Learning Resources

Abstract: Today’s college students believe that learning technologies are necessary tools that should be integrated into their course work. However, faculty have not yet responded to these expectations. This qualitative study engaged approximately 100 faculty and undergraduate students at the University of Washington in focus groups to explore this discrepancy between students’ desires to utilize technology and actual faculty integration of technology. Universities and colleges can resolve this digital disconnect by assisting in planning curricula to meet student and teacher needs, aligning support and services to technology adoption to overcome present barriers, and informing the design and development of educational technology.

Abstract: Why does it cost so much? is a question often asked about university construction. On college and university campuses, the cost of new construction and renovation will appear high relative to other construction efforts in our communities. Part of the explanation of the high construction cost lies in the complexity of what we build, the codes and standards we must meet, and the unique environment within which we build. Moreover, budgets are driven up by the choices we make when we demand that our new facilities serve as visual articulations of institutional image and quality. In short, the high cost of construction is driven by myriad strategic choices and requirements that lead to building a better university.

Abstract: The costs of distributed/distance learning (DDL) have been the subject of many studies and reports. The Technology Costing Methodology (TCM) project, sponsored by the Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications and funded by the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, involves the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems and pilot cost studies at 20 colleges and universities to develop and validate a generally agreed upon set of principles and practices for the costing of DDL courses. This article describes the TCM project, illustrates the application of the costing methodology (including capital costs), and concludes with a demonstration of how actual TCM cost data can be interpreted and used to make decisions regarding the best uses of DDL.

Abstract: This article presents the outcomes of two areas of research conducted at UNITEC Institute of Technology, New Zealand, that support the development of a new and distinctive “university of technology” within a relatively traditional national higher education system. The first involved a survey of staff opinion on the organizational development aspects of this new kind of institution. The second related to curriculum development and the nature of professional education central to a university of technology. The collective findings of these research projects support an integrated understanding of the various dimensions of professional education and the incorporation of this understanding into an educational institution’s strategic vision. This has created an identity distinctive from those of the existing universities and polytechnics in New Zealand but one that is not yet formally recognized by the New Zealand government.

Abstract: This article explains the various steps taken by Cornell University to create a Freshmen Campus on their North Campus. It first explores the reasoning about the decision to create a Freshmen Campus and then explains the process whereby the plan was developed. It compares the developed new physical plan to other campuses as well. Within the article are planning guidelines for designing new freshmen residence halls and dining facilities.

Abstract: The Oregon University System has developed a resource allocation model intended to equitably distribute state funding based on university mission and enrollments by level of instruction. The methodology is grounded on identifying and achieving the median of peer university funding. A primary feature of the model is that dollars (general fund and tuition and fees) follow the student to his or her enrolling university and are not redistributed to other system programs and universities. The model rewards campuses for meeting or exceeding system and university objectives. Accountability for achieving key indicators and stimulating resident participation is the key ingredient of budget decision making. Ultimately, the peer-based methodology has provided significant latitude to the universities in planning their enrollment and program strategies but within a framework of board, gubernatorial, and legislative anticipation and expectation.