state funding, private donations, and grants to modernize its facilities and expand educational access through technology. St. James describes the evolving classroom options: “We have hybrid classes, fully asynchronous online courses, and live remote options. But the most exciting is our new hyflex model, where students can attend in-person or remotely, with cameras and microphones capturing everything so they can participate however they choose.” In the manufacturing labs, technology upgrades go beyond software. Dr. Coach notes that recent investments in CNC machines now include mounted cameras inside the equipment. “The cameras allow us to record tutorials on programming and operating CNC machines, which we can upload to our learning management system, Blackboard, for students to review anytime,” she explains. Thanks to a grant the next steps—how to incorporate these concepts into our curriculum so that our graduates are fully prepared for an automated workplace.” Asnuntuck’s efforts to stay aligned with industry needs are reinforced through its advisory boards, which include representatives from local manufacturing firms. Dr. Coach also highlights the value of Asnuntuck’s partnerships with Connecticut’s extensive aerospace manufacturing sector, which includes over 120 companies.“These companies are still implementing their approaches to automation, so we’re evolving alongside them,” she explains. The program can adapt quickly by staying agile and adding new courses or directed electives that meet the industry’s shifting needs. INVESTING IN INNOVATION AND EXPANSION Since the onset of COVID-19, Asnuntuck has used 91 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12 CT STATE ASNUNTUCK
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