Learning Resources

Abstract: This article proposes a framework that can help institutions break down and analyze the costs of online learning so they can make decisions about how to improve the cost-efficiencies of online education. The framework involves looking at costs across elements (which include the two stages of development and delivery plus administration of the enterprise) and seven factors: students, faculty, other staff, course design, content, infrastructure, and policy. The elements and factors may combine and interact, thereby improving (or not improving) cost-efficiencies. Where possible, current research results are included and areas where research is needed are identified.

Abstract: Any college or university involved in inter-institutional partnerships, especially one involving both two- and four-year institutions, can benefit by exposing faculty members to new ideas, teaching methods, teaching environments, and learning opportunities. Consortia and institutional partnerships can add a valuable dimension to planning for professional development in higher education, especially for rural institutions that are isolated. This article discusses the importance of collaboration in professional development and provides a case study on the development of one such partnership among 13 institutions of higher education in rural North Carolina.

Abstract: One of the major issues in strategic planning is moving the academic strategic plan from planning to implementation. This article suggests that there are several effective implementation methods: using the budget, using participation, using force, establishing goals and key performance indicators, working within the human resource management system, using the reward system, using faculty and staff development, working with institutional culture, working with or around tradition, developing and using change champions, and building on systems that are ready for or are easily adaptable to strategic change.