In this article, a popular model for organizational development is utilized as a framework for assessing the organizational readiness and capacity of educational institutions whose leaders wish to establish or expand their online/distance education programs. Examples of institutionalization factors to consider and alternative models for assessing…

The E-Learning Maturity Model (eMM) is a quality improvement framework designed to help institutional leaders assess their institution's e-learning maturity. This paper reviews the eMM, drawing on examples of assessments conducted in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and the USA to show how it helps institutional leaders assess and compare their…

The interoperability of educational systems, encouraged by the development of specifications, standards and tools related to the Semantic Web is limited to the exchange of information in domain and student models. High system interoperability requires that a common framework be defined that represents the functional essence of educational systems.…

This report updates the status of bills that the California Postsecondary Education Commission (CPEC) is tracking. It has positions as adopted by the Commission at its June 14, 2011 and earlier meetings. A matrix of bills tracked by CPEC staff is included.

This article reports on a project that explores strategies for narrowing the digital divide by providing a practicable e-learning option for the millions living outside the ambit of high performance computing and communication technology. The concept is introduced of a "learning computer," a low bandwidth tool that provides a simplified,…

Describes the IDEA project at California Polytechnic State University, a partnership between the university and 17 other organizations that led to the development of a graduate student course delivered over the World Wide Web on manufacturing strategy. A feasibility study, course implementation, and marketing are discussed. (LRW)

This study investigated the feasibility of collecting enrollment data on distance learning programs sponsored by private institutions within and outside of Washington State. E-commerce developments have allowed in-state independent providers and out-of-state public institutions to serve residents of Washington State, and many nontraditional…

A report on the feasibility of creating a Florida state system of accreditation for public and private postsecondary institutions and programs is presented. Following background information on accreditation in Florida and at the regional and national levels, specialized accreditation is addressed, along with program review, and occupational…

The National Literacy Mission Authority has begun pilot testing an innovative open distance education program for newly literate individuals in 20 districts of India. Using open and distance education where literacy is at its infancy is feasible because newly literate persons can manage to read printed material and have the motivation to read and…

The structure and content of continuing education and independent study programs currently being offered in North America (particularly in the United States) were examined from the standpoint of the feasibility of adopting similar practices and developing similar programs at the University of Queensland in Australia. It was discovered that there…

A Texas project developed a model distance learning program for a Health Care Science course. It determined the feasibility of using a distance learning delivery system for providing small rural districts with additional vocational education options. Activities included advisory committee selection, course development and support material…

The possibility of creating an appropriate online learning environment for distance adult students was examined in a study of 22 Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) students' attitudes regarding the online version of a course offered as part of Penn State's masters of education program. The students completed surveys before, during, and…