DETC

2008 Annual Conference, Boston, MA - Speaker Presentations

Monday's Sessions:

Vickie Schray, U.S. Department of Education
Closing the Postsecondary Education Group: A National Imperative

Beginning with her Commission on the Future of Higher Education, the Secretary of Education launched a critical national dialogue about the need for a culture of accountability across all sectors of higher education. In September 2006, the Secretary released her Action Plan for Higher Education, which called for increasing the access, affordability, and accountability of colleges and universities. This session provides an overview of the dialogue and activity within Washington and across the country related to the work of the Commission on the Future of Higher Education and the Secretary's Action Plan for Higher Education.

Belle Wheelan, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
The Good that Accreditors Do

The process of higher education accrediting institutions was designed to ensure each institution had a mission relevant to higher education, the resources to effectively carry it out, and appropriate student learning outcomes and way to assess students’ achievement of them. This presentation will focus on a variety of areas in which the peer review process assists institutions in these efforts. Several strategies that have been implemented at various institutions throughout the southern region will be shared.

Nick Allen, University of Maryland University College
The Changing World of Distance Education: New Opportunities, New Challenges

Distance education is evolving rapidly beyond its dynamic growth and increasing acceptance over the past decade. What are some of the changes on the horizon that will shape DE in the future in terms of: new audiences, technologies, services, and pedagogies? This presentation will highlight some of the shifts taking place and some of the challenges and opportunities these may present the distance education industry.

Christine Galdston, Gemological Institute of America
How to Conduct a Compliance Audit

The changing field of distance education can require the addition, deletion or modification of existing standards and guidelines. A compliance audit, a process allowing institutions to review the extent to which they are complying with published standards and guidelines, can ensure your institution is up to snuff. This session is not to be missed: In addition to tips on conducting an audit, the session also will provide an in-depth analysis of the process.

Ron Gregory, Gregory & Partners
Smart Marketing for Smarter Markets
Suggested Additional Reading List

In the distance education field, marketing is key. This session will summarize current DETC (and some non-DETC) institutions’ marketing practices against a backdrop of best practices. Comparing and contrasting these two views on a statistical and empirical basis will provide concrete insight into the marketing field. In addition, you’ll leave this session with strategies and tactics for improved marketing processes.

Tuesday's Sessions:

Richard Garrett, Eduventures
The Changing Higher Education Market

Don’t miss this of-the-moment presentation! The online higher education market is thriving–transitioning from the periphery to the mainstream–and understanding this transition is critical for institutions invested in online delivery. This presentation will draw together some key findings from recent Eduventures’ research on the online higher education market in the United States, giving particular attention to consumer demand, the role of geography, and positioning and differentiation trends.

Sharon Bob, Powers Pyles Sutter and Verville
Federal Potpourri: A View from Washington

Wondering about the status of distance education legislation and policy in Washington, DC? Dr. Sharon Bob, DETC’s Special Consultant on Financial Aid, will use this Washington Update will give you all the important information on national issues relating to distance education.

Gwen Britton, Western Governors University
Success with Western Governors University's Virtual Mentoring Model

Higher education institutions increasing their online education offerings seek strategies to increase student satisfaction and learning. These are two key factors in student retention and success, as well as, timely completion of degree programs. Engaging students and keeping the level of engagement high contributes to student satisfaction (implicitly) and learning (explicitly) as students develop a sense of a "community of support." This session will present Western Governors University's virtual mentoring model solution to the problem of engaging students and addressing these two key factors.

David Nelson, Schooley Mitchell Telecom Consultants
The Future of Telecom in E-Learning

As the distance education field rapidly evolves, so do the uses for telecommunication. Find out the current trends in telecommunications for distance learning and learn how to prepare for future uses of this important technology.