Summary: Critical Events Affecting The Future Of Community Colleges

As we move into the 21st Century Community Colleges are being forced to deal with an overwhelming amount forces driving change. Virtual classrooms, global communications, global economies, distance learning, corporate classrooms, increased competition among social agencies for scarce resources, pressure for institutional mergers and state-wide program review. In order to plan effectively in this environment, community college leaders must be able to anticipate new developments which may affect their institutions and curricular programs (Morrison, 2003).

For the purpose of this discussion, the three major forces of change that I will discuss are; increase in students becoming active users of instructional and communications technology, the rise in students that will use distance learning and the reduction in federal funding for programs related to community colleges.

Unsettling Times discusses Technological Innovations as one of the “Forces of Change”. Inexpensive powerful computer technology, the expansive reach of the Internet, mobile computing, educational software and other technological innovations all have the ability to disrupt the status quo (University of Denver, 2014. p. 10).

There are costs associated with maintenance, upgrade and training to insure up-to-date technology and competiveness. Distant schools without infrastructure fall behind and cannot compete nationally or internationally (Morrison, 20013). Community college leaders must learn to market their efforts in the use of technology. They must also look for collaborative efforts for funding, curriculum development, and for planning and technology