Center, AACC name top tech-savvy colleges
By Matthew Dembicki, Published April 4, 2007

The Center for Digital Education and the American Association of Community Colleges have named the top 10 tech-savvy community colleges for 2007 based on a national survey.

The nearly 200 community colleges participating in the third annual Digital Community Colleges Survey—which gauges how colleges use technology to streamline operations—were grouped into three categories based on student enrollment: small (fewer than 3,000 students), mid-size (3,000 to 7,500 students) and large (more than 7,500 students). Top-10 ranked winners were announced in each category.

Among the large colleges, Florida Community College took top honors, followed by the Community College of Rhode Island and St. Petersburg College (Florida).

Indian River Community College (Florida) and Laramie County Community College (Wyoming) tied for first place among mid-sized colleges, followed by Darton College (Georgia) and York Technical College (South Carolina).

Patrick Henry Community College (Virginia) and Tompkins Cortland Community College (New York) shared the top spot among small colleges, with Central Wyoming College and New River Community College (Virginia) placing second and third, respectively.

Participating colleges answered 24 multiple-choice questions and five narrative questions regarding online services and technology provisions offered to students, faculty and communities. Colleges provided Web site addresses and background data for final verification and validation.

“Once again, community colleges are implementing innovative projects and programs with technology that are setting new standards for postsecondary education,” said Marina Leight, vice president for education at the Center for Digital Education. “This year’s community college winners have made a resounding commitment to improved delivery of services to students as well as leading the way for rich learning environments designed to make a difference in a student's career.”

The Center for Digital Education is a resource for technology policy and utilization in K-12 and higher education. The survey is sponsored by communications consultant Alcatel-Lucent.

The winners will be recognized April 16 at a reception during the 87th annual American Association of Community Colleges conference in Tampa, Fla.

For a complete list of winners, visit www.centerdigitaled.com.