COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Rep. Don Carlson, Republican Co-Chair; and

Rep. Phyllis Kenney, Democratic Co-Chair

BILL ANALYSIS

HB 2952

Brief Description: Requiring a study of distance education.

Background:  According to the Higher Education Coordinating Board=s 2000 Master Plan, Washington=s system of higher education needs to provide opportunities for approximately 70,000 additional full-time enrollments by 2010.  One strategy to meet this significant growth is to expand distance education opportunities.  Distance education can provide new ways to learn and may conserve space in the long run.  However, faculty and staff need training in using these new technologies; and infrastructure and equipment must be installed and maintained.

Summary:  The Higher Education Coordinating Board, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, Office of Financial Management, and the state institutions of higher education, working collaboratively, must conduct a study regarding distance education and report back to the Legislature no later than January 2001.  The study must address the following elements related to distance education:

Cdefinitions for the different modes of distance education;

Cthe impacts on capital needs and facility utilization;

Cthe impacts on instructional, student, technological, and administrative support services;

Cthe obstacles in providing instruction via distance delivery;

Cthe cost factors associated with different distance delivery modes;

Cthe  role of the K-20 network;

Cstrategies to create efficiencies through partnerships and collaborations; and

Cthe implications on access to higher education.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of the session in which the bill passed.

Prepared for the House Higher Education Committee         

by Erika Prager, Research Analyst (786-7120)

Office of Program Research

February 4, 2000