Virtual campuses, virtual libraries in SREB states

This report provides a useful “snapshot” of Southern states’ electronic initiatives and demonstrates states’ commitment to expanding learning opportunities for their residents. States are responding in a variety of creative ways to the increasing demand for high-quality, convenient and accessible education and training outside of traditional classrooms. This summary describes the region’s impressive efforts to meet this demand.
While state approaches are different and reflect different needs and priorities, five common objectives emerge from a review of state activities:

• develop the economy and train the work force;

• reach residents who are underserved by traditional education programs;

• share state resources and use them more effectively;

• create “anytime, anyplace” learning opportunities; and

• expand services to residents.

The Electronic Campus of the Southern Regional Education Board seeks to support these objectives and link state efforts. The Electronic Campus — with more than 2,000 courses, 85 degree programs and more than 200 participating colleges and universities from the SREB states — adds a regional dimension to the state initiatives. The Electronic Campus’ addition of library services and the establishment of the Distance Learning Policy Laboratory can help states remove barriers to distance learning.

A Summary Report of Virtual Campuses and Virtual Libraries in SREB States

As a composite of all states:

Composite

For each state:

Alabama
Arkansas
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Mississippi
North Carolina
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
West Virginia

To order a hard copy of this or any other SREB publication, call (404) 875-9211, Ext. 236 or email publications@sreb.org.