Advance

good practices and sound policies that accelerate the effective adoption and use of technologies in teaching and learning.

Resources

To advance e-learning policy and practice in higher education, WCET produces materials in print and other media:

WCET

  • Good practices for e-learning, distance learning, and hybrid learning practitioners.
  • Publications about e-learning research and findings.
  • Books created for mass consumption.

Most of these resources are available free to both members and non-members. If you have questions about any of the resources listed below, contact us at wcetinfo@wiche.edu.

Good Practices

Guide for Planning Communications during LMS Selection, Implementation and Beyond.

Published: November 2010

WCET's common interest group on learning management systems created this "communications matrix" to help institutions plan for effective communications whereby all stakeholders are involved and informed at appropriate times and in appropriate ways during an LMS transition. The matrix presents a list of the campus "communicators" who typically have a role in the transition cycle and a breakdown of the various stages--from initial planning to deployment and assessment.

State Approval List of Regulations for Distance Education: A Starter List

Published: April 22, 2011

The intent of creating this list is to provide institutions with a starting point for determining the states, if any, in which approval needs to be secured.

Guidelines for the Review and Evaluation of Distance Education from the Regional Accrediting Commissions

Updated: December 2011

Links to Guidelines and Policy Statements from the Regional Accrediting Commissions.

Best Practice Strategies to Promote Academic Integrity in Online Education, Version 2.0

Published: June 2009

This document is based on the February 2008 work by WCET's Study Group on Academic Integrity and Student Authentication. The Instructional Technology Council (ITC) surveyed its membership for feedback and additional strategies to enhance the WCET work. This June 2009 document reflects the combined contributions of WCET, the UT TeleCampus of the University of Texas System, and ITC.

Are Your Online Students Really the Ones Registered for the Course?: Student Authentication Requirements for Distance Education Providers

Published: February 2008

This briefing paper was produced by the WCET's Study Group on Academic Integrity and Student Authentication to inform WCET members of different approaches to address academic integrity and student verification in online learning.

Principles of Sustainability: Financial Sustainability of an Online Educational Program

Published: December 2006

Developed as part of the research conducted by Montana State University's FIPSE-funded Borderless Access to Training and Education (BATE) project. The principles were reviewed by leaders from selected successful online programs. Authored by Katrina Meyer (University of Memphis), Janis Bruwelheide (Montana State University-Bozeman), and Russell Poulin (WCET).

Guidelines for Creating Student Services Online

Published: 2002

These guidelines were the result of the U.S. Department of Education's FIPSE-funded project "Beyond the Administrative Core". The guidelines assist colleges and universities in planning and implementing online student services. Additional documents:

Best Practices for Electronically Offered Degree and Certificate Programs

Published: 2001

Based WCET's hallmark work in the area of best practices in technology-mediated learning, the regional accrediting agencies, through the Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions, contracted with WCET to update the Principles. Related documents:

Publications

"Online Education: Where Is It Going? What Should Boards Know?"

Published: January/February 2011

Kenneth C. Green and Ellen Wagner, published by the Association of Governing Boards, Trusteeship Magazine.

Managing Online Education

Published: October 2009

In 2009, the Campus Computing Project and WCET partnered to develop and conduct the first "Managing Online Education" survey. Link to the 2010 Managing Online Survey Executive Summary.

Unleashing Waves of Innovation: Transformative Broadband for America's Future

Published: April 2009

A white paper prepared by a national collaboration of higher education organizations, including WICHE, describing the need for a national broadband strategy that begins with America's: colleges, universities, schools, libraries, and hospitals.

Funding of Academic Collaborations (eLearning Consortia)

Published: August 2008

This paper presents the results of a survey of inter-institutional organizations that share resources to increase institutional capacity for sharing of, and access to technology-mediated courses and programs. Findings focus on sources of revenue, amount of funding, and effective funding models. United States, Canadian, and multi-state/province organizations were included in the study. Authored by Russell Poulin (WCET) and Demaree Michelau (WICHE).

Evolving Academic e-Learning Endeavor: The Impact of Using Technology in Learning and Teaching

Published: March 2008

The executive summary of an international benchmarking workshop sponsored by the Observatory on Borderless Higher Education (OBHE) and WCET. In 2007, senior leaders from six universities located in the United Kingdom, United States, and Mexico utilized the OBHE/WCET higher education benchmarking methodology to promote the sharing of their institutional experiences relating to the planning and managing of e-learning programs.

Can You Hear Us Now? Connecting Minority-Serving Institutions in the West to U.S. Advanced Cyberinfrastructure

Published: 2007

White paper issued by the 2006 Lariat Summit with recommendations for connecting minority-serving institutions to national broadband networks.

MIT & EduTools: Peer Comparison of Course/Learning Management Systems, Course Materials Life Cycle, and Related Costs

Published: July 2006

Results of a benchmarking study, performed under contract for MIT, that provide comparative data from ten peer institutions regarding their use and support of Course/Learning Management Systems. The study also reviews those institutions' expectations for the "life cycle" of course materials and the costs of these endeavors. Authored by Bruce Landon (WCET), Tom Henderson (Central Washington University), and Russ Poulin (WCET).

Technology Costing Methodology CD-ROM

Published: 2004

The Technology Costing Methodology project, a collaboration between WCET and National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS), is an authoritative tool for analyzing costs of instructional approaches that make heavy use of technology. This CD-ROM includes all of the procedures, spreadsheets, and, tools to conduct your own analysis. There is a $25 fee for the CD and additional shipping charges for addresses outside of North America.

Virtual College & University Consortia

Published: 2003

WCET and the State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEO) jointly sponsored this 2002-2003 study to examine the goals, functions, challenges, and outcomes of statewide virtual universities across the United States. Authored by Rhonda Epper (SHEEO) and Myk Garn, Kenucky Virtual College.

Books

Advancing Campus Efficiencies: A Companion for Campus Leaders in the Digital Era
Cover of "Advancing Campus Efficiencies" Book

Published: 2007

This 2007 publication provides straightforward advice and nontechnical information to help college and university administrators respond to calls for greater accountability and students' increasing expectations for technology-supported services. (2007).

The Distance Learner's Guide
Cover of "The Distance Learner's Guide" Book

Published: 2005 and 1999

A comprehensive guide, with a companion website, that introduces prospective students to distance education providers and options, strategies and tips to be a successful distance learner, and types of student services and online resources available. Published by Pearson Higher Education.