Most Tech-Advanced Community Colleges Announced

The Center for Digital Education and Converge magazine have selected 31 community colleges as outstanding examples of technology delivery in higher education.  This year, for the fourth consecutive survey (2003, 2005, 2007, 2008), Panola College has earned a top ten ranking. The ranking was established based on the fourth annual national Digital Community Colleges Survey, which identified and spotlighted colleges that provide a high level of service to their students and faculty through information technology.

Schools were placed in three categories based on size of enrollment with college officials providing information from the 2007 school year.  At the survey’s conclusion, the top 10 in each of the three categories were named.  The survey examined areas of technology ranging from online admissions, student access to transcripts and grades, information security and infrastructure, to weather and campus security alerts and online library capabilities.  

Marina Leight, vice president of the Center, said, “Our revised 2008 digital community college survey showcases the best utilization of digital technology. Community colleges continue to be the place to look for innovation.”
 

“Technology isn’t just for distance learning; it’s for the entire college,” said Ann Morris, Dean of Distance Education and Webmaster. “The Panola College Board of Trustees and administration are dedicated to providing our college with the technology that keeps us viable in the very competitive education arena. Our Information Technology Department deploys the technology that enables us to deliver electronic services to our students, faculty, and staff. We’re proud of Allen West, Bill Kruger, Ray McGrede and Jason Cook. Their hard work and dedication are why we have remained one of the nation’s top ten digital-savvy colleges.”

Allen West, Director of Information Technology Services added, “This award represents the culmination of efforts across the whole college. While Information Technology Services provides the infrastructure, servers, bandwidth, and experience to accomplish our technology goals, it takes every department embracing technology to achieve the overall benefit for the College.”

The Center for Digital Education is a national research and advisory institute providing education and industry leaders with decision support, research and educational services to help them effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21^st century.  In addition to the Digital Community College Survey, the Center conducts Digital School Districts, Cities, Counties and States Surveys – all national studies that serve as benchmarks for excellence in IT applications and initiatives. For more information on the Center visit www.centerdigitaled.com .