Judgment of Compliance: The College certifies COMPLIANCE.

Narrative:

Wayne Community College can demonstrate the appropriate use of technology to enhance student learning, meet the objectives of its programs, and ensure that students have access to and training in the use of technology.

Technology is addressed as one of college's long-range goals in the 2005–2010 WCC Strategic Plan Guide. This goal states that WCC will "Integrate state-of-practice technology in all aspects of the college's programs, services, and operations." The short-range technology goals are also stated in the 2005–2010 WCC Strategic Plan Guide and provide a more specific focus for the college's integration of technology. These goals include the following:

1. Provide opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to utilize state-of-practice technology.
2. Expand and improve program accessibility through technology.
3. Systematically upgrade and replace technology to meet local and global needs.

The long-range technology goal can be found in a modified format in the WCC General Catalog and the WCC Student Handbook as a part of the overall list of the college's goals.

The college has a variety of support services and college-wide committees that assist in fulfilling the technology goals. These services and committees, individually and collectively, assist the college in maintaining the most current practices in information technologies and focus on all issues related to technology.

The Wayne Community College Technology Plan promotes the effective use of all technologies that facilitate, enhance, and/or support the teaching and learning process. It is chaired by the Director of Educational Support Technologies, has representation from all facets of the college, and meets at least quarterly. The committee acts as an advisory committee to the President for policies and procedures relating to the appropriate application and use of technology, oversees the standing committees related to the use of technology on campus, and coordinates the long-range technology plans produced by these committees. The standing committees include Distance Education, Information Systems, and the Library Advisory Committee.

Enhancement of Student Learning Through Technology

Wayne Community College is confident that its current level of technology integration significantly contributes to students' learning experiences and impacts the overall quality of instruction.

Technology in the Classroom

The application of technology in the college classroom is an integral component of instruction. In addition to utilizing program specific technologies, educators are supplementing teaching practices and enhancing the learning environment with multimedia and web-based content and/or activities. The college continually strives to add and upgrade resources to meet the technological challenges of education in this century. The college maintains a complete electronic inventory of technology resources that is maintained through the Business Office. Some of WCC's technological enhancements over the last three years include the following:

• Expanded multimedia development and presentation resources for instructional use, with items such as laptops, data projectors, smart boards, document camera, digital cameras, and digital video camera.
• Purchased a college-wide Microsoft Office License Agreement for faculty and staff and computer classrooms. This agreement has several products included such as FrontPage, Windows, Virtual PC, and server software. For course preparation or work-related applications, faculty and staff are able to use these products at home.
• Added Internet access to over 26 classrooms campus wide.
• Upgraded various servers and course management systems (Blackboard).
• Upgraded network hardware and software to deliver faster response times, more accurate communications, and faster Internet access to the entire campus, including all of the student labs and student-accessible PCs.
• Added a Polycom or Internet TV (teleconferencing capabilities) classroom for sharing real-time courses NCCCS system-wide and with East Carolina University.
• Added various college-wide computer hardware and software for student practice and instructional applications in areas such as Accounting, Academic Skills, Writing Center, AutoCAD, Drafting and Design, CISCO, Continuing Education, Forestry, Dental Hygiene and Assisting, Business, Office Systems, Information Systems, Criminal Justice, and Basic Law Enforcement Training.
• Cascaded faculty and staff computers to student research areas.
• Upgraded the online course management system, Blackboard Course Info, and the hardware to offer students and faculty the latest and most user-friendly technology.
• Upgraded the bookstore system to a computerized point-of-sale system with an integrated link between student financial aid resources and the bookstore.
• Expanded distance education program services.

Distance Education

The purpose of the WCC Distance Education (DE) program is to offer quality courses through non-traditional delivery methods in order to meet the needs of students who find it difficult to attend classes on campus. WCC offers courses through various types of electronic delivery systems and at several off-campus locations. The same quality outcomes are maintained for distance learning courses as for all other course offerings. As can be seen in Table 1, the DE program course offerings and student enrollment have more than doubled over the last three years.

