2. Distance Education at HCCS A system-wide service of HCCS. Offers many courses using a variety of technologies. A cost-effective alternative/complement to traditional classroom education. A rapidly growing field at HCCS.

3. Types of Distance Education Synchronous: “Same time, different place” (e.g., live videoconferencing, live television broadcast, live desktop video, chat rooms, audioconferencing) Asynchronous: “Different time, different place” (e.g., most web-based courses, videotape, threaded discussion groups, “streamed” audio/video from stored files)

4. Distance Education at HCCS Nearly 300 web-based courses offered each year. We expect that number to increase by 50% in the next 18-24 months. Approximately 200 courses in videotape, print, TV broadcast, & videoconferencing per year. Approximately 11-12,000 distance education students this academic year.

5. Some keys to success... Use available technologies for a justified reason, not because they are simply available. Academics/content are the keys; technology is the distribution medium. Technology should influence pedagogical approaches when benefit to learning/access is provided.

6. Primary Technologies Used Internet (Web) Based Videotape Satellite television Videoconferencing Broadcast/cable TV Print Fax, phone, email others

7. Some Summary Points: Over 11,000 students per year. Top 10-20% in U.S. in terms of size/enrollment. COURSE DEVELOPMENT –2.5 years ago - several modem courses. –Now, 100+ internet courses/semester and growing. NEW COURSE FEATURES. HCC now providing online orientations, audio/video streaming, online quizzes/testing, videoconferencing courses.

8. Summary points (cont.): Alliances with state, national, and international distance education entities. Acclaimed faculty bring HCCS a strong state, national, and international reputation. Alliance with I.C. for faculty training and technical support, complementing a strong, growing infrastructure. Still room for improvement and future development.

9. For the future: More faculty teaching distance education. Provide full degree and certificate programs via distance education. WebCT - selected as application of choice for web course development. True system-wide service. Draw from entire HCCS. A comprehensive marketing effort. Carefully planned technology choices & investments. More...

10. Contact Information Stephen Levey Executive Director of Distance Education Houston Community College System Houston, TX levey_s@hccs.cc.tx.us 713-718-5261