World Wide Web Edition October 2000 Volume 1, Number 1

 

 


hanging the Art and Business of Education:
The Biggest, Best CIT Ever

The 2000 Conference on Information Technology will beheld in Anaheim, California, at the Anaheim Hilton and Towers and the Anaheim Convention Center on November 15-18, and is hosted by Cerritos College, Coast Community College District, Foothill-De Anza Community College District, Kern Community College, North Orange Community College District, Rancho Santiago Community College District, San Diego Community College District, and South Orange County Community College District.

The 2000 CIT will continue the tradition of demonstrating how information technology can be used to improve all aspects of community college education—teaching and learning, student services, organizational management, and partnerships. Celebrating 16 years of excellence, this year’s conference will be a technologically sophisticated and topically diverse occasion attracting close to 4,000 participants eager to share in an exhibition of how technology continues to change the art and business of education. Considered one of the major events in community college education, the 2000 CIT promises a wide range of learning options including hands-on computer labs, over 500 breakout sessions, an exhibition of resources and services from over 100 corporate partners, and an e-mail and Internet lab open to participants 24 hours a day.

Especially exciting this year are the national leaders and engaging speakers slated to deliver keynote addresses at this year’s conference. Thought provoking presenters scheduled to engage the participants of the 2000 CIT include Scott McNealy, chairman and CEO, Sun Microsystems; Don Tapscott, president, New Paradigm Learning Corporation; chair, The Alliance for Converging Technologies, and author of Growing Up Digital: The Rise of the Net Generation; Bill Hill, chief e-book developer, Microsoft Corporation; and Kenneth C. Green, founder/director, The Campus Computing Project and visiting scholar, The Center for Educational Studies, Claremont Graduate University. All Keynote Sessions, Learning Center Courses, Hands-On Labs, and Forums are supported by sophisticated technology, including Internet accessibility, video-data projection, multiplatform computing, and multimedia presentation software. In addition, over 100 corporations that work with the League to make meaningful differences in the way community colleges serve students will exhibit at this year’s conference and provide much of the conference’s state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Perhaps the most powerful learning opportunity for participants at the conference is Hands-On Alley where companies like Academic Systems, Apple Computer Corporation, Course Technology, EON Reality, Inc., Gateway, Jenzabar.com, JonesKnowledge.com, Macromedia, Inc., Microsoft Corporation, NETg, Oracle Corporation, Pearson Education, PLATO/TRO Learning, Inc., SmartForce, Sun Microsystems, Inc., and WebCT program computer labs designed to give participants practical experience with new and popular hardware and software.

Another learning experience that will be available at the conference is the Learning Center, which provides in-depth coverage of current topics in information technology provided by recognized leaders in the focus areas. These courses are offered in three-hour and full-day format and augment the conference by (1) providing in-depth exposure to specific topics, and (2) linking conference attendees with a community of learners who share common interests. A sample of this year’s offering of Learning Center Courses include the Chief Information Officers Technology Summit, WOW Professional Web Certification, Using Simulations to Enhance Teaching and Learning, and Creating a World Class E-Commerce Certificate Program.

The League is particularly pleased to announce that several new features will play a major role in making this year’s CIT the best ever.

Additional details about these new features and more can be found on the League conference Website, or by calling the League office for a Registration Brochure, (949) 367-3884.  Alliance members can attend this conference at a discounted rate.


League Releases Big Picture Book

The League has released Taking a Big Picture Look @ Technology, Learning, and the Community College, a big picture view by expert practitioners and scholars to explore how information technology can help create more learning-centered institutions and improve all aspects of community college organization: administration, planning, learning and teaching, distance education, developmental studies, student services, staff development, and marketing. This book was edited by Mark D. Milliron and Cindy L. Miles and contains chapters by Conferlete Carney, Sunil Chand, Carol Cross, Judy Lever-Duffy, Paul A. Elsner, Paul Fuchcar, David T. Harrison, Laurence F. Johnson, Steven Lee Johnson, Mary Kay Kickels, Cindy L Miles, Lawrence G. Miller, Mark David Milliron, Lynn Sullivan Taber, and Alice Wildes Villadsen. Copies have been sent to members of the League Alliance; additional copies are available from the League office for $29 or by ordering online at the LeagueStore.