Academic Year	Total Courses/ Enrollment		% Growth from Previous Year
	Courses	Enrollment	Courses	Enrollment
1998 - 99	22	463
1999 - 00	28	476	21%	3%
2000 - 01	*59	649	110%	36%
2001 - 02	68	639	15%	0%
2002 - 03	87	972	29%	52%
2003 - 04	121	1756	39%	81%
*Note: Started Blackboard Fall 2000

The DE program enables students to receive instruction at their convenience and to use a variety of electronic delivery systems to include Internet courses, hybrid courses, interactive television courses, and telecourses. To ensure a quality DE program, WCC provides expert training in online course development, instruction, and evaluation. Every faculty member teaching a distance course must successfully complete an in-house training program coordinated by the distance education staff. In addition, the Distance Education Coordinator and the instructor's immediate supervisor may monitor progression of all new distance courses by electronically observing the weekly facilitation of the course. Furthermore, all questions, comments, and/or issues pertaining to distance courses are directed to the Distance Education Coordinator and the Director of Educational Support Services.

Technology Appropriate For Meeting Program Objectives

WCC states its commitment to prepare its graduates technologically in one of the college-wide learning outcomes (general education competencies): "Upon successful completion of the requirements for a degree at Wayne Community College, the graduate will be able to use computers and other technologies to achieve academic, work-related, and personal goals."

Technology is integrated in all forty degree programs across the campus. Every curriculum requires a basic PC literacy course. These introductory courses in computer technology are designed to provide students with basic computer competencies in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, the Internet, operating systems, presentation software, and hardware/software application.

Table 2 Required Computer Course For Degree Program

WCC also offers a developmental computer course, CIS 070 Fundamentals of Computing. All students must take the CIS 070 Placement Test to identify their level of PC literacy. Students must pass the test or satisfactorily complete the CIS 070 course. The CIS 070 test enables counselors to place students in the appropriate type of class based on the individual's needs. CIS 070 must be successfully completed prior to enrolling students in other technology courses or Distance Education courses. The use of CIS 070 as a placement instrument ensures optimum opportunity for student success and retention in other computer courses and courses requiring basic knowledge of the computer.

Prior to enrolling in an online course, Distance Education students must meet several standards. First, they must pass the computer placement test or satisfactorily complete CIS 070. Second, they must complete a DE Student Advising Checklist with their advisor. The check sheet identifies the technical skills and requirements needed to participate in an online course. Finally, they must complete or test out of RED 090 Improved College Reading. The college contends that the preliminary steps taken to determine a student's readiness for on-line learning contributes to the student's success. This philosophy is supported by the 2003 2004 online retention rates of 86% to 88%. The online retention average for the North Carolina Community College System is approximately 70%. According to the Center for the Study of College Student Retention, the national average retention rate (Link requires internet connection.) for distance education courses is between 50% and 56%. It is also important to note that, on average, 40% or more of online students participate in the formal evaluation of course and instruction survey, and the majority indicate "satisfied or very satisfied" with WCC distance programs, technologies, and services.

Technology competencies are also listed in both program and course level outcomes in various curricula across the campus. For example, the Associate Degree Nursing program includes as one of its program level outcomes that the nursing program will "Utilize resources and technologies in delivery of nursing care." The course, NUR 235 Adult Nursing II, incorporates computer technologies into teaching and learning, and subsequently, the students demonstrate the utilization of basic computer skills for the completion of clinical simulations and electronic tutorials.

