Online Education at the community colleges has many unique issues and opportunities. Come to the 'unconference' session to participate in a discussion about this segment where access, student success, equity, and innovation are changing and transforming lives daily.
Kate Jordahl from California and Michael Torrence from Tennessee, bring their Coast-to-Coast view to the discussion of Online Education at Community Colleges. Kate brings her perspectives as a long time faculty member now working as Director of Academic Affairs and Consortia, California Virtual Campus-Online Education Initiative to expand access, equity, and quality for the California Community Colleges, the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed 115 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year. Michael as President of Motlow College brings his viewpoint as a leader, but also his work open educational resources, STEAMB (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Aviation, Mathematics, and Business) and his work embracing the use of technological literacy as a platform to increase student engagement and success. They will be joined by Kevin Kelly, an online instructor at SF State and a higher ed consultant who has been working with community college partners like Peralta Community College District to research and address online achievement gaps through collaborative projects like the Peralta Online Equity Rubric.
What are the unique issues and equally unique opportunities for those of us dedicated to this sector for contribution, expanded access, enhancing student success, and creating equity for our many students? What are the innovations that can make significant differences in our effectiveness? What are the analytic and metrics we need to validate our work and be more effective in our efforts?
After sharing about their work and examples from the field, Kate, Michael, and Kevin will lead this 'unconference' session having participants helping to set the agenda and, after discussion in small groups led by community college leaders, share their insights. What concerns you? What excites you? How is your work with and for students of the nation's community colleges changing in light of technology and practices in pedagogy? Join us.