November 12 , 2020 The Beacon • 11

Central Ohio Technical College , a leader in careerbased technical education and transfer degrees , is once again expanding critically needed access to higher education for Central Ohioans . The twoyear college has been awarded $ 99,000 from Facebook to create a one-button digital studio and smart classroom at its Newark campus and complementary smart classrooms at its three extended campus locations in Coshocton , Mount Vernon and Pataskala .

COTC plans to implement the smart classroom technology in time for its spring semester , which will begin Jan . 11 .

Benefits for area students

With a technologically enhanced remote-learning classroom at each campus , COTC can quickly begin bridging the technology gaps that currently exist as a barrier to success for some students . These gaps , which include lack of reliable Wi-Fi for students in rural settings and inadequate access to personal technology , were recently thrown into view as the college moved to mostly remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic . Should the effects of the pandemic continue through the winter , COTC students will immediately benefit from access to the smart classrooms ’ enhanced remote-learning capabilities .

But the long-term benefits to area students will extend far beyond COVID-19 , according to COTC President John M . Berry , PhD . As more courses are offered through dedicated remote-learning spaces at COTC ’ s extended campuses , access to higher educational opportunities for all local citizens will significantly increase . Through Facebook ’ s support , COTC

will begin to level the playing field for people and communities with challenges ranging from educational accessibility and job loss to childcare issues .

“ COTC is committed to supporting student success by meeting students where they are in both academic skills and life situations ,” Berry said . “ We know that students experience transportation challenges and that many adult learners need flexible , closeto-home options because of job or family responsibilities . With this Facebook gift , COTC will bring STEMbased education that leads to in-demand careers to an even broader population in our communities . Our thanks to Facebook for their generous support of this important Ed Tech initiative .”

The integration of the one-button studio , planned for late spring 2021 , will further expand COTC ’ s digitallearning framework by allowing faculty , staff , students and community members to design a wide range of academic , professional advancement or entrepreneurial digital experiences . Featuring a soundproof podcast room and video studio space with adjustable microphones , lighting and green screen , the studio will utilize a simple one-button hardware and software combination that will walk nontechnical users through the process from beginning to end .

Additionally , students and faculty with COTC ’ s digital media design technology program will use the studio ’ s high-end capabilities to connect with employers in designing promotional and real-world projects .

“ Our mission at Facebook is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together . This investment at Central Ohio Technical College illustrates how we work with our community partners to bring that mission to life in a meaningful way ,” said Amber Tillman , communitydevelopment regional manager at Facebook . “ Since we broke ground in New Albany in 2017 , Ohio has been our home . Through partnerships with organizations like COTC and through our Community Action Grant program , we ’ re proud to assist with projects that will have direct benefits to our community .”

COTC is a fully accredited public college dedicated to providing high-quality , accessible programs of technical education in response to current and emerging employment needs . COTC is the only technical college in Ohio operating four full-service campus locations : Newark , Coshocton , Knox and Pataskala .

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