Kirtland Community College achieved 5th place recognition in the ninth annual Center for Digital Education (CDE) Digital Community College survey. The award is given to community colleges who demonstrate a dedication to identifying and implementing innovative technology for use in the classroom, improving how instruction is delivered and maximizing the students’ ability to succeed.
Kirtland places 5th in the national Digital Community Colleges survey, where we’re also proud to have placed in the top 10 for nine years in a row
Implementing cutting edge technology is essential as students need to become fluent in using technology tools and in obtaining, analyzing, and using information if they hope to be competitive in the job market. “Technology continues to play an expanding role in our environment, both in work and in play, and it is impacting every industry. Students who are not able to leverage technology, well beyond just using it for recreation or communication, are going to be at a significant disadvantage,” said Tim Scherer, Kirtland Director of Information Technology Service.
“We must leverage technology tools across the college to provide the best learning opportunities possible. The best way to take command of new and evolving technology is to have those tools available to learn with. Today’s workers need to be more efficient, be complex problem solvers, work collaboratively, and be effective. Kirtland is dedicated to providing technology to help them succeed in meeting their career goals.”
In the “Small Colleges” category including schools having 5,000 students or less, Kirtland achieved 5th place ranking and was one of only two Michigan schools to make the list. Additionally, Kirtland has placed in the top 10 each year the survey has been administered.
The 2013-14 Small Colleges (5,000 Students or Less) award recipients include:
1. Carl Sandburg College, Ill.
2. Rappahannock Community College, Va.
3. Tompkins Cortland Community College, N.Y.
4. Patrick Henry Community College, Va.
5. Kirtland Community College, Mich.
6. Paul D. Camp Community College, Va.
6. Halifax Community College, N.C.
6. Panola College, Texas
7. Southwest Virginia Community College, Va.
8. Blue Ridge Community College, Va.
9. Jefferson Community College, N.Y.
9. Mountain Empire Community College, Va.
10. Bay de Noc Community College, Mich.
According to the Center for Digital Eduction (CDE), Community colleges are being recognized for their innovative uses of technology to achieve first-rate student learning environments. “Community colleges across the country are employing technology in exciting ways to develop unique learning environments on campus and to expand online learning opportunities 24/7,” said Alan Cox, Senior Vice President for the Center for Digital Education.
Survey questions and criteria examined and scored areas of digital and emerging technologies, such as use of mobile devices and technology integration into curriculum; strategic planning and data management; and professional development, including availability of technology tools and training for faculty and students. More information about CDE and the Digital Community Colleges Survey is available at http://bit.ly/1q06RUr.
Annually, more than 3,000 students attend a variety of occupational, skilled trades, two-year and transfer degree programs at Kirtland’s locations near Roscommon, Kirtland-Gaylord, Kirtland-West Branch and in Tawas. Kirtland also offers a wide range of online courses and degrees, all of which can be completed from home.
To learn more about Kirtland’s veteran-friendly services, programs, advising, testing, financial aid and other services available to students, contact Michelle Devine, Admissions Coordinator, at 989-275-5000 extension 284 or visit http://www.kirtland.edu.