New on WCET Frontiers
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 […]
Practice
Enhancing Global Virtual Learning: SUNY COIL+OSCQR Standards
Published by: WCET | 9/26/2024
Each year, the WCET Awards Program highlights innovative practices in higher education digital learning, honoring individuals and teams that have dedicated their time and effort to advancing our field. Coordinating this program is one of the highlights of my role, especially because it allows me to work with the WCET Outstanding Work (WOW) Award recipients. […]
Practice
What’s Trending in Digital Learning for Fall 2024
Published by: WCET | 9/19/2024
This weekend marks the official end of summer and the beginning of fall. Pumpkin spice is back (everywhere), hopefully everyone is settling into the new semester well, my fantasy football team is already doing poorly, and it’s time for one of my favorite traditions—a back-to-school post on Frontiers! As we roll into the fall semester […]
Practice
Words From the Wise: Tips for Success from Experienced Distance Education Compliance Professionals
Published by: WCET | 9/12/2024
Distance Education or State Authorization Compliance refers to the set of rules, regulations, and standards that educational institutions must follow when offering remote (often online) learning opportunities to students. Ensuring institutional compliance is an arduous task, as rules, standards, and legal requirements are ever- evolving and can vary depending on the state or territory. Recently, […]
Policy
Last Chance to Shape 2024 Distance Education Federal Regulations – Join the Rulemaking Process Now!
Published by: WCET | 9/5/2024
There is one last chance for you to participate in the rulemaking process for the recently released distance education-related regulations to inform the U.S. Department of Education (Department) of any concerns prior to the Department issuing the final regulations. We maintain, as discussed in our July WCET Frontiers Post and our public comment, that the […]