Over the last decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of online graduate degree programs. However, there are few informal opportunities for students online to connect with one another and learn about the field outside of their coursework. It is important to understand who these online graduate students are, as well as their…

States' oversight of higher education has traditionally focused on schools within their borders, not those offering educational programs across state lines. However, an increasing number of students are enrolling online: 1.3 million students now enroll online in a school based in another state. Additional vigilance is required to safeguard states'…

Purpose: The purpose of this quantitative, descriptive study is to examine the perceptions of California Community College administrators regarding participation in the California Virtual Campus - Online Education Initiative (CVC-OEI) and the effects their involvement may have on distance education and total enrollments. Theoretical Framework:…

There have been many drastic changes in higher education in recent years. State funding has decreased, leaving schools responsible for their own revenue growth and for balancing their budgets. Colleges and universities are closing departments and are no longer offering majors that are producing few or no graduates. Small colleges are closing, and…

Asynchronous discussions in the online teaching and learning environment significantly contributes to the achievement of student learning outcomes, which is dependent upon qualified and engaged faculty members. The discourse within this article addresses how an online university conducted faculty development through its unique Robust Learning…

The economic urgency around higher education is undeniable: the price of tuition has soared; student loan debt now exceeds $1 trillion and is greater than credit card debt; the dollars available from government sources for colleges are expected to shrink in the years to come; and the costs for traditional institutions to stay competitive continue…

This 16th annual report highlights up-to-date information on the programs supported through the Chancellor's Office Telecommunications and Technology Infrastructure Program (TTIP). To summarize 2012-13, one would describe it as a year of planning and preparation. The system-wide budget cuts of the past few years, reports of impacted classes, staff…

Although the need for new educational technologies is increasing, the process for disseminating these innovations remains a challenge. A literature review shows that few studies have thoroughly investigated this area. Furthermore, there is no comprehensive framework or coordinated research agenda that may be used to guide such investigation. This…

In November 1996, forty-five higher education technology leaders convened in Washington, D.C., to discuss the virtual university (VU). The Western Governors Association had announced establishment of the Western Governors University (WGU). As a result, VU initiatives were emerging from, or being contemplated by, almost every state-level higher…

This article presents a virtual roundtable discussion with instructional design leaders on mobile technology application which included: (1) Jim Wolfgang, director of the Digital Innovation Group at Georgia College & State University and member of "Campus Technology's" ("CT's") editorial advisory board; (2) Michael Cottam,…

Describes the Western Governors University and the California Virtual University as examples illustrating the complex issues of distance education at the public-policy level. Explores whether these initiatives are the product of the commercialization of education or the result of a reform that may lead to increased learner-centered education. (SLD)

In the first decade of the 21st century, the nation, the states, and colleges and universities began to grapple with the challenges of globalization, changing demography, the implications of the digital era, and of a less expansive public sector. Although not a transformative period for higher education, the decade saw significant innovations in…

One of the most important provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is the requirement that all teachers of core academic subjects be "highly qualified" by the end of school year 2005-2006. Key principles for recruiting and preparing future teachers have been identified as raising academic standards for teachers and lowering…