Sloan Center Boosts ALN at NYC Regional Schools (continued from page 1 )

Observations: A number of significant observations and trends have emerged. First is the high level of focus smaller schools show in meeting the needs of their learners, many of which are older, working adults and under-represented groups. It’s been inspiring to witness the quality and dedication of administrators and faculty who constantly strive to find innovative approaches. Many schools have begun embracing online learning eagerly, enabling them to reach more students, while providing the same educational excellence as on campus. ALN offers schools distinct advantages: Many have reached physical capacity. Online programs allow growth without bricks-and-mortar costs. There is also a competitive online environment, with institutions not wishing to be left behind while other area schools forge ahead. Prospective students now seek colleges that provide online alternatives. Some schools wish to attract online students from outside their local region. Others are designing programs that can become national models.

The Center has observed that administrators, faculty, and staff not only think seriously, substantively, and collaboratively about online learning goals, but frequently formulate plans quickly and enthusiastically. Recognizing that Sloan—one of the most prestigious national foundations—is willing to assist their institutions, including modest grant funding, internal perception of online learning becomes enhanced immediately. Schools awarded Sloan grants appreciate how these funds enable online learning to be fully “institutionalized” and self-sustaining, and how other academic programs can be created and more faculty encouraged to participate.

Awareness of the Center’s activities has also heightened Sloan’s overall visibility. Two local schools—Hudson County (NJ) Community College and Berkeley College, a for-profit school with campuses in NJ and NY—turned to the Center for recommendations of ALN experts to serve as keynote speakers at school-wide symposia.

Two New Projects: In response to a call from local schools to share ALN resources, the Center is now arranging with a local consortium to offer technology and other services cooperatively. The Center is also playing a principal role in Sloan’s goal of integrating ALN with corporate e-learning, coordinating the first-ever national workshop in NYC in October that will bring key e-learning executive and ALN academics together to form actual projects, directed at the most pressing corporate training and university needs.