Saddleback

still matters,” South Orange County Community College District Chancellor Julianna Barnes told the Business Journal in an email. “In these physical spaces, we spend much of our time working and learning, producing and creating—even developing our sense of place in this world.”

Many, however, project that online learning will continue to be a fixture of education.

The virtual learning market surpassed $315 billion last year, and is expected to see a compound annual growth rate of 20% to 2028, according to industry research firm Global Market Research Pvt. Ltd.

The new ATAS building at Saddleback College reflects this projected virtual learning trend. Its classrooms and labs are equipped with smart cameras that follow professors around the room as well as mega microphones that can pick up even the slightest movements in the space.

“If you drop a pen, you can hear it,” Al Juburi said.

Other colleges and school districts have even reached out to South Orange County Community College District to emulate its webcasting tech, officials said.

“We see this as the future,” Al Juburi said. “So, we’re getting ahead.”

Upcoming Projects

Feedback on the ATAS building has been largely positive.

“Whether it’s a student or faculty member, everybody’s super excited and appreciative of this new facility,” Al Juburi said.

The ATAS building is one of many upcoming construction projects for Saddleback College.

Other projects in the works include the Saddleback College Gateway Building, a student services center that will connect students and visitors to the campus; the building is currently under construction and is expected to open in fall next year.

A building dedicated to science and math students, which will replace the oldest building on campus, is also expected to open next year.

Another new facility at the school’s Advanced Technology and Education Park on the grounds of Tustin’s former military base, specializing in the culinary art and automotive disciplines, is projected to begin construction in December. ■