With the ever-changing nature of hardware and software, academic IT departments have a large dilemma--constantly changing with the current direction of the prevailing wind (Considering emerging technologies, certifications, private academic institutions and expense), or to maintain traditional courses of study based in teaching theoretical…

This paper identifies a need to study the success of students taking college course offerings using distance education. Measurement issues are discussed, including a proposal for definition of some key variables involved in studying distance delivery by institutional researchers. Concerns about student outcomes are identified using data from two…

The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of occupational education officers concerning the instructional skills professional development needs for part-time faculty members within the community colleges in the U.S. The types of instructional help part-time faculty members were perceived to need most were concentrated in the…

In this article we summarize the planning and implementation of online distance learning programs at various community colleges in California. We examine six areas: the institutions' vision, curriculum and programs, staff training and support, student services, student training and support, and policies.

Variation in teaching techniques was examined among instructors based on their status (full-time vs. part-time) and educational level (doctorate vs. nondoctorate). To facilitate this study, a survey instrument was developed and distributed to 400 randomly selected faculty members employed at the two largest institutions, Community Colleges X and…

Society today is facing unprecedented challenges. Organizations are facing internal and external pressures from globalization, changing technologies, reassessment of mission and values, changing demographics and competition. Such pressures are indicative of a transformation from an industrial society to a knowledge society. Organizations can…

The average age of students at Lake Michigan College (LMC) is twenty-eight years old. In the current study, the application of customized internet assessment for Chemistry 101, Introductory College Chemistry, from 2001 to 2005 is compared with traditional assessment from 1996 to 2000. The authors describe the ways in which computerized assessment…

The purpose of the research was to define online bullying, determine its incidence in higher education, and survey methods instructors used to respond to those students who use the online forum to intimidate or offend their classmates or instructors. The study extended Tattum and Tattum's (1992) definition of bullying to define the term…

Researchers in the field of bioinformatics have developed a number of analytical programs and databases that are increasingly important for advancing biological research. Because bioinformatics programs are used to analyze, visualize, and/or compare biological data, it is likely that the use of these programs will have a positive impact on biology…

Results of two web-based surveys, one completed by students and one completed by faculty, staff and managers in Fall 2004, which were designed to provide information to assist with ongoing discussions surrounding the future of Distance Education at each of the colleges in the Los Rios Community College District-American River College, Cosumnes…

Student retention is an important issue in distance education. In the literature of higher education literature, however, information on student retention in online courses is incomplete. Few empirical studies have been conducted. Many articles reference the issue and then provide descriptions of best practices to address retention. Seldom,…

In responding to internal and external pressures for accountability in higher education, especially in the areas of improved learning outcomes and student success, IT leaders may soon become critical partners with academic and student affairs. IT can help answer this call for accountability through "academic analytics," which is emerging…

Environmental factors currently affecting today's community colleges either will cause irreparable damage to their fiscal health and organizational structure or contribute to their rebirth--transforming systems and processes to meet current and future challenges successfully. Community colleges are facing challenges on many levels: (1) In 2003,…

The recent growth of online course offerings has progressed at a rapid pace without regard to all of the real and potential consequences. This is especially troubling since there are many more casualties (e.g., withdrawn and failing students) than with traditional methods of education. However, with caution and examination of the processes at the…

Recent economic events and constantly-shifting priorities continue to challenge the traditional hallmarks of community colleges: responsiveness, adaptability, and flexibility. Institutional leaders are increasingly questioning whether the comprehensive community college model and, more importantly, open access, are still sustainable in today's…