(GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS) – The International College of the Cayman Islands is launching a new online learning initiative to respond to the evolving needs of today’s students and working professionals. The initial classes will begin in July for students in the Bachelor’s of Business Administration program.

“Offering online classes will open the doors of opportunity for those otherwise unable to access a college education,” said ICCI President Dr. David Marshall. “This innovation is part of ICCI’s strong tradition of producing outstanding graduates for Cayman’s workforce for 44 years,” said Marshall.

The online class launch follows seven months of planning and surveying the student and alumni populations. A majority of ICCI’s students are working adults who face barriers to earning a degree because of work, civic, or family obligations. These courses are designed specifically to benefit students who have difficulty commuting to the Newlands’ campus. Marshall says the online initiative allows students to attend virtual classes on their own schedules.

Last month, ICCI won permission from its U.S. accrediting body, the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) to begin the pilot program. An ACICS accrediting team will also visit ICCI next year to ensure students are achieving the same high-quality learning outcomes as ACICS requires in face-to-face courses.

“We know that students all over the world are already supplementing their classroom education with many online tools,” said Marshall. “Online learning is really the future for producing accessible, high quality and affordable education especially in Cayman were very few can stop work altogether to pursue their education.”

Each online course typically will have a set of readings, recorded lectures, videos, podcasts, discussions, tests and collaborative group projects. The course will be led by a credentialed faculty member who will interact with students online about the course content each week and grade assignments.

The College is seeking approval from ACICS to add additional courses in other degree programs.

About ICCI
Founded in 1970, the International College of the Cayman Islands the Birthplace of Tertiary Education in the Cayman Islands. The College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The International College is an Educational Member of the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), and has affirmed its commitment to excellence in business education. This membership is the first step toward international accreditation specifically for ICCI’s Business Degrees.

The mission of the International College of the Cayman Islands is to prepare students for career placement and enhancement. The ICCI education instills attitudes, behaviors, sensitivities, skills and knowledge that are essential to life and learning.

IMAGE: From ICCI