The MECC Quality Enhancement Plan presents a framework for the College to provide students with a technology-rich learning environment, while preparing them for success in a technology-driven world.  Ensuring that both the students and faculty are ready for this experience is fundamental to the plan, thereupon creating engaged learning through the effective use of academic technology.

Simply the BEST: Building Engaged Students thru Technology is a collaborative effort of all sectors of Mountain Empire Community College.  Various issues were considered in the selection of the topic, spanning a timeframe of several months.  The increase in distance learning students and their corresponding success rates were among the most common issues discussed, as well as the concern of decreased engagement of students in both the traditional classroom and online environments.   The technology tie between the two concerns helped to refine the topic. 

Use of the Blackboard course management system was identified as an available technology tool having a potential to bridge the gap between engagement and success in all learning environments – traditional, online and hybrid.  A variety of other high-tech devices were also found to be used by the faculty for course delivery. As a result, the QEP evolved from the realization that the College must ensure that its students will be prepared to utilize technology before they are immersed in this environment.  Likewise, faculty must be provided the necessary training to ensure that the students receive a consistent and applied technology focus across the curriculum. 

Essentially, the essence of this Quality Enhancement Plan is to place 21st Century students in a 21st Century learning environment, making their experience at Mountain Empire Community College Simply the BEST.