Another curriculum area that addresses technology at the program level is Agricultural Technology. Turfgrass Management, Agribusiness, and Livestock and Poultry Technology include the following program-level learning outcome: "Students will demonstrate the ability to perform calculations, use communications skills and apply personal computer skills in the Agricultural Industry." These programs have incorporated various technological applications throughout their programs. For example, AGR 110 Agricultural Economics is a hybrid course that utilizes face-to-face and web-based teaching practices. The ANS 160 Animal Waste Management in the Livestock and Poultry Technology program is an online course that uses a web-based textbook. In Turfgrass Management Technology, TRF 240 Pest Control and AGR 262 Weed ID Control use electronic course content to study insects, weeds, and disease control.

Course Specific Technology

Many curriculum programs use course-specific technologies along with online, web-enhanced, and web-based supplemental delivery methodologies. Students receive more training in specialized technology as a part of the instructional content of their courses. The following list, though not inclusive, provides examples of some of this specialized technology.

1. Forestry Technology has integrated Global Positioning System /Geographic Information System (GPS/GIS) equipment and software into its curriculum to provide students with state-of-practice equipment.
2. Machining Technology purchased LabVolt HYD-SIM, a three dimensional simulation of hydraulics systems.
3. Early Childhood programs use a state-of-the art, password-protected Web Cam service in the WCC Childcare Center that enables students to observe the classrooms without interrupting the daily schedule of the children.
4. Chemistry and mathematics students use Web Assign, a course management system that supports complex equation editors.
5. Office Systems Technologies and Computer Information Systems Technologies utilize SAM/TOM software for online and interactive assignments.
6. Medical Transcription students use digital transcription equipment.
7. Engineering Technologies added a Rapid Prototype Machine (Stratysis 3D Printer) that allows students to design and produce 3-D parts out of ABS plastic.
8. Dental Hygiene and Assisting students use a digital X-ray program in their clinicals.
9. Automotive students use web-based service manuals and references to simulate industry working environments.
10. Anatomy and Physiology classes use a Biotronics heart monitor.
11. Physics students utilize microcomputer-based physics labs, software programs, Graphical Analysis, Logger PRO, Lab Pro, and use of digital probs.

Student Access To and Training in the Use of Technology

WCC's commitment to providing the students with access to and practice in technology is also evidenced by the sheer number of computer and multimedia resources available in the various curriculum programs campus-wide. A computer classroom inventory compiled by the Information Systems (IS) Department in November 2004 lists approximately 600 computers with application software for students' use in WCC classrooms and labs, both on the main campus and at off-site locations. Internet access is available on the majority of these computers.

WCC's Open Computer Lab is available to students and provides walk-in access to fifty multimedia Pentium PCs, two laser and one color printer, and a scanner. The PCs provide access to the Internet, instructional software, and access to online services including Blackboard Course Info and the WCC Cruiser/WebAdvisor. A lab coordinator, a full time monitor, and one part-time monitor are available to assist students with problems or questions concerning computer hardware and software.

The college supports various web-based services and publications such as the WCC website, Blackboard Course Info, Campus Cruiser/ WebAdvisor, online library, Online Writing Center, web-based admissions application, WCC Helpdesk, electronic news releases, announcements, college calendars, and teleconferencing capabilities.

In Fall 2004, the college website was completely revised. In addition to restructuring the image and organization of the website, several features and contact points were added for student convenience and support. These include an online suggestion box, online calendars, tiered dropbox style navigation, a site-wide search engine, and various request forms for advising, counseling, and library services and information. In addition, the college uses a web-based electronic news and information portal application. This portal application allows for the placement of instant headlines and information that can be directed specifically to campus and internal news, news of public and local interest, as well as feature stories and information about the college.

WCC adopted Campus Cruiser, a community based portal platform for managing, tracking, and sharing information electronically in Fall 2004. The WCC Cruiser facilitates communication between students, faculty, and staff, provides convenient access to college information, and provides access to message boards, discussion groups, and other web-based features. Most importantly, WCC students are provided with free, secure email access. Additionally, WCC Cruiser enables students to access WebAdvisor, a tool that provides students and employees with web-based secure and current access to all their academic history, including financial aid information, course searches, class schedules, grades, transcripts, and the ability for web-based registration.

