Transforming Education: Highline College's Student-Centric Innovations

Dr. Jamilyn Penn, Interim Vice President of Student Services, and Marc Lentini, Director of Educational Technology, Highline College

Dr. Jamilyn Penn, Interim Vice President of Student Services, and Marc Lentini, Director of Educational Technology, Highline College

In response to the transformative challenges posed by the pandemic, educational institutions are reevaluating their approaches to student engagement. Highline College, a trailblazer in this paradigm shift, has successfully implemented innovative strategies, leveraging technology and strategic partnerships to foster meaningful connections in online and hybrid learning environments.

Introduction: Student engagement is the bedrock of education's evolving landscape, and Highline College's commitment to enhancing this aspect is evident in its proactive measures to adapt and innovate. This article explores Highline's key initiatives driving student engagement in the current educational climate.

Innovative Strategies at Highline: Highline College seamlessly moved critical student services online, ensuring continuity and accessibility. Processes such as Workforce Education Services applications, Financial Aid Zoom workshops, new student orientations conducted in English and Spanish, and streamlining remote access. The Watermark Student Success and Retention system (AVISO) enables students to navigate clear program maps, communicate with advisors, and co-create course schedules for a streamlined academic journey.

AWS Partnership and Financial Aid Collaboration: Highline's strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the Financial Aid Department automates access to student financial aid application status, reducing administrative hurdles. This groundbreaking collaboration reflects Highline College’s commitment to technological advancements and supporting students in financial need.

Expansion of Online/Hybrid Classes: Highline College significantly expanded its online, hybrid, and hyflex class offerings, catering to diverse learning preferences. In Fall Quarter 2022, 72% of enrollments were in flexible classes, demonstrating a commitment to meeting students where they are. The Education department's hybrid-flexible courses and collaboration between Business Technology and Adult Basic Education departments highlight innovative approaches to enhance student learning experiences.

One example of innovation to meet student needs comes from the Education department, which now offers hybrid flexible (HyFlex) courses. Students can attend face-to-face or online and move back and forth between modes depending on their availability for each class. Many students in the program are working in pre-school and school settings. The ability to attend in the mode that best fits students’ schedules and their preferred learning environment has been critical to their ability to earn credentials.

"Highline College seamlessly moved critical student services online, ensuring continuity and accessibility."

Highline College’s Business Technology and Adult Basic Education departments collaborated to develop an updated technology literacy class, in which students learn everything from the basics of email to using the tools for online courses. The course is cross listed for both basic skills and credit classes, ensuring wide availability to the students who need it. The curriculum developed for this course will be used to support a new project to develop consistent resources for student touch points at the institution.

Student-Focused Events: Highline College prioritizes holistic student engagement through diverse online and hybrid events. Annual celebrations like Unity Through Diversity Week have transitioned seamlessly into virtual spaces. Student Programs, Information Technology Services, and Educational Technology collaborated to ensure a vibrant virtual environment. The Office of Student Life hosted events that demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity and included a focus on accessible technology.

In the Spring of 2020, Highline College’s Student Programs collaborated with Information Technology Services and Educational Technology to deliver the College’s annual Unity Through Diversity Week celebration virtually. Since then, virtual programming has been incorporated into all marquee student-run events.

Highline College’s Office of Student Life recently hosted a noted expert on accessible technology, Michael Hanscom. Hanscom’s presentation entitled Assistive (and Accessible) Tech for Everyone revealed that accessibility does not just benefit people with disabilities! Modern computers include several accessibility features that can come in handy in all sorts of situations, and there are other tools that Highline provides or that you can install on your own. Participants were encouraged to learn about, see demos, and experiment with some of the accessibility tools available for everyone. The event was live captioned, and anyone requiring additional accommodation due to a disability had details provided to acquire necessary resources. The Counseling department ran a Zoom session where counselors discussed Tips for Finding a therapist. Counselors also post Mindfulness, Relaxation, and Reflection presentations on the Counseling Center’s website. For the Spring quarter, counselors are preparing for a Week of Wellness, where several program offerings will be offered in hybrid or Zoom formats.

Conclusion: Highline College's journey in adapting and innovating serves as a model for educational institutions redefining student engagement. By embracing technology, forming strategic partnerships, and expanding its online presence, Highline College has laid the foundation for a more inclusive and dynamic educational experience.

Author Bio:

Dr. Jamilyn Penn (She, Her) Interim Vice President of Student Services- Dr. Jamilyn Penn holds a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Northeastern University, a testament to her steadfast commitment to advancing educational leadership and fostering innovation. With experience spanning both K-12 and higher education, coupled with a profound background in community engagement, Dr. Penn has consistently demonstrated her dedication to the educational sector. She has worked at Highline College for two years.

Marc Lentini (He, Him, His), Director of Educational Technology-Marc runs Highline College’s Learning Management System (LMS), helps faculty redesign curricula, and develop online courses, and produces videos and multimedia for the campus. He serves as the College’s Accessible Technology Coordinator and co-chair of the Accessible Technology Committee.