League/PLATO on the Internet Project Monograph Planned

The League and corporate partner TRO Learning, developer of computer-based PLATO® products and services, are putting the finishing touches on a multimedia monograph containing the previously released CD-ROM that highlights student outcomes and other results from each of the participating sites. Alliance member colleges that participated in the study included: Central Florida Community College, FL; Delta College, MI; Eastfield College, TX; Kapi`olani Community College, HI; Kirkwood Community College, IA; Moraine Valley Community College, IL; Miami-Dade Community College District, FL; Santa Fe Community College, FL; and Sinclair Community College, OH.

The study was an exploratory research program investigating the application of Internet-based instruction in developmental mathematics programs. The 10-month study explored critical success factors for computer-based distance learning in developmental math programs.

The multimedia monograph, Adding Up the Distance:  Critical Success Factors for Internet-Based Learning in Developmental Mathematics, will be distributed to the attendees of the 2000 Conference on Information Technology and will be available for purchase at a discounted price to Alliance members through the League office. Study findings will also be available on the League’s and TRO Learning’s Websites.


League, University of Phoenix, and U.S. Open University
Plan Articulation

The League and corporate partner, University of Phoenix (UOP) are discussing the development of a consortium-level articulation agreement between interested community and technical colleges and UOP. The articulation agreement will emphasize (1) facilitating the transfer process for those students who complete associate degrees and are interested in transferring to UOP and (2) preparing community college students to be successful learners in the technologically enhanced, adult learning environments provided by UOP.

Other partnership possibilities to be discussed include links between UOP and community colleges to (1) prepare faculty to teach with technology through UOP’s new e-teacher certification program, (2) provide mid-level leadership training to community college professionals through UOP’s Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership, (3) increase public school teacher training, and (4) develop a consortium of corporate partners that reimburse students for studies at local community colleges and UOP.

New League Alliance member United States Open University (USOU) has submitted a proposal to the League that will serve as the template for a national articulate agreement between USOC and interested League community colleges. USOC’s proposed articulation agreement is designed to develop a group of institutions interested and experienced in delivering high-quality distance learning that prepares students to be independent life-long learners. USOC only offers lower division courses in information technology, allowing them to concentrate their efforts on upper division courses—baccalaureate  and master’s degrees—and leave the providing of lower division, general education, and technical courses leading to associate’s degrees to community colleges. The proposed agreement includes a Core to Core and General Transfer component that establishes principles of good practice in transfer relationships and a Dual Admissions component that will provide community college  students with coordinated program advisement and guaranteed transfer program availability. USOC’s objective is to become a viable option for community college students seeking to obtain a baccalaureate after the completion of their associate’s degree, but who cannot attend classes on campus or abide to a strict schedule that does not fit their needs.


Innovations 2001 Program Takes Shape

Planning is under way for the League’s 4th annual Innovations Conference February 28–March 3, 2001, in Atlanta, Georgia, hosted by Georgia Perimeter College with the Georgia  Department of Technical and Adult Education. Innovations 2001 is a conference dedicated to improving student and organizational learning through innovation, experimentation, and institutional transformation.

Mark your calendar now to join the most energetic professionals in community colleges as they come together to showcase their model programs, share lessons learned, and look to the future by exploring innovations in (1) learning and teaching, (2) leadership and organization, (3) workforce preparation and development, (4) student services and activities, (5) basic skills and developmental education, and (6) vendor solutions and demonstrations.

