Panhandle Times

Laredo Community College issued the following announcement.

Laredo College has been recognized for being an institution that provides the most updated technology to serve and teach students and support their departments. The college has offered a wide variety of online services through apps, with state-of-the-art technology and now with software that exceeds expectations.

 In order to continue delivering innovative learning experiences as we practice safety and follow guidelines, our institution launched free Wi-Fi services this spring for students who may not have adequate access to internet services at home during this pandemic. 

Through the efforts of our Information Technology Department, our college is now able to extend Wi-Fi services to students in designated parking lot areas at both campuses completely free of charge. This free service can be accessed through any internet-capable device including laptops, tablets and Android or Apple mobile devices.

The parking lot designated for Wi-Fi services at the South Campus is parking lot H, located to the west of the Congressman Henry Cuellar Protective Services Center. The parking lot designated for Wi-Fi services at the Ft. McIntosh Campus is parking lot F, located to the north of portable 4 and the student dorms.

LC students can use the Wi-Fi for as long as is needed, however in order to practice required safety precautions only a limited number of cars can be parked in each parking lot at a given time and students must remain in their vehicles.

Another essential service provided for students to succeed in their courses is the one provided by the library. Since mid-spring semester our libraries have been available 24/7 to LC students and employees by using their PASPort credentials. They offer an extensive database collection of electronic resources such as journal articles, e-books, videos and magazines that cover a wide range of subjects to help support students and faculty.

These resources can also be accessed via the library application which can be downloaded completely free on Android or Apple devices. Distance learning videos are also available on the library website to guide students on how to retrieve resources. 

Furthermore, students can access one-on-one virtual tutoring sessions while connected to the internet services provide on campus or at home for assistance in their writing assignments and other subjects.

Virtual tutoring for writing can be available upon request and sessions will be scheduled between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. to better serve our students. They can submit not only their English assignments for revision, but also those writing assignments in other subjects such as science, reading and psychology.

Students will learn to master the skills of writing through generating ideas, improving grammar and punctuation, conducting research, revising and editing spelling, citing sources and formulating effective thesis statements. This will assist students to obtain higher grades or submit better essays, research papers, summaries and all requested writing assignments.

Writing is not the only area where students may obtain tutoring assistance. Students can also obtain assistance in Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Government, History, Mathematics, Physical Therapist Assistant, Geology, Physics and others upon availability.

These professional, peer tutoring services are available completely online Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Though we offer excellent services internally, our college has partnered with Smarthinking to be able to tutor students 24/7 by professionals in many fields. Smarthinking is a digital learning technology that masters the essentials of online teaching. Instructional and orientation videos are provided for quality management of the program.

Another program that is also available for students is IPASS. This online tutoring service is provided directly by the college instructors who promote academic student success in all courses offered.  

Another great service available for students is TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) where not only is academic tutoring available, but also orientation on college programs, personal and career counseling, financial and grant aid allocation, student workshops, supplemental instruction and other student guidance.

TRIO SSS provides support services to low-income, first-generation and disabled college students to increase their retention and graduation rates. It also facilitates student transfers from two-year to four-year colleges and provides opportunities for academic development, which includes academic advisement and mentoring.

Laredo College’s transition to a virtual learning environment includes a wide range of free learning resources and support services to reinforce student success.

During this crucial time, we will continue providing top-quality services to our students. For easy access and contact information for Laredo College free services and resources, please refer to the list below. 

Information Technology

For more information on how to log in to the Wi-Fi network, LC students may visit http://www.laredo.edu/cms/LCC/Student_Life/Connecting_to_LCC_Wireless_Networks/.

Writing Center

To schedule virtual tutoring for a writing assignment, LC students may email lcwritingcenteronline@gmail.com.

Learning Enrichment Center

For more information on online tutoring and testing services, LC students may call (956) 721-5348 or (956) 794-4348, email LEC@laredo.edu or visit http://www.laredo.edu/cms/LCC/Student_Services/Learning_Centers/Services_Offered/.

TRIO SSS

For additional information about TRIO, LC students may visit www.laredo.edu/sss or call (956) 721-5233 or (956) 794-4344 

LC Libraries

Students can connect with a librarian via email at reference_desk@laredo.edu or in a chat session in the online library’s catalog by visiting https://library.laredo.edu/.

Original source can be found here.