RCC places high in national digital survey
RCC’s dean of technology and learning resources, Dr. Virginia Jones, with members of her team of tech experts. Left to right: network technicians Rhett Moore and Joe Wolski, information security analyst Michael Anthony, network operations manager Dave Newsome, Dr. Jones, administrative assistant Kristy Walker, and Canvas coordinator Tim Hoffman. Not pictured: network technician Reed Elam, technology assistants Michelle Pearce and Ben Smither, and programs/systems analyst Bob Whitney.
The nationwide Digital Community Colleges Survey from the California-based e.Republic’s Center for Digital Education (CDE) has resulted in a third-place award for Rappahannock Community College. In addition, the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) as a whole made an excellent showing, including first place in both the large and the mid-sized categories.
Now in its tenth year, the annual digital survey analyzes how community colleges use technologies to improve services to students, faculty, staff, and the community at large. All accredited United States community colleges are eligible to participate, under three classifications based on number of students enrolled.
RCC tied for third place in the category of 5,000 students or less, with three other VCCS members also placing in that category. Seven VCCS colleges placed in the mid-sized category — between 5,000 and 10,000 students — while two more placed in the “over 10,000 students” category — a total of 13 places won among the 23 VCCS colleges, out of 46 awarded. Ten awards were given in each category, but there were several two- and three-way ties. The survey examined and scored such aspects of digital and emerging technologies as use of mobile devices; use of technology to support job placement; progress on a group of ten top information technology priorities; and strategic planning and data management, among others.
“Technology is being used on campuses and in lecture halls to lower costs and improve student outcomes,” says Alan Cox, senior vice president for the Center for Digital Education. “This year’s survey indicates that community colleges are making great strides in using data to improve decisions, providing professional development to assist faculty in the use of technology, and creating robust online and mobile environments for their students.”
“RCC is extremely pleased to receive this recognition,” says Dr. Virginia Jones, RCC’s dean of technology and learning resources. “We provide strong academic technology support so that our students can be technologically literate and achieve their career goals. As we are a small college, it is extremely important to assist students to compete in the 21st century workplace.”
CDE is a national research and advisory institute specializing in K-12 and higher education technology trends, policy, and funding. CDE provides education and industry leaders with data upon which to base their decisions, and insights that help them to implement new technologies effectively. Its parent, e.Republic, is the nation’s only media and research company focused exclusively on state and local government and education.
