Learning Resources

Abstract: Article Faculty and presidential perceptions of comprehensive change are not always as different as you would suspect. Pull quotes: "The most agreed-upon source of high pressure compelling institutions to undertake comprehensive change, as reported by both faculty and presidents, came from presidents and cabinets." "Who is in charge? Who does what? The more interesting, and possibly more important, question might be, who thinks who is supposed to do what?" "This study shows that presidents and faculty agree more often than the conventional wisdom would suggest."

Abstract: Book review of Growing Up Digital: The Rise of the Net Generation Pull quotes: "Unlike television, whose users are passive observers, today's digital technologies present individuals with an interactive learning environment where they actively control their learning experiences."

Abstract: Considers not only how technology has affected teaching and learning, but how we might rethink the roles of teacher and student as a result of new technologies. Examines various aspects of distance learning programs, from implementation to cost to quality assurance, and suggests some guidelines for planning and assessment.

Abstract: Book review of Planning Focus Groups, by David Morgan with Alice Scannell. SAGE Publications, 1997. 139 pages. ISBN 0-7619-0817-X paperback. (Also available as part of the six-volume Focus Group Kit, ISBN 0-7619-0816-1.) Pull quotes: "Familiarity with the concept of focus-group research has often outstripped the development of sophisticated understanding of what useful focus-group research entails."

Abstract: Book review of Learning From the Future: Competitive Foresight Scenarios, by Liam Fahey and Robert M. Randall. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1997. 446 pages. ISBN 0-47-130352-6. Pull quotes: "Scenarios need to be plausible, and they must be integrated into organizational decision making."

Abstract: Features the attempts of Stanford University to undo past errors in campus development, with a renewed focus on landscape planning designed to unify the campus. When possible, institutional planners have sought to return to the original campus landscape plan. The author discusses various impediments to the project, and examines several landscaping projects in detail. Concludes with lessons learned in the process, including the need for a comprehensive master plan, the importance of developing new funding sources, and the necessity of consistent and proactive leadership.

Abstract: Contends that new technologies demand we rethink traditional campus roles and responsibilities, and especially how we evaluate them for accreditation purposes. Current accreditation criteria reflect the values and structure of the residential campus, but are inadequate for evaluating an electronic one. Warns against allowing accreditation to impede meaningful change, nor permitting change to disassociate from an adequate accreditation process. Examines ways in which both institutions and accrediting bodies can adapt new standards and tools for evaluation.

Abstract: Book reviews of The Case for Tenure, eidted by Matthew W. Finkin. Cornell University Press, 1996. 211 pages ISBN 0-8014-3316-9. (and) New Pathways: Faculty Careers and Employment for the 21st Century. American Association for Higher Education: Alternatives to Tenure for the Next Generation of Academic, Inquiry # 14, by David Breneman. 1997. 16 pages; Academic Freedom Without Tenure?, Inquiry #5, by J. Peter Byrne. 1997. 17 pages; Off the Tenure Track: Six Models for Full-Time, Nontenurable Appointments, Inquiry #10, by Judith Gappa. 36. Pull quotes: "Higher education institutions in recent years have hired an increased number of faculty in positions not eligible for tenure and fewer faculty in positions that will lead to tenure." "The broader society will largely decide the future of tenure."

Abstract: Book review of Strategic Choices for the Academy: How Demand for Lifelong Learning Will Re-Create Higher Education, by Daniel James Rowley, Herman D. Lujan, and Micheal G. Dolence. Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1998. 309 pages. ISBN 0-7879-4067-4. Pull quotes: "Higher education must focus more broadly on educating a much larger percentage of the population to prepare our society and economy to survive in a global economy."

Abstract: Describes the evolution of greater participation by boards of trustees in the formulating and developing strategic plans. Using Elon College in North Carolina as an example, the authors suggest how trustees, administrators, and faculty might work together to effect planning, policy development, and strategic change.