Report Focus

This report provides an overview of the LBCC Distance Learning (DL) program data in 2008-09. It includes descriptive and comprehensive data about the course offerings and the students attending the courses. In line with the updated CPC-approved LBCC DL Plan, DL 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 over 200 classes in Spring 2009, 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

• 432 DL course sections were offered in 2008-09 (up to 203 classes per semester); 23% increase from 07-08.
• 140 individual DL courses were offered in 2008-09; 23% increase from 07-08.
• 221 individual DL courses have been approved by the Curriculum Committee; 7% increase from 07-08.
• 15% of all GE required courses in all plans were offered in a DL modality in 2008-09; 3% increase from 07-08 offerings.
• 91% of the DL students surveyed were satisfied or very satisfied with the LBCC e-learning environment.
• Average increase in DL course offerings since 05-06 is 12.4%
• Number of virtual seats filled in fully online courses in 2008-09 - 11,270; 32% increase from 2007-08.
• Average increase in virtual seats filled in fully online courses since 05-06: 28.5%.
• Courses needed to meet the President's 24 month agenda goal: 21. Courses currently in Curriculum approval process or ready to be offered: 17.

Students
(Data obtained from a total of 892 students who responded to surveys after each term in 2008-09)

• 14,086 students enrolled in DL courses in 2008-09; 29% increase from 07-08.
• 73% of the DL students surveyed took their courses to fulfill transfer requirements.
• 91% of the DL students surveyed indicated that they were unable to attend their course on campus.
• 13% of the DL students surveyed took their courses due to disability.

• 91% of the DL students surveyed have computers, e-mail and internet at home.
• 14% of the DL students surveyed live 16 miles or farther away from the college.
• 26% of the DL students surveyed are 41 years old or older.
• 65% of the DL students surveyed work: 37% work full-time; 28% work part-time.
• 77% of the DL students surveyed cited discussion forums communication with other students as a significant factor contributing to their success.
• 79% of the DL students surveyed felt that their academic performance in the DL classes was equal to their performance in on-campus classes.
• 92% of the DL students surveyed were satisfied or very satisfied with LBCC's online admission and registration.
• 97% of the DL students surveyed would like LBCC to offer more DL courses.

Faculty

• 111 full-time (69) and part-time (42) faculty taught DL courses in 2008-09; 17% increase from 07-08.
• 410 full- and part-time faculty attended DL-related faculty professional development at the Faculty Resource Center / Instructional Technology Development Center.
• 770 interactive instructional Web activities tailored for needs of DL students were developed by teams of faculty and ITDC staff.