DISTANCE LEARNING IN COMMUNITY COLLEGES: LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES FOR CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The wave of technology sweeping community college campuses, including a concurrent and equally phenomenal growth in distance education programs, necessitates fundamental changes in many faculty roles. As faculty face these changes, how can community college leaders provide them with the support to successfully transform themselves into technology-savvy 21st century instructors? By skillfully leading, while investing in professional development programs grounded in the Kouzes and Posner leadership model, community college leaders can facilitate the successful transformation of campuses into centers of technology-based learning. Change is difficult, and all employees may not be comfortable with technology, but all have a commitment and responsibility to work to ensure access and success for all students, regardless of their social status, skills, or prior learning experience.