Keeping the Faith
Aquinas Academy Graduates Become
the Christian Leaders of Tomorrow
Clare Meland (AQUINAS CLASS OF 2013, NOTRE DAME) spent two months in
Kolkata, India, working with Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity among the
poorest of the poor.
• Classroom Technology – Although use of technology in early
learning is still heavily debated, it is proving to be a valuable
resource to students who may not as easily have access to learning
materials. According to the Pew Research Center, 73 percent of
households have a computer with internet accessibility, providing
a platform for early learners to participate in effective online
education from their homes.
• ECSEL Skills – Teachers are encouraged to incorporate Emotional
Cognitive Social Early Learning (ECSEL) into lesson plans for
preschoolers. At a young age, emotions are the tool of choice for
children to express themselves. Encouraging early learners to be
confident and understanding at a young age provides an important
platform for growth into adolescence. ■
Tyler Deschamps (AQUINAS CLASS OF 2008, CMU) helped to found Young
Catholic Professionals, which helps Catholic professionals in their 20s and 30s
connect with one another and maintain their Catholic faith.
Emily (Blume) Hannon (AQUINAS CLASS OF 2011, PITT) co-founded Off the
Hook, an offi cially recognized student group at the University of Pittsburgh that
provides students with healthy alternatives to the prominent hookup culture
through the promotion of speakers and social activities.
Nick Navari (AQUINAS CLASS OF 2014, KENYON) established a house on
campus that is devoted solely to the Newman Center of Kenyon College for the
purpose of spreading and strengthening students’ faith on campus.
Call today to schedule your visit!
2308 West Hardies Road · Gibsonia, PA 15044
724.444.0722 · www.AquinasAcademy.info
5 ONLINE EDUCATION TRENDS FOR COLLEGE
Online education allows non-traditional students the opportunity to earn a degree without leaving the comfort of
their own home. This educational approach has opened doors for individuals with circumstances prohibiting them from
participating in on-campus education. Whether they are working full time, raising families, or they live in a different state,
online education provides the opportunity to earn a degree remotely. According to U.S. News and World Report, the number
of online students is continuing to grow and experts are predicting a number of trends within the next year for online learning.
1. Adoption of “Microcredentials” – As non-traditional students are on the rise, universities are developing multiple program
levels since not everyone is looking to complete a four-year degree. Microcredentials offer certificate programs, digital “badges” of
completion, and other types of credentials to prove successful completion of continued education coursework.
2. Tailored Curriculums from Data Insights – Since students complete all of their work online, universities are receiving data that
is not typically available in a traditional classroom setting. Analytics teams are using this data to predict student success, and in turn,
teachers are enhancing their curriculum to meet the needs of their students.
3. Artificial Intelligence – Universities are investing in artificial intelligence, such as virtual
assistants, to provide an additional layer of support on top of that which students receive from
their professors.
4. Nonprofit Programs – Experts are continuing to see a drop in for-profit programs as
more nonprofits are ramping up their online education offerings. Nonprofit institutions are
working to keep up with the demand for more online programs.
5. Ranging Disciplines – As online programs continue to grow, they are offering an
increasing number of focus areas that may not have been thought of until recent years.
Some students who already have degrees are looking for specialized programs to learn new
technology in their field and to increase their knowledge and credibility.
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