Distance Education - Key Players

Getting Started: Know the Key Players

The Distance Education Coordinator must function amid crosscurrents of technology, academic initiative, and institutional policy. If you’re new to the job, or have been there awhile, you'll find it helpful to get acquainted with the following as soon as possible.

Whatever their titles, which vary from one college to another, these are important people to know:

• Dean of Distance Education or the equivalent senior administrator.
• Dean of Student Services or the equivalent senior administrator.
• Director of Computer Services, or Information Technology, or the equivalent. This will be the person who can best advise you on the computer and communication resources at your college.

Distance Education is a field in constant flux. A stream of innovations has potential impact on virtually every aspect of theory and practice. Some novelties prove less effective than first predicted. Others succeed beyond initial hopes. Stay in touch by reading, conversing with people at your college, and through contact with your fellow Distance Education Coordinators at other institutions.

Points to Remember

• Find the key players on your campus, in each area that deals with Distance Education.
• Stay current by reading, by being involve at your college, and attending conferences when possible.
• Technology changes very rapidly, so programs should not be based on the technology alone.
• Best practices and sound foundations breed success, and technology enhances productivity and the experience.