Learning without Limits: Model Distance Education Programs in Community Colleges.

Based on descriptions submitted to a national panel on exemplary Distance Education (DE) programs, this monograph describes state-of-the-art DE programs at 16 community colleges. First, an introduction reviews the history of DE systems and DE in community colleges, describes the importance of revising curricula for distance delivery, discusses materials and technologies associated with DE, and reviews characteristics of synchronous and asynchronous delivery systems. The subsequent chapters then describe programs at the following community colleges: Austin Community College (Texas), Chattanooga State Technical Community College (Tennessee), Chemeketa Community College (Oregon), Dallas County Community College District (Texas), Florida Community College at Jacksonville, Genesee Community College (New York), Kirkwood Community College (Iowa), Miami-Dade Community College District (Florida), Northern Virginia Community College, Northwestern Michigan College, Rio Salado College (Arizona), San Diego City College (California), Sinclair Community College (Ohio), Tarrant County Junior College District (Texas), University College of The Cariboo's Learning Network (British Columbia), and Washtenaw Community College (Michigan). Each chapter provides an overview of the program, including a description of the students served, the program organization, instructional strategies utilized, technologies employed, student services provided, and student grading and program evaluation methods, as well as a discussion of the unique or exemplary practices involved. An annotated list of DE programs at 38 colleges is appended. Contains 15 references. (HAA)