RE: Question 1: Technology in Education

The traditional practice of education will not change without corresponding changes in our fundamental views of teaching and learning as they are reflected in our state, federal and institutional policies. In spite of this I believe institutions that have adopted technology as a method of instruction are better positioned to offer other sectors of higher education a vision for the future. 

Through distance education students will have more and more enrollment options.  However, they may have a tendency to draw from multiple providers in an uncoordinated fashion -- with little guidance to help them choose among providers and few protections from poor quality offerings. The Master Plan should charge institutions through involvement with educational providers, institutions and regional accreditation agencies to safeguard the primary interests of learners.

It is essential that the Master Plan focus on having institutions serving particular groups of learners who have not always been well served by either traditional campus-based education or common forms of distance education.  It is essential for maintaining the economic vitality of California that opportunities be created for learners, expanding access to all who seek undergraduate education and career-oriented lifelong learning.  

The Master Plan should promote partnerships to engage the educational provider, professional associations, and the accreditation community to rethink the issue of quality assurance and accountability to ensure credentials and degrees are meaningful, that educational providers are accountable, and that educational courses meet at least the same high standards demanded though traditional means.