Discussion Questions
The following questions are provided to facilitate local discussion at the conclusion of the IDEAL2 videoconference. Many of the questions relate to issues identified in the case studies presented in the videoconference.
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What opportunities are available at your institution to participate in cooperative, multi-institutional distance education programs? (Consider undergraduate and graduate education, and 2+2 programs with community colleges.)
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Has your institution explored opportunities for partnering with high schools to deliver dual credit courses?
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Are there other possible partners (public and private) who may be able to enhance your distance education program?
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What benefits may be gained from participating in a cooperative, multi-institutional distance education program?
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With regard to developing a cooperative, multi-institutional distance education program, how many potential obstacles can you identify? Consider the following categories:
- Curriculum issues (credit acceptance, turf barriers)
- Faculty issues (incentives, rewards, workload)
- Student support issues (financial aid, library resources
- Tuition and fees (in-state/out-of-state fees, redistribution of monies)
- Technology issues Can you describe possible solutions to each of these obstacles?
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How might your institution assess the quality of distance education courses developed by another institution?
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What lessons can be learned from widely hailed multi-institutional ventures, such the Western Governors University and the California Virtual University, that have fallen short of their goals?