Selecting and Using DE Technologies- Prince Georges Community College

Please find an organization that identifies distance education technology in its mission/business
plan/operational plan as a factor in facilitating institutional goals and mandates.
I decided to look at Prince Georges Community College (PGCC) and how the institution provides
distance and online learning for students. I chose PGCC because this institution is a part of UMUCs
Alliance Program. Students who attend PGCC and complete an associates degree have an opportunity
to transfer the maximum of seventy credits to UMUC since the credits between both schools are most
closely linked (UMUC, 2014). Students who participate in their e-learning services at PGCC can
participate and have access from anywhere as long as there is internet access (PGCC, 2009).
Mission: According to PGCCs website, PGCC hopes to be the communitys number one choice for both
innovative and high quality learning opportunities (PGCC, 2014).
Vision: PGCC hopes to transform students lives by educating, training and serving diverse population via
accessible and affordable means (PGCC, 2014).
What is one key way in which distance education technology is seen by the institution as furthering its
goals?

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Strategic Goal 4- PGCC has a goal to create and expand technology based on the institutions
educational offerings, support services and professional development opportunities (PGCC, 2010).
Describe which technology (ies) has been identified by the institution you selected as useful in
furthering institutional goals.
Services and Support
Blackboard- This is a Web-based program for the online classroom. Students are able to
communicate with instructors, view course materials, discuss the course with peers and submit assigned
work
E-learning Services- Serves as a support system for students taking online courses
Owl Mail- PGCCs email system for active students
Computer Labs and Facilities- Current students have access to computer labs at
specified locations
Mobile Apps- These applications give students access to course information and support
Owl Link- Students can search and register for classes, access to financial records,
monitor grades and update personal records.
Wi-Fi Access- Access is available on the PGCC campus and extended centers.
Online Course Formats
Online
Hybrid Online
Accelerated Online
Video Enhanced Online
What seems to be the main reason why that (those) particular technology (ies) was (were)
chosen? If the institution does not state its reasons, speculate on what the main reason might be
based on the readings in this course.
According to David, Little and Stewart (2008), all teaching and learning systems should be built from two
vantage points: the needs of the intended learners and the intended learning outcomes (p.123). These
technologies were chosen to promote flexibility, enrichment and accessibility. It gives the student the
opportunity to learn, manage time and to develop the skills needed to be successful when and if they
choose to transfer to UMUC, other online, face to face or blended learning institutions to further their
education and professional development.
However, utilizing Bates and Sangra (2011) - Criteria for assessing the success or otherwise of
technology integration, I will focus on a few important points. In my opinion, PGCC does not have an
advanced nor innovative technology for teaching and learning. The basic communicating and
collaborative tool they use is Blackboard that is mainly synchronous. Nonetheless, PGCC currently

explores class discussions boards and emails and these are asynchronous tools within the Blackboard
forum.
PGCC can add the following asynchronous tools below to meet their goals, mission and vision. This will
develop engagement, innovative and high quality according to the institutions mission of becoming the
number one choice for a diverse group of students. Kim (2012) Five Ideas to Support Innovation in
Higher Education, notes the importance of collaboration by difference or diversity.

blogs to be used as a journal for sharing ideas- both innovate and working with diversed groups
wiki for group projects, collaboration and monitoring of students participation while working with
diverse groups and individuals
group pages assigned for group projects, work or group interaction.
References:
Bates & Sangra, Chapter 3, "Tracking Existing Strategies for Technology Integration," pp. 52-76
Davis, A., Little, P., & Stewart, B. (2008). Developing an infrastructure for online learning. In T. Anderson
(Ed.), The theory and practice of online learning (2nd ed.) (pp. 121-142). Retrieved
from http://www.aupress.ca/books/120146/ebook/05_Anderson_2008Theory_and_Practice_of_Online_Learning.pdf
Kim, J. (2012, February 6). 5 ideas to support innovation in higher ed [Blog post]. Retrieved
fromhttp://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/5-ideas-support-innovation-higher-ed
Parker and Krista (2013) Blackboard- Communicating and Collaborating. Retrieved from
https://experts.missouristate.edu/display/bb9/Communicating+and+Collaborating#CommunicatingandColl
aborating-SynchronoustoolsfoundinBlackboard
Prince Georges Community College. (2009) eLearning Services PGCC. Retrieved from
http://www.pgcconline.com/aboutOnlineLearning.html
Prince Georges Community College. (2014a) Missions and Vision. Retrieved from
https://www.pgcc.edu/About_PGCC/Mission___Vision.aspx
Prince Georges Community College. (2010) Progressions-The Magazine for Alumni and Friends of
Prince Georges Community College, Ground Breaking: New Paths for Success. Prince Georges
Community College Foundation Inc.
Prince Georges Community College. (2014b) Services and Support. Retrieved from
http://www.pgcc.edu/Services_and_Support/Services___Support.aspx
University of Maryland University College. (2014) Prince Georges Community College (PGCC) UMUC
Alliance Programs. Retrieved from https://www.umuc.edu/students/admissions/transfer/pgcc_areas.cfm