Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have brought about new questions regarding the construction of virtual learning environments and course delivery systems. One such question that researchers and instructors alike are considering is the role of community in learning spaces. This paper uses a professional development (PD) MOOC as a case study to…

This case involves a small town in the southwestern United States. Background descriptions of the community and school are provided, including historical and demographic information. As the community and school transition from a small ranching town into a bedroom community for the large city nearby, tensions related to race and wealth erupt in a…

Community strategic visioning is a citizen-based planning process in which diverse sectors of a community collectively determine a future state and coordinate a plan of action. Twenty-one communities in rural Montana participated in a multi-phase poverty reduction program that culminated in a community strategic vision process. Research on this…

As Arbo and Benneworth (2007) have alerted us, higher education institutions are now expected not only to conduct education and research, but also to play an active role in the development of their economic, social and cultural surroundings. They call this the "regional mission" of HEIs. This paper is concerned with cultural engagement. Research…

The centrality of the definition of need as the major determinant of both substance and strategy in the conduct of needs assessment in a community is highlighted. A definition of need is proposed as a working definition for needs assessment undertakings, and consequently as a foundation for social practice. (Author)

Author first outlines what constitutes community action" and then suggests three broad categories into which most examples of such action may be placed. (Editor/MB)

A sampling of definitions indicates a certain amount of ambiguity and confusion about development and how it differs from other concepts such as growth and change. Any attempt to clarify this concept should begin initially with identification of the essential meaning of the term and then consideration of its characteristics and how it differs from…

This paper, which is based on the assumption that conceptualization is a necessary first-order task of theory construction, discusses the utility of a particular explicit definition of "development." Previous definitions of development have been hampered by a variety of weaknesses, and most current definitions are not conducive to a comparative…

Because of the importance of community development in development strategies, both in Rhodesia and, more recently, Zimbabwe, this article looks at the concept in a historical perspective. In this perspective, three major phases can be identified: the period between 1890 and 1962; the period between 1962 and 1979; and 1980 to the present. (CT)

This article presents evaluative criteria guidelines for the process of human resource development. These guidelines discuss the importance of considering the following aspects: Relevant needs, clear objectives, accomplishment, uniqueness, flexibility, skill orientation, professional leadership, future perspective, a value system, evaluation of an…

The author discusses the concepts of community most appropriate to adult education, integrating various theoretical perspectives. He presents a conceptual typology of three dimensions of community practice: adult education for the community, adult education in the community, and adult education of the community. (Author/SK)

The definition of development is discussed. (AH)

Offers a five-point program for community education (based on a fluid definition in a British context) which involves school and community education, civic education and participation, community action, public education campaigns, and community relations. (LAS)