This chapter examines the underlying motivations behind why institutions and organizations decide to apply particular policies and practices. By applying a lens of five diffusion models--learning, imitation, competition, normative, and coercion--to understand these motivations, decision makers and implementers will make better choices for…

This chapter examines the role of systems and consortia in scaling and implementing undergraduate research through a study of the efforts of six systems and consortia working together with the Council on Undergraduate Research.

The two-year community college is a hundred-year-old phenomenon, locally funded and distinctly American, yet increasingly exportable. Serving ever more varied roles while being challenged economically, legislatively, and academically to meet progressively higher expectations in the United States, the American community college has been discovered…

This case study reviews the emergence and evolution of eCore (the University System of Georgia's electronically delivered undergraduate core courses) over eight years and summarizes the issues, ongoing challenges, and lessons learned from interinstitutional collaboration in offering and administering a "virtual" shared core. The bulk of…

While nonclassroom learning activities provide tremendous educational opportunities, higher education managers must assess the compatibility of the learning program with the basic attitudes, characteristics, beliefs, and culture of the institution for successful implementation. (MSE)

Telecourses can offer quality learning experiences and be effective means of serving nontraditional students. Most of the quality telecourses have been produced in the last five years, although some instructional areas are not well represented, and educational and commercial producers will be increasing the choices and control of offerings. (MSE)

A field experience program balances great potential for learning against a major expenditure of resources and requires vision, commitment, flexibility, and persistence to implement. It enhances academic learning through use of the outside world's resources and provides a link to the world in which students prepare to live. (MSE)

A four-step process is outlined for colleges to use in removing planning constraints, the difficulties that decrease or hinder the effective implementation of institutional change strategies. Its use on multiple complex constraints and in coping with chaos is discussed. (MSE)

Self-paced instruction as a teaching method can offer flexibility to students and academic institutions, but it must be accompanied by planning and development efforts to identify viable courses and instructors, ensure adequate support for the faculty, and ensure that support systems are responsive to student needs. (MSE)

The average academic library has great potential for quality nonclassroom learning benefiting students, faculty, alumni, and the local business community. The major detriments are the limited perceptions about libraries and librarians among campus administrators and faculty. Library-based learning should be planned to be assimilated into overall…

Museums and art galleries have potential for exciting learning programs for adult students. Courses must be consciously constructed to meet adult learners' expectations for personal growth, and detailed planning is required for complex logistical details of courses offered locally or abroad. However, good programs will have a growing audience.…

Campus activities and organizations offer learning experiences primarily through interpersonal skills development and organizational processes, although the potential for intentional, specific learning is unlimited. Student activities that are well planned and implemented enhance both the richness of educational experiences and the student…

Fundamental attitudinal and behavioral changes must occur among faculty, librarians, and students alike before colleges can implement effective information literacy programs. Successful change will require acknowledgment of barriers, collaborative effort, and establishment of a learning community for an information-rich environment. (Author/MSE)