ERIC Number: EJ1114203
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004
Pages: N/A
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1556-3847
EISSN: N/A
Distance Education Strategy: Mental Models and Strategic Choices
Adams, John C.; Seagren, Alan T.
Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, v7 n2 Sum 2004
What issues do distance education (DE) leaders believe will influence the future of DE? What are their colleges' DE strategies? This qualitative study compares DE strategic thinking and strategic choices at three community colleges. Two propositions are investigated: (1) each college's DE leaders use common strategic mental models (ways of thinking about key environmental issues and relationships), and (2) DE leaders from the three colleges employ common industry-level strategic mental models. The major findings are: (1) strategic beliefs are more varied than expected; (2) strategic choices address common DE issues but are tailored to local contexts; and (3) leaders' beliefs and college strategic choices are aligned.
Descriptors: Distance Education, Strategic Planning, Educational Trends, Influences, Performance Factors, Qualitative Research, Community Colleges, Beliefs, Local Issues, Observation, Semi Structured Interviews, Administrator Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Leadership Styles, Case Studies
State University of West Georgia. 1601 Maple Street, Honors House, Carrollton, GA 30118. Tel: 678-839-5489; Fax: 678-839-0636; e-mail: distance@westga.edu; Web site: http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Two Year Colleges; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A