New on WCET Frontiers
Practice
Revisiting the Cost and Price of Distance Education
Published by: WCET | 1/23/2025
Distance education has come a long way since WCET conducted a survey to better understand the relationship between the cost and price of distance education in 2016. The results of this survey were published in the 2017 study Distance Education Price and Cost Report. That survey found that although 75% of respondents indicated that distance […]
Practice
NC-SARA, SARA, and SAN: The Power of Collaboration
Published by: WCET | 1/14/2025
The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and the State Authorization Network (SAN) are two national, nonprofit organizations established to improve the quality, accessibility, and reach of postsecondary education opportunities for learners across the nation. The two organizations achieve this by providing leadership, guidance, and support as we work closely with states, higher […]
Policy
December Federal Rulemaking Activity – New Final Regulations & Withdrawn Provisions
Published by: WCET | 1/7/2025
T’was the final weeks of December when most of higher education was not stirring – except for the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department was preparing gifts announcements finalizing the regulatory issues from the Winter 2024 rulemaking. In late December, the Department released two important announcements: These announcements separate the Winter 2024 issue areas […]
Practice
Cinematic Leadership: Russ Poulin’s Oscar-Worthy Career
Published by: WCET | 1/6/2025
In the world of digital learning policy and practice, few names resonate as profoundly as Russ Poulin’s. Reflecting on a career spanning over three decades, it’s evident that Russ has been a pioneering force and fostered a community of passionate educators and advocates committed to the evolution of online learning. From his early efforts in […]
Policy
Knocking at the College Door – Insights on WICHE’s new publication
Published by: WCET | 12/12/2024
Every few years, WICHE (WCET’s parent organization) publishes a pivotal analysis of high school graduate projections for the United States. This analysis, presented in WICHE’s Knocking at the College Door report, tells the story of shifting demographics, evolving opportunities, and the need to adapt to meet students wherever they are. Of key interest this year […]
Practice
Tech-Enhanced Learning in Rural Areas: How Digital Access Drives Education
Published by: WCET | 12/5/2024
In my role here at WCET, I’m always inspired by the innovative ways institutions tackle challenges to support their students. For rural colleges, overcoming barriers like limited broadband and digital literacy requires creativity, resilience, and the right tools. Originally from Idaho and now living in Montana, I’m particularly interested in how our more rural institutions […]
Policy
What Might Happen to the Department’s Pending Regulations and Guidance?
Published by: WCET | 11/14/2024
The direction for regulations and guidance for digital and distance education shifted greatly with the recent election. As you may recall, the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) was planning to release sweeping regulatory changes on distance education, accreditation, state authorization reciprocity, and mandatory fees for books and materials. They also planned changes to guidance […]
Policy
Meeting the Looming Web Accessibility Regulations: The Time to Start Was Yesterday
Published by: WCET | 11/7/2024
A recent NWHeat webinar highlighted that public institutions must mobilize immediately (if not sooner) to meet the coming U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) accessibility guidelines. Released in April 2024, the new regulation requires “state and local governments to make their websites and mobile applications accessible for people with disabilities.” These rules encompass all public colleges and universities. […]
Practice
Bridging the Distance: How AI Helps Educators Connect with Students in Washington and Arizona
Published by: WCET | 10/24/2024
Digital Learning technologies can foster meaningful engagement even at a distance. New approaches in Washington and Arizona show how AI can help support distance education students. These tools help schools provide personalized, timely communication. AI-driven initiatives like Washington’s OTTERS project and Arizona’s Ask Benji make students feel more connected and supported. We are happy to […]
Practice
Empowering Education Through Collaboration: The Success of the Mississippi Virtual Community College
Published by: WCET | 10/3/2024
Hello and welcome to the second part of our series showcasing this year’s WOW Award winners! Last week, we featured the incredible work of the SUNY COIL+OSCQR Standards team. Today, we’re excited to spotlight the Mississippi Virtual Community College (MSVCC) and hear from Christa Wilhite and Krista LeBrun from the Mississippi Community College Board. MSVCC’s […]