CCRI ranked digitally savvy

CCRI ranks fifth among peers nationwide

The Community College of Rhode Island has been named the fifth most digitally-savvy community college among its peers in the large/urban category for 2005 by the Center for Digital Education and American Association of Community Colleges. The ranking was established based on the second Digital Community Colleges Survey, which examined how colleges are deploying technology to streamline operations and better serve their students, faculty and staff. CCRI was the only college in New England to be recognized in the survey findings.

Rick Fontaine, chief information officer and executive director of information technology at CCRI, was pleased to accept the award on behalf of the college at a recent ceremony in Boston. “This award represents the true collaboration of the entire college community – faculty, staff and students – in adopting the best uses of technology to supplement the traditional educational delivery system.”

More than 200 community colleges across the country participated in the survey. Colleges were grouped into three categories based on city and student population. Community college officials responded to a set of 24 questions that addressed online capabilities, such as admission, registration, bookstores, and grades. Additional questions focused on the availability of technology tools and training for teachers and faculty, along with strategic plans across departments and within curriculum planning. Colleges were ranked according to a four-point scale, providing Web site addresses and background data for final verification and validation.

“This year’s study confirms that technology has become a vital tool in both the learning environment and in campus service delivery,” said Marina Leight, vice president of the Center for Digital Education. “Nearly every aspect of the college experience is supported by technology, which means everyone wins — everyone benefits. Congratulations to this year’s top-ranking colleges for their outstanding innovations and contributions to digital education.”

AACC President George Boggs believes America’s community colleges continue to demonstrate their leadership by making education more accessible, convenient and effective. “The appropriate use of technology has enabled our colleges to improve their programs and delivery of services,” he said. “It is important that all of our community colleges continue to use a combination of tools and talents to improve access to education and training, and increase the success rate for our students. Congratulations to this year’s top digital community colleges.”

The 2005 Digital Community Colleges Survey was underwritten by 3Com, Gateway and Quest Software.