Is distance learning transformational? The author heard this question posed to a panel of faculty members during Distance Education Week activities. After reflecting upon her own students' reaction to her syllabus, her answer to the question changed from an initial, enthusiastic "yes" to a reflective "maybe," given the most favorable environment.…

After so many years of invisibility, adult students in higher education have finally begun to come into their own. As a newly discovered marketing niche, adults are seen by budget-driven college administrators as important financial plums. As vocal advocates for their own needs, they have made the issue of access a legitimate consideration in the…

We propose, develop, and evaluate the black ink-red ink (BIRI) method of testing. This approach uses two different methods within the same test administration setting, one that matches recognition learning and the other that matches recall learning. Students purposively define their own tradeoff between the two approaches. Evaluation of the method…

Current understandings of a knowledge economy have been emerging from two defining forces: the rise in quality and intensity of knowledge as a key commodity for economic development and the increasing globalization through information technology of both knowledge exchange and economic activities. The future of adult higher education is focused on…

The article argues that, historically, universities have served a select few individuals as part of modernist not transformative agenda. This highly selective process guarantees students good life. The article argues that university education helps to redress colonial inequities through creating opportunities for graduate employability. However,…

Technology has long been employed to improve teaching and learning, although not always so efficiently and cleverly as one might wish. Advances in the teaching paradigm have sometimes reinforced outmoded, obsolete, and simply incorrect practices and prevailing understanding of the organization of knowledge. Today, technology presents education in…

Many people are finding themselves in the middle of a messy muddle these days. Faced with budget cuts and the challenge of extending the reach of the institution to increase enrollments, people are in the classic do-more-with-less situation. In this article, the author discusses how distance-education programs can rapidly grow with limited…

College-based adult learning programs are beset by low status, lack of institutional support, cash-cow syndrome, lack of faculty investment, and the dichotomy of traditional/adult students. The academy should embrace an entrepreneurial mission in order to adapt to the challenges of the 21st century. (Contains 15 references.) (SK)

Outlines problems in continuing higher education, suggesting that it lacks (1) a standard name; (2) a unified voice on national issues; (3) a standard set of roles and functions; (4) a standard title for the chief administrative officer; (5) an accreditation body and process; and (6) resolution of the centralization/decentralization issue. (SK)

The proliferation of uses of "certificate" in education and business is rendering the term meaningless. Higher education institutions should seek consensus on the types and categories in order to maintain clarity. A delineation between nonbaccalaureate and postbaccalaureate and between credit and noncredit is a starting point. (Contains 11…

Analyzes the relationship between megatrends (technology, demographics, globalization, branding, consolidation, outsourcing) and use of technology in higher education. Considers how the university's historic mission is eroding and suggests possibilities for both a commitment to that mission and use of high-tech distance learning in the global…

Revisits the Association for Continuing Higher Education's Code of Ethics adopted in 1997. Suggests future challenges to be considered in revision, including technology, distance learning, intellectual property, and accountability. (SK)

Studies show an average rate of 50% attrition in adult and continuing-education doctoral programs. Institutional and individual barriers may be the cause. Institutional strategies to reduce barriers and prepare students to be proactive and informed participants are needed. (SK)

Offers guidelines for integrating technology-enhanced education into the curricula: (1) support faculty and administration in developing technology-enhanced education; (2) identify information technology skills that graduates will need; (3) assist in planning support systems; (4) work with stakeholders to develop realistic estimates of needed…

Describes paradigm shifts that have led to the macro change of technology-enhanced education. Assesses issues: (1) how continuing educators can assist institutions in adapting to this change; (2) whether efforts should be centralized or decentralized; and (3) what innovative leadership skills are needed. (SK)