Innovations Streams 2002

Innovations in the community college can be thought of as streams that flow through the larger body of work that educators and students engage in each day. The Innovations conference incorporates ideas, initiatives, and inspirations from seven key streams into the broader conference goal of encouraging and facilitating student and organizational learning through innovation, experimentation, and institutional transformation. The conference features forums, roundtable discussions, Learning Center Courses and poster session presentations for each innovations stream, along with general session keynotes aimed at inspiring innovation and change in all areas of community college education.

College professionals continue to develop new and exciting ways to approach learning and teaching, often promoting the learning-centered education movement. This stream invites educators to share innovations on a global scope. Learning styles, learning communities, service learning, assessment, ethics, and the uses of new technology are just a few of many featured discussion topics.

Community college administrators are challenged to find new strategies for leadership and organization. Some significant new responses include learning organizations, knowledge management, quality principles, and “leading
from the soul.” This stream invites committed colleagues to share perspectives, processes, and programs so that all college leaders, and thus community college education, may benefit.

The League’s Workforce Initiative actively continues to explore the great variety of paths colleges are taking to meet the workforce needs of their communities. Contract training, tech-prep programs, school-to-work initiatives, workbased learning, and college and industry partnerships are just a fraction of the individual and collaborative efforts expended by educational, business, and governmental groups. E-training and skills certification in the workplace are also spotlighted in this stream.

The diverse needs and backgrounds of community college students challenge student services personnel to innovate using exciting techniques in recruiting, advising, and supporting students. A wide array of programs centered on
student activity and leadership are also featured in this stream.

To meet the increasing needs of community college students, basic skills educators must create innovative ways to help the underprepared toward success. This stream showcases a wide variety of new strategies and tools related to assessing, advising, tutoring, mentoring, and supporting today’s students

Community colleges, by necessity, have long been entrepreneurs in various areas of fundraising and resource development. Yet, many colleges have not realized their full potential in all of these areas. This stream spotlights
successful models and identifies future directions in a large number of resource related activities.

Conference participants have a rewarding opportunity to learn about the products and services provided by the League’s corporate partners, leading vendors in the educational arena. Sessions provide greater understanding
about how these partners can help solve problems and enhance the college educational experience.