopes the co-learning hub can also provide a space for online learners to connect in person.
“There’s this myth that online learning has to be lonely and that’s dead wrong. I think you could be part of a pretty vibrant community if you do it right. We’re excited about this whole idea of using technology to bring people together in a broader way, which is the opposite of how some people think of it.”
With a second co-learning hub planned in Escondido, Milliron also believes his institution can open other locations by collaborating with neighboring community colleges and YMCAs. The university is already eyeing a third location in partnership with Southwestern College.
“Not all students are going to want to use it but there is a segment of students for whom taking some time for a rest in The Nest might be useful,” Milliron says.
