Online Exchange Lowers Barriers to Higher Education

Online Exchange has More Than 10,000 Virtual Courses Available

PALM DESERT — College of the Desert is now a California Virtual College Teaching College within California Community Colleges’ Online Exchange. This innovative offering will allow students from across the state to take COD’s classes to meet their scholastic goals.

COD’s mission is to reduce barriers to education for all students, with specific aims to improve enrollment and completion. Offering high-quality virtual learning builds accessibility here in the Coachella Valley and across California.

“This opportunity is especially helpful for economically disadvantaged families,” said Val Martinez Garcia, Vice President of Instruction at COD. “Online classes provide more flexibility for students who juggle a course load while working full-time, providing for their loved ones, or involved in collegiate sports.”

The CVC Exchange makes it easier for in-state students to progress in their academic and professional careers. Without filling out a separate application, students can access online courses when needed. If a student’s home college does not offer a class in the timeframe they need to transfer or graduate, they can cross-enroll with over 100 participating colleges.

There are no additional fees to use the CVC Exchange, as online courses offered through the service are the same cost as a student’s local college. Students are empowered to learn at their own pace and can take courses that may otherwise have been inaccessible or inconvenient. Student technology costs can be subsidized through several free or low-cost internet access programs in the state.

The Teaching College status on the CVC Exchange provides enhanced enrollment prospects for COD. In addition to a wider pool of potential students, COD can better accommodate applicants with more insight and data. Student behavior shows that classes that have a “Quality Reviewed” badge, “Zero Textbook Costs,” or offer flexible term schedules are most in demand.

COD is one of the few community colleges to offer Winter Session courses on the CVC Exchange. Students can take courses from Jan. 3 to Jan. 24.

To learn more about the CVC Exchange, please visit CVC.edu.