Going the Distance

What do we need?

Futuring Tree developed by Taskforce Participants

Many of the requirements for successful online learning already exist at GCC. Expansion of this alternative form of learning is limited in the following ways:

  Institutional Context and Commitment

• Online learning must be tied to strategic planning.
• Institutional goals and values must drive the planning.
• Sustainability must be supported by at least a five-year plan and budget.
• Planning should be linked at the college, program and department levels.

  Curriculum and Instruction

• A reason should be developed for course selection.
• Course selection should be owned by programs and departments.
• Full-time faculty should develop and teach a majority of online offerings.
• Courses should demonstrate instructional “best practices”
• A procedure should be in place for materials acquisition and copyright clearance.
• Evaluation criteria should reflect the instructional environment.

  Faculty Support

• Workload policies should be consistent with other course delivery formats.
• Curriculum development and faculty training contracts must be defined.
• Instructor selection criteria for online courses should be identified.
• Instructional design support and consultation should be readily available.
• Mentoring and ongoing training should be part of program management.

  Student support

• Students should have access to advisors who know about online learning.
• Students should be provided guided assessment before enrolling.
• Students should be informed of course expectations when they enroll.
• Students should have clear documentation about beginning courses.
• Faculty and advisors should create specific retention strategies for online learning.
• Student evaluations of support services should be incorporated into planning.