SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwired - Apr 3, 2014) - e.Republic's Center for Digital Education (CDE) announces the results and winners of the ninth annual Digital Community Colleges Survey.
Community colleges are being recognized for their innovative uses of technology to achieve first-rate student learning environments. Examples from the colleges who placed first in each student-enrollment-based classification include:
- Johnson County Community College, Kan. provides Learning Studios, a unique learning environment that allows instructors to explore technology-enhanced learning spaces that include wireless access, a mobile podium, interactive white boards and projection, and "wall-talker" wall covering. They have overhauled their network infrastructure to support students' personal devices -- providing faster and greater bandwidth, wireless, video, and voice technologies -- as well as increased survivability of the network.
- Lord Fairfax Community College, Va. produces revenue for technology projects from its digital signage application that allows purchase and display of ads on over 30 displays campus-wide. The college also has an Instruction Space Design Team that reviews all spaces on campus for technology ideas and environment improvements to meet the learning objectives of students and faculty.
- Carl Sandburg College, Ill. has expanded its TechConnect three-day faculty training workshop on the most innovative technologies used on campus into weekly workshops for faculty and staff throughout the year. In addition the college partners with the local Workforce Investment Act office, the City of Galesburg and economic development organizations to provide education and job training services to displaced workers and students coming back to upgrade their skills.
"Community colleges across the country are employing technology in exciting ways to develop unique learning environments on campus and to expand online learning opportunities 24/7," said Alan Cox, Senior Vice President for the Center for Digital Education. "Many of the colleges honored this year have employed various technologies and social media to improve resources to further instructional goals. We are honored to acknowledge these community colleges' technology advancements!"
Survey questions and criteria examined and scored areas of digital and emerging technologies, such as use of mobile devices and technology integration into curriculum; strategic planning and data management; and professional development, including availability of technology tools and training for faculty and students.
In addition, colleges were surveyed on their technology priorities, infrastructure and networks, collaboration and outreach efforts and use of technology innovations.
The first-place winners in each classification are:
Johnson County Community College, Kan. (10,000 students or more)
Lord Fairfax Community College, Va. (Between 5,000 and 10,000 students)
Carl Sandburg Colleges, Ill. (5,000 students or less)
All accredited U.S. community colleges are eligible to participate in the survey within the three classifications based on size of enrollment. View the full list of colleges honored. CDE thanks survey underwriter Sprint for its support of community colleges across the nation.
About the Center for Digital Education
The Center for Digital Education (CDE) is a national research and advisory institute specializing in K-12 and higher education technology trends, policy, and funding. CDE provides education and industry leaders with decision support and actionable insight to help effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21st century.
CDE is a division of e.Republic, the nation's only media and research company focused exclusively on state and local government and education.