Confirmed keynote presenters include Morris Dees, lawyer, civil rights activist, and founder, Southern Poverty Law Center, Ted Marchese, Executive Editor of Change Magazine and Vice President of the American Association for Higher Education; Pat Mitchell, president and CEO, Public Broadcasting System; Luke Barber, professor of philosophy, Richland College and author of Work Like Your Dog: Fifty Ways to Work Less, Play More, and Earn More; Barbara Bollmann, Community College of Denver, K. Patricia Cross, Senior League Fellow, Dianne Cyr, Community College of Denver, Steven Lee Johnson, provost and chief operating officer, Sinclair Community College; John E. Roueche, The University of Texas at Austin, Sanford C. Shugart, president, Valencia Community College, and Alice Villadsen, president, Brookhaven College.

In addition, an array of learning opportunities will engage participants in exciting, cutting-edge activities, including the introduction of The Classroom of the Future, a showcase of the latest teaching and learning applications and services; over 300 Forums, Roundtables, and Special Sessions featuring model programs, lessons learned, and future opportunities; Learning Center Courses granting Continuing Education Units (CEUs) with in-depth coverage of leading-edge topics; 24-hour e-mail and Internet access; an extensive exhibition of educational resources and services from League corporate partners; a special poster session featuring the Vanguard Learning Colleges, and the 2nd annual Community College Orientation Course providing fundamental background on and future directions of the community college.

The deadline for receipt of proposals was September 1, and prospective speakers will be notified of the status of their proposal in late October. The Registration Brochure for the conference will also be available in late October, and additional details will be found here. League members can attend at discounted registration fees.


League for Innovation Alliance CEOs were recently surveyed about mentoring. Survey findings indicated:

  •  77% of CEOs had mentors that helped guide their early personal and professional development, and 96% of those felt their mentors had a moderate to high-level of influence on their success

  • 73% percent of CEOs currently serve as mentors, while only 24% currently have mentors themselves.

  •  Less than 35% of CEOs surveyed have employee mentor programs at their colleges, yet 90% of existing employee mentor programs are reported to have a moderate to highly positive influence on employee retention and effectiveness.

  •  43% of CEOs surveyed have student mentor programs at their colleges, and 95% of these programs are reported to have a moderate to highly positive influence on student success.

League Alliance CEOs were also asked what was the best advice given to them by their mentors. The most frequently reported “words of wisdom” fell in six basic categories: 1) Human Touch—focus on and pay attention to people, students, and relationships; 2) Flexibility—be ready to adjust to current situations and willing to move if you want to move up; 3) Integrity—be honest and lead from principles; 4) Communication—listen intently and communicate clearly; 5) Achievement—strive for improvement in yourself and the organization, and be persistent about it; and 6) Ways of Work—love your job, think big picture, dog the details, seek balance, and always set the example. Complete survey results are available from the League office; call (949) 367-2884 or contact Gerardo de los Santos. The next survey will be in September and will cover, “What Do CEOs Want to Know about Foundations.”

 


 
“As faculty debate the requirements for becoming a learning-centered college with a focus on student outcomes rather than institutional processes, the time for moving from student services to student development is at hand. As the Learning Revolution progresses, student services personnel will be called on to demonstrate not only an accounting of the services they have provided, but also a demonstration of the learning experiences they have produced for their students.”

Carol Cross, “Cyber-Counseling, Virtual Registration, and Student Self-Service,” Student Services in the Information Age,” Taking a Big Picture Look @ Technology, Learning, and the Community College, September 2000

 
“Find something you care about deeply that serves something beyond yourself and work hard toward it.  Start with the internal work to find out what you really care about, ‘your birthright gift.’ Once you find it, work like crazy to make it happen.  Along the way, find and treasure the diamonds in your life, those personal and professional relationships that nurture your soul and challenge you to do better.”

