Traditional universities are feeling the impact of "disruptive technologies" such as distance education. Seeing how businesses have responded to such disruptions, universities should "incubate" innovations in a semiautonomous unit such as continuing education, which can address new markets with low margins. (SK)

Structured interviews with 11 older rural residents who participated in university outreach courses indicated high satisfaction, in contrast to earlier studies indicating lack of interest among this population. Identifying interests at grass-roots level and encouraging local ownership of outreach programs are success strategies for rural…

The process of developing an online course through Women's International Electronic University revealed constraints many women face in continuing education participation, especially regarding family and work. Course developers faced challenges of teaching less technologically literate students through a technical medium, cost-recovery constraints,…

Compares three world views upon which social sciences research has been based: positivism, interpretive humanism, and radical structuralism. Outlines challenges to the assumptions of these world views posed by postmodernism and feminism. Presents questions with which to reframe continuing education research. (SK)

Factors that impede research in university continuing education (UCE) include those affecting the field and those specific to the context of practice. The mandate, culture, staff qualifications, and nature of work and research in UCE make traditional research approaches problematic. A broader conceptualization of research could enhance its…

Changes in university extension/continuing education require a new type of research that is more appropriate for emerging practice. An online database of case studies of continuing education programs and projects could help improve practice and supply the knowledge base for graduate programs. (SK)

As university continuing education has become more market driven, an emerging area of research is focused on the way learning occurs in organizations. Such research could support universities' contribution to economic and community development and address major concerns of organizations. (SK)

Nursing students' exposure to transformative learning is compared to Alice's adventures in"Wonderland". Teaching strategies that encourage critical reflection and discussion, questioning of the status quo, and understanding of one's own and others' world view are recommended. (SK)

Comparison of a nursing course delivered by videoconferencing (n=21), administration course via audiographics (n=23), and education course via audioconferencing (n=31) showed that, regardless of the technology, learners were most influenced by instructor's teaching style. The importance of relational and interactive factors in distance teaching…

States that worker needs for appropriate skills, knowledge, and training are not being met by universities. Concludes that continuing education should fulfill three roles of education: training people for jobs, educating for professions, and providing a forum for the exchange of ideas. (SK)

Reviews global changes and the following strategies changing the definition of university extension and continuing education: (1) cost-recovery entrepreneurial model; (2) emphasis on professional continuing education; (3) diminishing focus on traditional service; (4) distance education; and (5) global marketing. (SK)

Responses from 179 Canadian continuing education staff found that 55% were over 45; 35% had more than five years experience; 78% were in tenure-track positions; 62% were women, who had 52% of deanships. Men were significantly more likely to have tenure, hold academic rank, and have more experience. (SK)

A survey of 224 Canadian distance education students indicated that 81% were women, 70% enrolled for career reasons, and most were age 24 to 50. Desired support services included information about getting started in distance education, communication with instructors and students, a learning center, and career assistance. (SK)

A study of interactions among 15 students in a computer-mediated graduate course found no sexist language or overt exclusionary behavior. However, women exercised less procedural leadership and influence on group products and had fewer productive contributions. (Author/SK)

Economic globalization is having ill effects on employment, wages, and job quality. Training is not a panacea for these problems, and adult educators should not allow themselves to be manipulated by the rhetoric. They should inform themselves, stimulate public debate, and propose alternatives. (SK)