Report Focus

This report provides an overview of the LBCC Distance Learning (DL) program in 2007-08 and includes comprehensive data about the course offerings and the students attending the courses. In line with the updated Title V guidelines, the CCC System Office Multiple Delivery Method initiative (initiative A4, System Office Strategic Plan, January 2006) and LBCC overarching goals for 2005-2010, the school offers DL courses that are equivalent and comparable to their on-campus version. To maintain the quality and integrity of the courses, all LBCC DL courses go through a separate rigorous approval process by the Curriculum Committee.

The primary objective of the DL program at LBCC is to offers courses in an alternative mode, aiming at students who otherwise could not easily attend courses on campus. This includes single parents or students that are required to stay home with their families, students with hectic and rigid work schedules, students with disabilities, students who work or live far from campus, etc.

The LBCC DL program has grown significantly since its inception in Fall 1997. Dedicated faculty in various academic departments and the staff of the Instructional Technology Development Center have teamed up to design and offer 160 classes in Spring 2008, and established the LBCC DL program as one of the largest programs in the California Community Colleges system.

The data included in this report is submitted to the office of Academic Affairs and other areas in the college in an effort to support LBCC in its countinuous offering of a reliable alternative mode of learning, responding to students' demand and needs to accomplish their academic and professional goals.

Questions and comments are welcome; please send them to the Director of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning.

Highlights

Courses

• 351 DL course sections were offered in 2007-08 (up to 160 classes per semester); 32% increase from 06-07.
• 114 individual DL courses were offered in 2007-08; 23% increase from 06-07.
• 206 individual DL courses have been approved by the Curriculum Committee; 14% increase from 06-07.
• About 12% of all GE required courses in all plans were offered in a DL modality in 2007-08; 2% increase from 06-07 offerings.
• 86% of the DL students surveyed were satisfied or very satisfied with the LBCC e-learning environment.

Students
(Data obtained from a total of 1,036 students who responded to surveys after each term in 2007-08)

• 10,960 students enrolled in DL courses in 2007-08; 31% increase from 06-07.
• 72% of the DL students surveyed indicated that they were unable to attend their course on campus.
• 97% of the DL students surveyed would like LBCC to offer more DL courses.
• 15% of the DL students surveyed took their courses due to disability.
• 71% of the DL students surveyed took their courses to fulfill transfer requirements.

• 93% of the DL students surveyed have computers, e-mail and internet at home.
• 17% of the DL students surveyed live 16 miles or farther away from the college.
• 23% of the DL students surveyed are 41 years old or older.
• 69% of the DL students surveyed work: 45% work full-time; 24% work part-time.
• 76% of the DL students surveyed cited discussion forums communication with other students as a significant factor contributing to their success.
• 77% of the DL students surveyed felt that their academic performance in the DL classes was equal to their performance in on-campus classes.
• 91% of the DL students surveyed were satisfied or very satisfied with LBCC's online admission and registration.

Faculty

• 95 full-time (67) and part-time (28) faculty taught DL courses in 2007-08; 28% increase from 06-07.
• 295 full- and part-time faculty attended DL-related faculty professional development at the Faculty Resource Center / Instructional Technology Development Center.
• 684 interactive instructional Web activities tailored for needs of DL students were developed by teams of faculty and ITDC staff.