WCET - WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET)

Community colleges have a rich history of serving as open-admission institutions and pioneering #collegeaccess in America. As the country prepares to navigate uncertain economic realities ahead and workforce participation remains below pre-pandemic levels, the positionality of #communitycollege as an #educationalsector is bound to grow in significance—especially within business, industry, and prospective learner communities. Dr. Mordecai Brownlee shares three considerations for #educators serving this critical #highereducation sector to consider on Diverse: Issues In Higher Education: https://ow.ly/sffU50UofqG

We were thrilled to have many of the WCET members together to celebrate Russell Poulin's retirement party and attend the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education staff holiday party. 💖

Fewer #collegestudents are stopping out before finishing their degrees, according to data the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center recently released. The report found that #students who started college for the first time in 2018 had a six-year credential completion rate of 61.1%—a 0.5-percentage-point increase over those who started in 2017. Prior #dualenrollment experience made students more likely to finish their credential within six years of starting college. Learn more on Inside Higher Ed: https://ow.ly/eXVc50Ul97o

For #ruralcolleges, overcoming barriers like limited broadband and digital literacy requires creativity, resilience, and the right tools. Today on #WCETFrontiers we welcome Rachael Hardiek with BibliU, who dives into how rural institutions are reimagining education with tech-enhanced solutions, ensuring #students in even the most remote areas can succeed. These solutions include designing #learningmaterials in a mobile-first mindset and supporting new #digitalliteracy programs. Enjoy the read: https://ow.ly/V2ua50Um2gB

WCET is featured in the latest TOPcast Episode 175: “Let’s Stay Focused On What We Can Control” in #OnlineEd. Check out Russell Poulin, Cheryl M. Dowd (State Authorization Network (SAN)), and Patricia O'Sullivan (Every Learner Everywhere), as they join hosts Tom and Kelvin in sharing observations about 2024 as it ends and predictions and hopes about 2025 as it begins. Some of the themes emerging include balancing humanness and technology-assistance and staying focused on the aspirational goals of our collective work. Enjoy the listen: https://lnkd.in/edeTmCKv

WICHE is hiring! The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) is seeking an experienced, strategic, and forward-thinking individual to join its team as Chief Technology Officer. Based in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, WICHE is a regional interstate compact and 501(c)(3) that partners with 15 Western states and the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States on a diverse range of #highereducation issues, including access and affordability, technology, #workforcedevelopment, #behavioralhealth, and more. Reporting to the President, this unique role will require a technically sound, visionary, and collaborative leader who has their eyes on the horizon for what’s to come. The #ChiefTechnologyOfficer provides #strategicdirection and tactical/operational support for all voice and data #informationtechnology #IT and #ITsystems at WICHE and facilitates the collaborative process through which WICHE’s internal #businesssystems needs are developed and implemented. Learn more and apply today: https://ow.ly/oRt650UkkeW

Join us December 11 for a Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education webcast on the soon-to-be-released 11th edition of Knocking at the College Door. This webcast is free and open to the public. Register today: https://lnkd.in/gA42UKj6

Educational institutions are increasingly turning to #AIupskilling programs to enhance #studentengagement and improve #retention. By incorporating AI-focused courses and training opportunities, schools can better prepare #students for future careers in technology and AI-related fields. These programs equip students with the skills needed to adapt to the rapidly changing job market, boosting their employability and long-term career prospects. Additionally, offering AI upskilling opportunities helps institutions stay competitive, attract more students, and foster a culture of innovation and lifelong learning. Ultimately, this focus on #AI not only addresses educational retention but also ensures that students are well-equipped for the future workforce. Learn how AI upskilling can unlock retention success on HR Executive: https://lnkd.in/gzuXuqeP

At WCET, we're thankful for the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives us to enhance #digitallearning in our #educationalcommunity and across #highereducation. This Thanksgiving, we give thanks for: ✴️ Our dedicated members who continually share their insights and experiences, helping to shape the future of #onlineeducation. ✴️ The resilience of our community, which has adapted and thrived amidst challenges, ensuring that #qualityeducation remains #accessible to all. ✴️ The sponsor partnerships and connections we've forged, allowing us to support each other in our mission to improve #educationalequity. Wishing everyone a joyful and restful holiday filled with gratitude and connection. #HappyThanksgiving from all of us at WCET!

To demonstrate higher education's value, #colleges and #universities are increasingly leveraging technology to bridge the gap between #classroomlearning and career readiness. Institutions are using #digitaltools to enhance #academicexperiences and provide real-world applications of coursework. By integrating technologies like #virtualsimulations, #dataanalytics, and #learningplatforms, schools can offer more personalized, #engagingeducation that connects directly to industry needs. These innovations aim to show how education translates into career opportunities, helping individuals see the tangible benefits of #highereducation while fostering #lifelonglearning. Additionally, tech-driven methods are improving #studentretention by offering support and engagement beyond traditional classroom settings. Learn How Technology Can Convince Students of Higher Education’s Value on EdTech Magazine: https://ow.ly/pJuL50Ue3v1