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June 05, 2004

USC and Distance Learning Technology Support Models

From the USC Faculty Forum, Faculty Faces Tough Distance Learning Issues

Both the costs and benefits of a full-scale distance learning (DL) program at this campus have yet to be identified. It seems clear, though, that USC is heading towards top-down control of distance education. In his white paper, "Distance Learning: Challenges and Questions" (May, 2000), Provost Lloyd Armstrong Jr. said a centralized approach would be a means of "creating brand value" and assure the "consistent quality and effectiveness of courses." 


and farther down:

Almost every attempt to move USC ahead in technology stumbles over the lack of wiring and connectivity needed for the campus to function as a high-tech environment. And the problems associated with centralized Information Technology - mostly software, systems management and consulting services - seem to get more difficult each year. This function is expensive and becomes more so as the private sector bids up demand for scarce technical resources, especially qualified, gifted personnel. Does it make sense, then, to create another centralized technology unit? That probably will depend on which business model the university selects. At least three options - and many permutations of each option - exist:

The Superstar Model. The university could create a corporation that would manage, produce and distribute a "line of products." The corporation would draw course materials, lecturers and teaching assistants from designated schools. Revenues would flow back to the faculty members involved and, presumably, to their schools. The emphasis would be on selecting the most highly marketable courses and, most likely, maximizing profits.

Note! Content in this weblog is purely for the purposes of the "Small Technologies Loosely Joined" presentation at the June 2004 NMC Summer Conference and should not blindly accepted as the opinions of those who tread here. We are doing this to demonstrate a process of using technology.

Posted by alan at June 5, 2004 08:07 AM in category Central Benefits

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