Taking a Big Picture Look @ Technology, Learning and the Community College

This book describes trends in technology and learning that are influencing community colleges. Chapter 1, presenting results from a 3-year, 700 college study, concludes that colleges will become more learning-centered, find it difficult to maintain services and open access as student demands increase and resources shrink, form more partnerships, offer more remedial education, and be subject to more accountability mandates. In chapter 2, lessons from Maricopa County Community College (Arizona) indicate that educators must "critique, envision and create" rather than just buy technology to meet the needs of the learner. Chapters 3, 4, and 5 examine administrative, faculty and student services strategies that make use of emerging technologies. Chapters 6 describes user support models based on survey responses from 114 colleges. Chapter 7 details attributes of successful computer-based instructional programs that serve basic skills students. Chapter 8 traces the development of distance learning and its emerging role in instructional programs. Chapter 9 explores changes in culture, policies, practices and other essential college characteristics that accompany changes in technology. Chapter 10 describes technology-driven marketing strategies that help recruit students, secure funding, and enhance the institution's image. Chapter 11 explores the impact of the Internet on higher education. Contains 52 figures, 221 references and 6 survey forms. (PGS)