During ADEC's tenth anniversary year, we have established a new threshold
for implementing distance learning. IDEAL2, by building on basic principles,
recommendations, and tools developed in IDEAL1, has moved from laying
the groundwork to engaging a broad community in implementation. We have
sought to listen, encourage, and promote distance learning within institutions
and across universities. While the focus has been primarily domestic,
we have developed international collaboration that will provide useful
information to explore an expanded role for ADEC on a global scale.
Implementation strategies and material
to promote collaboration across the consortium were disseminated widely
to engage the higher education system. Presentations on IDEAL2 at the
Wisconsin distance learning conference, NASULGC, EDUCAUSE, and the International
Council for Distance Learning are a few examples. We have also engaged
in discussions with virtual universities and international consortia on
how we might work together. Tom Fretz, chair of the ADEC board, and Janet
Poley, president/CEO of ADEC,
H. Dean Sutphin, associate dean,
Cornell University, IDEAL2 chair
often represented ADEC and the work of IDEAL2 at key events. As chair
of IDEAL2, I was privileged to make presentations and carry the message
of implementation.
We reviewed the ADEC web site to ensure
a foundation for implementing distance learning and how it could assist
us in carrying out the charge to IDEAL2. Product updates on the web
site included a checklist, guiding principles, the learning center study,
turf study, transfer credit, and inventory of distance learning to reflect
the latest information. Just click on IDEAL on the well-traveled ADEC
web page for the most current information. The ADEC webmaster will continue
to keep this section updated.
An IDEAL2 brochure was developed to highlight
recommendations, best practices, checklists, and strategies for eliminating
turf barriers for implementing distance learning. This product was designed
for campus distance learning committees and faculty. It was disseminated
widely at national and regional meetings along with direct mailing to
ADEC institutions. (See appendix 1.) David Watkins, director of Cornell
University Media and Technology Services, provided leadership for this
important product.
Learning centers at the respective ADEC
institutions were reviewed and recommendations formulated on how these
centers can work within the consortium to promote distance learning
across the system. There is potential to formalize a network of learning
center directors. This idea will be pursued within ADEC. Scott Fedale
deserves credit for leading this important analysis. Finally, this publication
primarily highlights results of a national videoconference that provided
a highly interactive town meeting as part of the tenth-anniversary celebration,
linking more than seventy universities. Led by Sam