Mark Milliron, quoted in a profile by Converge magazine, August 2000, naming him one of the “Shapers of our Future: 2000”

 


Between the Lines...What Community College Leaders Are Reading 

“For professional development I am reading Blown to Bits : How the New Economics of Information Systems Transforms Strategy by Philip Evans and Thomas S. Wurster, vice presidents of Boston Consulting Group (where my son, Tigre, is the managing Partner of the Mexico City BCG operation).  Some of the key points of the book are that every business is an information business, and information accounts for the preponderance of competitive advantage and its sustainability.  I think there are a lot of messages in the book for community colleges. I especially like their closing comments on leadership ... where the authors argue that there are two things leaders, and only leaders, can do: create a culture and develop a strategy.

On the light side, my wife Martha is the avid fiction reader in our family, and she periodically gives me a book that she thinks I would like. The most recent was Ridley Pearson’s MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, a murder mystery set in  Seattle.  It is pretty fast-paced and I identify with the setting since Seattle is where our daughter Meg and her husband Scott live.  It takes place during a police department “blue flu” work sick-out and reminds me of the kinds of pressures on public safety folks.  Good airplane reading on my way out to teach at the League’s Executive Leadership Institute.”

Bill Wenrich, chancellor,
Dallas County Community College District

 

“I have been doing quite a bit of reading recently for professional use.  This summer in particular I have read The Heart of Leadership: The Heart of Leadership: 12 Practices of Courageous Leaders and The 7 Acts of Courage: Bold Leadership for a Wholehearted Life, both by Robert E. Staub, II, and Reframing Organizations : Artistry, Choice, and Leadership by Lee G. Bolman and Terrence E. Deal. These books deal with organizational leadership theories as they relates to the whole person. Staub elaborates on the balancing of the intelligence quotient (IQ) and the emotional quotient (EQ).  The authors also discuss transformational leadership as opposed to transactional leadership.

For fun I did the quick read, Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, M.D. My mentor sent me that book several months ago, and I finally made time to read it; I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sometimes the best lessons are learned in a simple and practical format.”

Myrtle Dorsey, vice president for student affairs, college district, Georgia Perimeter College


Forty-Three Percent of ELI Grads Now Presidents

By August 2000, 417 potential community college presidents completed the League’s Executive Leadership Institute, begun in 1988. Of these, 52 percent are male and 48 percent female; 75 percent White, 14 percent African American, eight percent Hispanic, two percent Asian and Pacific Islander, and one percent Native American.

Of the 386 graduates who completed the institute prior to this summer, 165 (43 percent) have become presidents. Fifty-seven percent of these presidents are male, 43 percent are female, 70 percent White; 17 percent are African American, 11 percent are Hispanic, and 3 percent Asian and Pacific Islander.

Of all male participants in the institute, 47 percent have become presidents, as opposed to only 38 percent of female participants. Just under 40 percent of all white participants have become presidents, while 52 percent of African Americans, 58 percent of Hispanics, and 86 percent of Asian an Pacific Islanders have become presidents since completing the institute.

One goal of the program is to accelerate the passage of minorities into the presidential pipeline. Clearly this goal has been successful and the institute has made a considerable contribution towards diversifying the gender and ethnicity of community college presidents.

The 14th annual Executive Leadership Institute will take place August 5–10, 2001, in Newport Beach, California. Members of the League for Innovation are given special consideration for attendance; contact the League office for additional details.


 

League Welcomes 21 New Alliance Members

Twenty-one community and technical colleges have joined the Alliance since April 2000, bringing the total number of members to 712.

  1. Amarillo College

  2. Ayers State Technical College

  3. Camosun College

  4. Cape Cod Community College

  5. Coastal Bend College

  6. Columbia-Greene Community College

  7. Community College of Beaver County

  8. Community College of Spokane

  9. Community College of Vermont

  10. East Central Technical Institute

  11. Highline Community College

  12. Independence Community College

  13. North Central Missouri College

  14. Northwest Vista College

  15. Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee

  16. Piedmont Technical College

  17. Riverland Community College

  18. Riverside Community College

  19. San Jose City College

  20. State Center Community College District

  21. Universidad de Monterrey


The Inside Track

Four community college leaders responded to our question, “What is your college doing to attract and/or retain Information Technology faculty/staff?”

