Distance Learning

Recently, McGraw-Hill Higher Education issued a white paper, “The Tipping Point in Development Education” stating that adaptive learning technology in higher education can bridge remedial education gaps.

The report noted that technology-enabled developmental education programs that are designed specifically for underprepared students entering or returning to college can improve educational and other outcomes. These benefits can include increased retention and completion rates, a more accelerated and efficient process for students bound for college, and greater affordability.

Big Bend Community College (Wash.)

• Using: Mediasite by Sonic Foundry

• Started using lecture capture: 2007

• Classes: Pre-college level math and English

California Community Colleges

• Using: Blackboard Collaborate

• Started using lecture capture: 2002 (upgrades in 2005 and 2012)

• Classes: Basic skills (including ESL,tutoring, and writing labs)

Holmes Community College (Miss.)

Boosting success for students in remedial education is crucial, particularly given the readiness gap seen at some community colleges. A recent report from McGraw-Hill Higher Education showed that despite receiving a high school diploma, at least 75 percent of first-year students at community colleges aren’t college-ready. And the number of students dropping out during their first year of college continues to rise. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including financial difficulties.