Lake Superior College Earns National Ranking for Technology

“We are very proud of our staff’s efforts to provide service and technology to our college community,” explained Barry Dahl, LSC’s vice president of technology and the e-Campus.  “LSC continues to invest the time, expertise and resources needed to acquire the technology to provide an excellent learning environment.”

Schools were placed in three categories based on size of enrollment, with college officials providing information from the 2008-09 academic year. At the survey’s conclusion, the top 10 in each of the three categories were named.  The survey addressed multiple areas in digital technology, including online registration; distance learning; tutoring and advisory services; technology training for students and faculty, and Web 2.0 social and collaborative capabilities.

View the full list of winners at www.centerdigitaled.com or www.convergemag.com.

Marina Leight, vice president of the Center, said, “Community colleges, year after year, impress us as forward-thinking and quick to adapt. Our survey results show overwhelmingly that community colleges are fast embracing cyber technologies used by “First Digitals” fostering collaboration in learning by using tools students are familiar with. Those institutions chosen as this year’s top community colleges are exceptional examples of this investment in learning.”

The Center for Digital Education is a national research and advisory institute providing education and industry leaders with decision support, research and educational services to help them effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21st century.  The Center is a division of e.Republic, Inc. a national publishing, event and research company focused on information technology in the public sector.

For more information on the Center visit www.centerdigitaled.com.  For more information on the Digital Community Colleges Survey, please contact Janet Grenslitt at (916) 932-1363.

Hutson teaches popular online courses in digital drawing/painting and digital photography via LSC’s Connect e-Campus, as well as web-enhanced drawing courses.  She was recognized for her innovative use of technology online and in the classroom.

Because of her selection, Hutson was also advanced as LSC’s nominee for a prestigious national award.  She was recognized on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at the 20th International Conference on College Teaching and Learning in Jacksonville, FL.

“Congratulations to Victoria,” said Barry Dahl, LSC’s vice president of technology and the Connect e-Campus.  “She has worked long and hard to utilize technology to advance learning.  Her students experience great teaching and are exposed to applications of emerging technologies in her art classes.”

The LSC award was established in 2006.

With more than 2,200 students enrolled and 166 course sections offered during the current semester, the Lake Superior College Connect e-Campus has a full-time equivalent enrollment of 897, making it larger in total enrollment than four of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities campuses and the largest two-year online learning program in that system.

“We are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts to provide service and technology to our college community,” explained Barry Dahl, LSC’s vice president of Technology and the e-Campus.  “The ranking is a testament to the dedication and skills of many members of our staff.”

Schools were placed in three categories based on size of enrollment, with college officials providing information from the 2007-08 school year.  At the survey’s conclusion, the top 10 in each of the three categories were named.  The survey examined areas of technology ranging from online admissions, student access to transcripts and grades, information security and infrastructure to weather and campus security alerts and online library capabilities.

View the full list of winners at www.centerdigitaled.com.

Marina Leight, vice president of the Center for Digital Education, said, “Our revised 2008 digital community college survey showcases the best utilization of digital technology. Community colleges continue to be the place to look for innovation.”

The Center for Digital Education is a national research and advisory institute providing education and industry leaders with decision support, research and educational services to help them effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21st century.  In addition to the Digital Community College Survey, the Center conducts Digital School Districts, Cities, Counties and States Surveys – all national studies that serve as benchmarks for excellence in IT applications and initiatives.

For more information on the Center visit www.centerdigitaled.com.  For more information on the Digital Community Colleges Survey, please contact Janet Grenslitt at (916) 932-1363.