The Student Services area also utilizes various technologies to provide better service and records accessibility. In addition to computer stations located throughout the campus, an Internet station is located in the Admissions Office for students to access the WCC Cruiser and WebAdvisor. The Admissions and Educational Support Technologies (EST) staff are available to help students with login, Cruiser and WebAdvisor navigation, or other WCC Cruiser user issues. Additional services available to students include online access to a counselor through the college web page and COMPASS, a computer based assessment software. Students with special needs have access to various assistive technologies, such as computers designed for sight and/or hearing impaired students and equipment and/or furniture to accommodate students with diverse physical challenges.

The Educational Support Technologies (EST) department offers support and training to students, faculty, and staff in all areas of technology, distance education and software application. EST staff provides Distance Education and the Campus Cruiser/WebAdvisor introductory sessions in all WCC orientation courses. Students can also obtain assistance through a variety of helpdesk services supported by EST and the IS departments.

Assessment of Technology

To monitor college-wide integration of technology, the college routinely evaluates the effectiveness of its technology training programs and the adequacy of technology access and support. The evaluative measures include the collection of data on staffing, faculty credentials, program costs, courses offered, enrollment headcount, FTE, grade distribution, course completions, and student and instructor satisfaction. Direct evidence of success is provided by graduate surveys and course evaluations.

The 2000-01 Graduate Survey analysis revealed that 96% of the students surveyed indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with their ability to perform technical skills and 91% were satisfied or very satisfied with the use of state-of-practice use of technology in the particular field of study. The 2001-02 Graduate Survey analysis indicated 94% were satisfied or very satisfied with their ability to perform technical skills in their chosen occupation and 93% were satisfied or very satisfied with the use of state-of-practice use of technology in the particular field of study. This level of student satisfaction provides a strong indication that technology is used effectively in the classroom and prepares graduates with the appropriate technical proficiencies for their chosen occupation.

Over a three -year period, 97% of employers and Advisory Committee members indicated on the Advisory/Employer Satisfaction Survey satisfaction with the technical proficiency of WCC's graduates. More specifically, in 2003-04, 98% of the employers surveyed were satisfied or very satisfied with the graduates' use of computer and other technologies to achieve academic, work related, and personal goals.

End-of-course evaluations are conducted to determine the students' satisfaction with access to and use of technology in individual course sections and campus-wide. Direct evaluation of student knowledge and skills is largely course-based, but several departments employ broader, program-wide assessments for special technology-related computing initiatives. For example, the WCC Dental Program uses computer technology for the dental hygiene student clinic grading system. Using a special computer program, students maintain records of their performance that can then be monitored by faculty. In addition, digital photography is used to capture images of oral conditions for students to use in research papers and presentations. Additionally, all students enrolled in the Forestry Management Technology program learn to use various GPS/GIS equipment and software applications.

To ensure quality in the distance education program and courses, the college annually evaluates all distance education courses. The process for evaluating off-campus and distance education activities is the same as evaluation of traditional, seated programs. Student satisfaction surveys, student evaluations of instruction, grade distribution, and course completion rates are all used to evaluate distance education activities in relationship to traditional on-campus courses. Students surveyed continually express satisfaction with the DE program, user-friendly course management systems, and reliable access and support technicians (DE Evaluative Analysis). Over the last year, WCC has maintained an 86%-88% retention rate in on-line courses further demonstrating student satisfaction with the DE program and courses (2005 DE History Growth).

From the planning process to the development of programs and courses to teaching to assessment, technology is firmly woven into the framework of the college. WCC could not operate effectively without it. Students are also equally tied to technology. From the moment they first stop in the Admissions Office until the day they graduate, they encounter technology at every turn. To ensure that students master the basics of technology, the college provides access and training, encourages its use in classrooms, supports a variety of electronic delivery systems, and mandates the integration of technology into all programs.