“At Johnson County Community College, we have a technical job pay differential of four percent to 11 percent, depending upon the pay grade (higher pay grades have a higher differential). For the first two years of employment, staff get evaluated for pay raises every six months. These four pay “bumps” are in addition to the traditional annual increase offered to all college employees. We also stress the benefits of working in the more family-friendly, less stressful environment of the community college.”

Douglas Allen, executive director, information services, Johnson County Community College

“To attract Information Technology personnel to Miami-Dade Community College, we have (1) revamped our salary ranges for such positions, (2) used a “hard to hire” position supplement to increase starting salaries, and (3) tried to stress the advantages to such personnel of working in an academic setting. To retain such personnel, we provide advanced training in all aspects of their job. For training that is costly, we ask personnel to commit to remain at the college for at least a two year period following training.”

Kathie Sigler, president, Medical Center Campus, Miami-Dade Community College

“PCC does pay stipends, in addition to salaries, to IT staff. The stipends normally are $5,000 for systems analysts/programmers/engineers, and $10,000-15,000 for directors and assistant vice chancellors.  We review each position separately as to need, and consider salary exceptions to compete with local and regional labor markets.  We do a placement for a base salary on an 8-12 step range of a 16-step range;  then other stipends are added.”

Jana Kooi, president, Community Campus, Pima Community College


Awarded $1.4 Million
for Learning Outcomes Project

The League for Innovation will direct a 21st Century Learning Outcomes Project funded by a  $1.4 million grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts.  The goal of the project is to increase the capacity of community colleges to define and document student acquisition of the critical competencies needed to succeed in transfer education, in the workplace, and in today’s society.

The project is Stage Two of a large-scale partnership between the League and The Pew Charitable Trusts aimed at enhancing undergraduate learning, and involves implementation and advocacy activities to catalyze a new standards movement in community colleges.  The first stage of the project explored community college involvement in defining the core competencies needed by students for success in the 21st Century workforce and in using performance-based learning approaches to prepare students for the 21st Century workplace.  The findings from Stage One are available in the League publication, Learning Outcomes for the 21st Century:  Report of a Community College Study.

The project, part of the League’s Learning Initiative, is funded for two years.  Sixteen community colleges have been invited to participate in the project and will develop models and best practices for identifying and delivering student learning outcomes and for assessing and documenting student achievement of those outcomes.  The participating colleges are Butler County Community College (KS), Central Piedmont Community College (NC), Cuyahoga Community College (OH), Foothill College (CA), Hocking College (OH), Inver Hills Community College (MN), Johnson County Community College (KS), Kingsborough Community College (NY), Mesa Community College (AZ), Midlands Technical College (SC), Montgomery College (TX), San Diego Miramar College (CA), Santa Fe Community College (FL), Schoolcraft College (MI), Skagit Valley Community College (WA), and Waukesha County Technical College (WI).


 

“More than three-quarters of families with annual income of $75,000 or more have a computer at home; one half of families whose income is between $35,000–49,000 have a computer at home. Less than one quarter of families with income of less than $25,000 have a computer at home, and in addition, less than twenty percent of families with income of less than $15,000 have computers at home.”

Source: National Telecommunications and Information Administration 2000, as quoted in Community Colleges Bridging the Digital Divide, a new monograph from the League for Innovation

“Only about five percent of colleges surveyed in the League’s 21st Century Skills project reported that they are documenting processes for student achievement of 21st Century Skills in ways other than grades or course credit.”

Source: Learning Outcomes for the 21st Century:  Report of a Community College Study, League for Innovation monograph, February 2000

 

LeagueConnections is published three times a year by the League for Innovation in the Community College, edited by Nancy Italia, Vice President of Planning and Development.

 

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