Ocotillo Spotlight on Instructional Technology

Note: The Ocotillo Spotlight is no longer published, but all previous issues will remain on this site.

spotlight for October 2002
The October 2002 Ocotillo Spotlight highlights Estrella Mountain Community College's efforts in E-Learning and includes a vision statement for how E-Learning will look 5 years from now.

Sheila Brandt (Scottsdale Community College)
Rick Effland (Mesa Community College)
Ocotillo Faculty Co-Chairs
sheila.brandt@sccmail.maricopa.edu
richard.effland@mcmail.maricopa.edu

E-Learning Task Force @ EMCC
written by Dr. Roger Yohe, Center for Teaching and Learning, Estrella Mountain Community College
roger.yohe@emcmail.maricopa.edu

During the 2001-02 academic year, twenty-two members of the Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) faculty and staff concentrated the College's Ocotillo activities to investigate issues related to E-Learning and how they impact Estrella Mountain's community.

The E-Learning Task Force members participated in a four-phase process which began with a broad review of the research related to learning, teaching and technology. Areas of focus during the research phase were Pedagogy, Curriculum Development, Use of Hardware and Software Tools, Faculty Support, Other Providers, Marketing and Student Services. Task Force members worked in teams to develop specific recommendations in each area.

Several Maricopa leaders in the area of E-Learning and faculty development presented "lessons learned" throughout the year at monthly Task Force Meetings and all presented information about their respective programs:

Carol Scarafiotti, Rio Salado College Dean of Instruction

Amy Andelora, Mesa Community College Faculty

Sheri Bakunowski, Paradise Valley Community College Distance Learning Coordinator

Patti Marsh, Paradise Valley Community College Business and Personal Computing (BPC) Faculty and Open Entry/Open Exit Area Coordinator

Donna Rebadow, Paradise Valley Community College Health and Exercise Science (HES)/Psychology Faculty

The complete Task Force Final Report is available online and contains links to best practices and various E-Learning resources from leading colleges and universities.

Results of the work conducted by the E-Learning Task Force have led to an implementation phase. An E-Learning Advisory Committee will be formed this semester to address not only widespread educational technology issues, but also specific recommendations for implementing a comprehensive program that supports flexible learning options for Estrella Mountain students.

What will E-Learning at Estrella Mountain look like in 5 years?

E-learning at Estrella Mountain will enhance student success, increase access, and provide quality options to facilitate teaching and learning in a flexible environment. Over the next five years, Estrella Mountain will develop its E-Learning program with an initial focus on serving students in the current service area.

Within five years, Estrella Mountain Students will:

experience the same level of interpersonal support and attention in E-Learning programs that is currently a hallmark of Estrella Mountain.
be able to start and finish coursework at anytime.
be able to choose from a mix of E-Learning options.
be able to complete certificates and degrees entirely through E-Learning programs (hybrid, self-paced, etc.).
be able to access all services online.
experience enhanced learning environments through the seamless use of technology across the curriculum.
experience the same or higher level of quality and standards than they experience in traditional coursework.

Members of Estrella Mountain's E-Learning Task Force were:

Rich Marmon, Director of Planning and Technology Services

Roger Yohe, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning

Bryan Tippett, Dean of Instruction

Nancy Greenlaw, Dean of Administrative Services

Ernie Lara, Dean of Student Services

Becky Richey, Coordinator of the Learning Enhancement Center

Carol Dichtenberg, Information Resources Faculty

Dennis Oliver, ESL/English Faculty

Dwain Desbien, Physics Faculty

Gary Kilduff, Division Chair, Counseling

John Bradley, Occupational Education Faculty

Kara Tableman, Instructional Computing Faculty

Kathy McCoy, Mathematics Faculty

Kim Mounts, Coordinator of Marketing and Public Relations

Natalie Rivera, Mathematics Faculty

Patty Keener, Instructional Computing Faculty

Polly Miller, Supervisor of Instructional Computing Services

René Willekens, Director of Institutional Research

Roselyn Turner, Communication Faculty

Valerie Akuna, Instructional Computing Faculty